Restorative Dentistry
Resin Fillings
Do you need a cavity filled, but don’t want a mouthful of metal? Our dentists use a composite resin, a natural-looking, tooth-colored alternative to silver fillings. Composite resin is a tough, plastic material that is simple to apply and virtually impossible to detect. After the decay is removed, the dentist isolates the tooth from saliva and carefully applies an adhesive followed by several thin layers of the tooth-colored composite. Once the filling is in place, it is hardened for about a minute with a special light.
Composites are preferable for obvious cosmetic reasons, but if the decayed area is large or is subject to heavy chewing pressure, your dentist may recommend another type of material or restoration. Some people may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures in the newly filled tooth for a few days or as long as a week.
Resin fillings usually require only one visit, during which the tooth is prepared and restored. However, resin fillings, like other dental materials, may require replacement after several years. If the edge of the filling eventually pulls away from the tooth, bacteria can get between the filling and the enamel and eventually may cause decay. Or tooth decay may develop elsewhere on the tooth. Regular dental checkups are important because they allow the dentist to detect any problems in the early stages and they can repair or prevent future fillings. If you are aware of existing cavities or if it has been more than six months since your last exam, contact us today to make an appointment with one of our dentists.
Extractions
One of the fears associated with going to the dentist is that the dentist will end up pulling one or more teeth. This fear often will prevent us from going to the dentist for our regular check ups and cleanings necessary for good oral hygiene. In reality, extractions are relatively rare and in many cases are completely preventable, through early orthodontic treatment and regular dental exams and cleanings.
Although there are many treatments available to save a tooth, extraction is sometimes the only option. Here are some of the reasons when extraction is necessary:
When it is necessary to extract a tooth, you can rest assured that our dentists use the most modern procedure and it is significantly more refined and comfortable than previous techniques. Most of our patients experience very little discomfort. The healing process requires five to seven days, though the majority of the healing is completed after just one day.
Extraction is a last resort, but when necessary, it is important to not delay and avoid other complications. If your dentist or orthodontist has recommended extraction as part of your treatment plan, please contact us to set up an appointment.
Root Canal Therapy
When a tooth’s pulp has been damaged, it may be necessary to perform a root canal. Root canal therapy is the removal of the tooth pulp, a small, thread-like tissue in the center of the tooth. Once the damaged, diseased or dead pulp is removed, the remaining space is cleaned, shaped and filled. This procedure seals off the root canal and can save the tooth. Years ago, a tooth with diseased or injured pulp would have to be removed. Now, with the advancements of dentistry, root canal treatment can save many teeth that would otherwise be lost.
The most common causes of pulp damage are:
If the tooth pulp becomes damaged through injury or disease and cannot repair itself, bacteria can infect the pulp and cause it to die. If a root canal procedure is not performed, an abscess can form at the tip of the root and cause considerable pain, potentially damaging the jaw. Without root canal therapy, the tooth may have to be extracted. Clearly, preventive dentistry is best, but even a root canal is preferable to extraction.
Root canal therapy requires two appointments. During the first appointment, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic and isolate the tooth from saliva. An opening is made through the top of the tooth, the pulp is removed, and then the root is cleaned and shaped. Medication will be added to the pulp chamber and root canal(s) to help eliminate bacteria. A temporary filling is placed in the crown opening to keep saliva out.
Root Canal Therapy
When a tooth’s pulp has been damaged, it may be necessary to perform a root canal. Root canal therapy is the removal of the tooth pulp, a small, thread-like tissue in the center of the tooth. Once the damaged, diseased or dead pulp is removed, the remaining space is cleaned, shaped and filled. This procedure seals off the root canal and can save the tooth. Years ago, a tooth with diseased or injured pulp would have to be removed. Now, with the advancements of dentistry, root canal treatment can save many teeth that would otherwise be lost.
The most common causes of pulp damage are:
If the tooth pulp becomes damaged through injury or disease and cannot repair itself, bacteria can infect the pulp and cause it to die. If a root canal procedure is not performed, an abscess can form at the tip of the root and cause considerable pain, potentially damaging the jaw. Without root canal therapy, the tooth may have to be extracted. Clearly, preventive dentistry is best, but even a root canal is preferable to extraction.
Root canal therapy requires two appointments. During the first appointment, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic and isolate the tooth from saliva. An opening is made through the top of the tooth, the pulp is removed, and then the root is cleaned and shaped. Medication will be added to the pulp chamber and root canal(s) to help eliminate bacteria. A temporary filling is placed in the crown opening to keep saliva out.
Antibiotics may be prescribed if an infection is present and has spread beyond the end of the root(s). During the second appointment, the temporary filling is removed and the root canal is filled and permanently sealed.
If the dentist has recommended this procedure during a consultation or exam, it is important to proceed with the treatment plan and avoid creating other complications. Contact us today to set up your next appointment.