Tooth Colored Fillings
In the past, cavities could only be treated with unsightly metal fillings that are alloys for silver and mercury or more expensive gold restorations. The best being those made of gold which is somewhat price prohibitive these days. The silver 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) do not bond to the remaining tooth structure and leave the remaining tooth structure vulnerable to fractures due to the large amount of the original tooth that has to be removed. Some sources indicate there is a risk of mercury poisoning that is used in the filling. However the American Dental Association and other health agencies state that there is not a risk with the silver fillings. Modern dentistry has increasingly turned to tooth-colored or composite fillings or porcelain 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.
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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.
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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.
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Dental Implants
When a tooth is lost the specialized bony process that houses the tooth begins to
resorb due to lack of stimulation. This causes a decrease in width and height of
the bone in the area the tooth is lost. Neighboring teeth and opposing teeth begin
to move into the space. This causes food lodgment, subsequent decay, gum disease
and abnormal forces being transmitted to teeth leading to fracture of cusps which
may necessitate root canal treatment or extraction. Loss of teeth can also cause
the cheek and lips to collapse giving an aged look.
The consequences of tooth loss can be prevented by replacing the lost tooth in a
timely manner. Although there are several options to replace a missing tooth the
number one choice for replacing lost teeth are dental implants. Implants are tiny
titanium screws or posts that are surgically placed in the bone. Once integrated
into bone they act like roots onto which small posts are attached which protrude
through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors to the replacement teeth. Implants
maintain the bone height by stimulation and prevents unnecessary trimming of adjoining
teeth for bridge placement. Since implants are titanium posts there is no chance
for decay on implants. Implants can service you for several years with regular professional
cleaning and proper home care.
Many people who are missing a single tooth opt for a fixed bridge; but a bridge
may require the cutting down of healthy, adjacent teeth that may or may not need
to be restored in the future. Then there is the additional cost of possibly having
to replace the bridge once, twice or more over the course of a lifetime due to decay
or gum problems affecting the anchor teeth.
Another option to replace missing teeth is a removable partial denture or complete
denture depending on the number of teeth missing. The chewing efficiency with a
denture is reduced to more than half of that of natural teeth. The teeth that support
the partial denture are weakened due to the excessive loads acting on them and eventually
are lost. The denture rests on the gum causing tissue abrasion and bone loss. Removable
dentures may slip or cause embarrassing clicking sounds while eating or speaking.
Studies show that within five to seven years there is a failure rate of up to 30%
in teeth located next to a fixed bridge or removable partial denture.
Who is a candidate for Implants?
Anyone who is missing one or several teeth is a candidate for implants. With the
exception of growing children, dental implants are the solution of choice for people
of all ages, even those with the following health concerns:
Existing Medical Conditions: If you can have routine dental treatment,
you can generally have an implant placed. While precautions are advisable for certain
conditions, patients with such chronic diseases as high blood pressure and diabetes
are usually successful candidates for dental implant treatment.
Gum Disease or Problem Teeth: Almost all implants placed in patients
who have lost their teeth to periodontal disease or decay has been successful.
Currently Wearing Partials or Dentures: Implants can replace removable
bridges or dentures, or they can be used to stabilize and secure the denture, making
it much more comfortable.
Smokers: Although smoking lowers the success rate of implants,
it doesn't eliminate the possibility of getting them.
Bone Loss: Bone loss is not uncommon for people who have lost teeth
or had periodontal disease. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained and experienced
in grafting bone to safely and permanently secure the implant.
Implant tooth replacement in children is usually deferred until their jaw growth
is complete. There are, however, some instances when a dental implant may be appropriate,
such as when it is part of the child's orthodontic treatment plan. Your family dentist
or orthodontist can guide you in this instance.
Procedure
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Dental Implant placement usually takes two surgical appointments:
- During the first surgical appointment the implant site is prepared to receive the
implant following strict aseptic procedures. The selected size of the implant is
placed in the prepared site. The gum tissue is sutured over the implant. The implant
takes 4- 6 months to fuse with the bone.
- During the second surgical appointment the implant is uncovered and the appropriate
post is attached to which the replacement tooth is anchored. An impression of the
post is taken and sent to the lab for the fabrication of the implant crown. During
this time a temporary crown is placed. Once the final crown is back it is cemented
with permanent cement.
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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. It is advisable to leave removable dentures out at night to allow the gum tissues to recover from supporting the dentures during the day, much like not sleeping in one's shoes. In order to prevent dentures from warping, they should be left over night in water or a denture cleanser. Over time, tissue/bone shrinkage will result and worn down or broken teeth may result in dentures becoming loose and need to be remade or relined. If one requires an adhesive to retain the denture, it probably needs to be remade or relined for a proper fit.
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