|
It is a field of dentistry that treats the root canal system. When decay extends
to the pulp or the nerve inside the tooth, the person often but not always experiences
spontaneous throbbing pain. The pain increases at night and is aggravated with hot,
cold & sweet foods. The Dentist relieves the pain and pressure symptoms by treating
the root canal system which houses the tooth nerve or pulp.
Treatment begins with profound anesthesia. The tooth nerve is accessed by drilling
into the tooth, the infected nerve is removed, and canals are cleaned and filled
with a bio-inert material.
Following a root canal treatment, the tooth is fragile due to insults from decay
and mechanical instrumentation and is prone to fracture. Overtime color changes
are also observed. To protect the tooth from fracture your dentist will advise a
crown. Sometimes depending upon the amount of tooth structure that is lost, a post
( a metal or a glass fiber pin ) will need to be placed for added retention of the
crown. To learn more please call our office today.
Tooth Colored Fillings
In the past, cavities could only be treated with unsightly metal fillings that are
alloys for silver and mercury. These fillings, especially when close to the front
of the mouth, are highly noticeable and unaesthetic. Sometimes, the filling is so
large that it causes discoloration of the entire tooth. These fillings (or restorations)
often weaken teeth due to the large amount of the original tooth that has to be
removed. Modern dentistry has increasingly turned to Tooth colored or composite
fillings as a strong, safe and more natural looking alternative. Composite fillings
utilize a soft white plastic substance that is hardened with a blue light.
Crowns and Bridges
When a tooth is fractured, has a large old filling, or is severely damaged by decay,
your dentist may recommend the placement of a crown. Crowns strengthen and protect
the remaining tooth structure and can improve the appearance of your smile.
Types of crowns include the full porcelain crown, the porcelain-fused-to-metal crown
(precious & non-precious) and the all-metal crown.
Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to the dentist's office. Initially,
the Dentist removes decay and shapes the tooth; makes an impression and fits a temporary
or transitional crown of plastic or metal. In a subsequent visit, the dentist removes
the temporary crown, fits and adjusts the final crown and cements the crown into
place.
BRIDGES: Few incidents have greater impact on dental health and
personal appearance than tooth loss. When one or more teeth are missing, the remaining
teeth can drift out of position, which can lead to a change in the bite, the loss
of additional teeth, decay and gum disease. When tooth loss occurs, your dentist
may recommend the placement of a bridge. A bridge is one or more replacement teeth
anchored by one or more crowns on each side.
Endodontics (Root Canal Treatment)
It is a field of dentistry that treats the root canal system. When decay extends
to the pulp or the nerve inside the tooth, the person almost always experiences
spontaneous throbbing pain. The pain increases at night and is aggravated with cold
& sweet foods. The Dentist relieves the pain and pressure symptoms by treating the
root canal system which houses the tooth nerve or pulp.
Treatment begins with profound anesthesia. The tooth nerve is accessed by drilling
into the tooth, the infected nerve is removed, canals are cleaned and filled with
a bio-inert material.
Following a root canal treatment, the tooth is fragile due to insults from decay
and mechanical instrumentation and is prone to fracture. Overtime color changes
are also observed. To protect the tooth from fracture your dentist will advise a
crown. Sometimes depending upon the amount of tooth structure that is lost, a post
( a metal or a glass fiber pin ) will need to be placed for added retention of the
crown. To learn more please call our office today.
Dentures
Over time, people's teeth tend to naturally deteriorate. When a tooth has deteriorated
substantially, it often needs to be extracted; and when multiple teeth are extracted,
dentures may be the most appropriate solution. Dentures can create a natural and
healthy looking set of teeth. In addition, a properly fitting set of dentures can
greatly enhance your smile and sense of self-esteem.
Complete and Partial Dentures
Complete dentures are used when few original teeth remain. The dentist begins by
removing any remaining teeth so the dentures can be fitted. He or she then makes
a mold of the gums and sends it to a dental lab where customized dentures are constructed.
Partial dentures are prepared in much the same way as a complete set and are utilized
when only a few teeth are missing.
Immediate Dentures
These Dentures allows patients to have their Dentures on the same day their teeth
are removed. This prevents the embarrassment of being without teeth. As the extraction
sites heal & the bone remodels, the denture will require adjustments & relining
to make it fit better. At the end of a year when the healing is complete your dentist
may advise you to get a new denture.
Over Dentures
If the roots of a patient's remaining teeth are strong, the dentist may suggest
over-dentures. Over- dentures fit on top of the remaining natural teeth in the mouth.
With over-dentures, the remaining teeth are re-sculpted and covered with metal caps
to stop future decay. The advantage of over-dentures is that they do not have to
be relined as frequently as a complete set of dentures because they cause less recession
of the jawbone and gums. In addition, over- dentures create less occlusion (bite)
problems than complete dentures.
Once Your Dentures Have Been Placed
At first, your dentures will feel uncomfortable because the gums and tissue are
not accustomed to being in contact with man-made relining material. Once placed,
dentures should be worn continually for the first few days to reduce the amount
of swelling that may occur in the mouth. This swelling typically subsides in two
to three days. Until patients adjust to their new set of teeth, the dentures may
feel loose and awkward while chewing food. Eating soft food may be necessary for
the first few days. Reading aloud helps to overcome any speech impediments that
may occur from the new dentures. Typically, lower dentures take longer to get used
to than upper dentures. The underlying jawbone may take several months to completely
heal and become accustomed to the dentures. Once this occurs, the dentist removes
the dentures and creates a permanent lining for your teeth (a denture lining is
the soft material that cushions the contact between the denture and the gum tissues).
The Life of your Dentures
Although dentures typically last about five years, they can last longer with proper
care and cleaning. Dentures should be cleaned daily with a normal or specially-made
denture toothpaste. Once the swelling has reduced, it is advisable to leave one
or both dentures out at night to allow the gum tissues to breathe. In order to prevent
dentures from warping, they should be left in water overnight. Over time, the lining
of the dentures may change, owing to the wear and tear of daily use. In the case
of tissue/bone shrinkage, worn down teeth, or breakage, dentures may come loose
and need to be remade.
Teeth Removal
|
|
|
Routine Tooth Extraction
|
Root Tip Extraction
|
|
|
|
Erupted Tooth (Maxillary)
|
Erupted Tooth (Mandibular)
|
The decision to remove a tooth or teeth is based on a combination of the condition
of the tooth, your dentist’s recommendation, and your needs. There are several indications
for removal of teeth including the following:
- Severe tooth decay that cannot be filled
- Fracture of the tooth that cannot be filled or have root canal
- Abscessed tooth that is painful and cannot or will not be restored
- Gum disease resulting in serious loss of supporting bone
- Baby teeth that are abscessed or over retained (kept too long)
- Relieve crowding (make room to facilitate braces)
- Poorly positioned teeth in the dental arch posing a hygiene problem
- Inadequate number of teeth to sustain chewing, leading the need for dentures
Call our office so our doctor can help you determine if tooth removal is the right
treatment in your case and also discuss the replacement options.
|