Root Canal

What is a Root Canal?

Root canal treatment is the removal of the tooth's 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. Years ago, teeth with diseased or injured pulps were removed. Today, root canal treatment saves many teeth that would otherwise be lost.

The most common causes of pulp damage or death are:

• A cracked tooth
• A deep cavity
• An injury to a tooth, such as a severe knock to the tooth, either recent or in the past

How is a Root Canal Done?

Root canal treatment consists of several steps that take place over several office visits, depending on the situation. These steps are:

• First, an opening is made through the back of a front tooth or the crown of a molar or pre-molar.
• After the diseased pulp is removed (a pulpectomy), the pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped in preparation for being filled.
• If more than one visit is needed, a temporary filling is placed in the crown opening to protect the tooth between dental visits.
• The temporary filling is removed and the pulp chamber and root canal permanently filled. A tapered, rubbery material called gutta-percha is inserted into each of the canals and is often sealed into place with cement. Sometimes a metal or plastic rod is placed in the canal for structural support.
• In the final step, a crown is usually placed over the tooth to restore its natural shape and appearance. If the tooth is very broken down, a post may be required to build it up prior to placing a crown.

Composite Filling

A Composite filling is a white (tooth colored) resin material that bonds to tooth structure, that is used now in place of amalgam 'silver' fillings to provide a strong and cosmetically pleasing tooth restoration. Because a silver filling requires a "mechanical lock" to stay in place, dentist's usually have to drill a shape larger than the decay itself.

Because of the adhesive chemistry of white fillings and the fact that they bond to teeth, no additional shape has to be drilled once access to the decay has been made. The end result is usually a much smaller filling and a stronger tooth because the bonding helps "glue" or reinforce the weak parts of the tooth.

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. The truth is that dental extractions are just another part of good oral hygiene and are quite uncommon compared to the number of simple examinations that we should be exposed to.

Although there are many treatments available to save a tooth, extraction is sometimes the only option.
Here are some of the reasons when extration is necessary:

• Sometimes there's too much damage for the tooth to be repaired.
• Some people have extra teeth that block other teeth from coming in.
• People getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for the teeth that are being moved into place.
• Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are often extracted either before or after they come in.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth that are healthy and properly positioned can be an asset. In most cases, however, wisdom teeth remain impacted. Trapped beneath the gum and bone and against the teeth in from of them.
Removal of wisdom teeth can prevent these potential problems:

• A wisdom tooth partially erupting through the gum. This creates an opening where bacteria may enter and cause infection. Pain, swelling and jaw stiffness may result.
• An impacted wisdom tooth growing without having enough room, which may damage adjacent teeth.
• A fluid-filled sac (cyst) or tumor forming on or near an impacted tooth, destroying surrounding bone or tooth roots.

Oral Cancer

Due to recent advances in medicine and computer science, our dentists can now painlessly prevent a disease that kills many Americans. Well over 25% of those found to have oral cancer do not use tobacco or abuse alcohol. Recent studies have also shown a link between HPV and an increase in oral cancer.

During a careful professional examination most people will be found to have one or more tiny white or red spots in their mouth at one time or another. These spots usually do not contain any unhealthy cells, but one laboratory testing, like the BrushTest, can tell.

The OralCDx BrushTest is a painless method of testing everyday tiny oral spots. A small brush is used to quickly collect a sample for computer-assisted laboratory analysis.

If a spot is found by OralCDx to contain unhealthy cells (known as dysplasia), it typically takes years before those cells can penetrate the basement membrame and cause any harm. During this time, the spot can be removed, long before oral cancer can start.

Periodontal/ Gum Care

Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth."

Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth.

It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed. Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed.

Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

Orthodontics/Irregularities

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who works to prevent or correct misaligned teeth and jaws, which are called malocclusions or faulty occlusions. A person may seek the services of an orthodontist for cosmetic reasons as well as health reasons. Beside the insecurity and low self esteem that dental irregularities may cause, they can also affect a person's ability to chew and speak. Severely misaligned teeth and jaws can cause snoring, sleep apnea and other breathing problems.

Endodontics/Tooth Pulp

Endodontics is a specialty of Dentistry that deals with diseases of the dental pulp and its supporting structures. Endodontists are experienced at finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose.

In order to understand Endodontic treatment, it helps to know something about the anatomy of a tooth.

Teeth have several layers. The outside layer of the tooth is composed of a hard layer called Enamel. Enamel is supported by an inner layer called Dentin, which has at its center a soft tissue known as the Pulp.

The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that are responsible for forming the surrounding Dentin and Enamel during tooth development. The pulp receives its nourishment supply from vessels which enter the end of the root.

Although the pulp is important during development of the tooth, it is not necessary for function of the tooth. The tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it even after the pulp is removed.

Prostodontics/Tooth Pulp

Prosthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining the tooth restoration and replacement of missing teeth to treat or correct appearance, speech and swallowing problems caused by disease or injury.

Prosthodontists specialize in the restoration of oral function by creating prostheses and restorations (i.e., complete dentures, crowns, implant retained/supported restorations). Cosmetic dentistry, implants and joint problems all fall under the field of prosthodontics.

Tooth Whitening

Many factors, including dietary habits (drinking coffee, tea, soda, and red wine) and certain medications, affect the whiteness of your smile. Tooth whitening is an affordable and effective way to combat common causes of tooth discoloration, while boosting your self-confidence and improving your appearance. It has been said that the easiest and least expensive way to look ten years younger is to whiten your teeth.

Laser light can be used to accelerate tooth whitening.

• Whitening Strips: This is the easiest, lowest cost option - but the results are mixed. You can buy a whitening strip kit inexpensively at a drugstore, but it only whitens your front teeth. In many cases, the whitening chemical is not at the strength as a dentist can provide. We achieved some good whitening results with strips, but it took several boxes of applications and your back teeth (molars) remain yellow / stained since the strips only cover the front teeth. Net result - inexpensive, but only partial whitening.
• Dentist Basic Tooth Whitening: The dentist will create a mold of your teeth. They place a tray in your mouth which molds an exact replica of your teeth into a gel. The molds allow you to bring the whitening chemical right up to every crack and crevice of your teeth. Typically, you use the gel with the molds for 30 minutes per day for 7 days. Similar to the whitening strips - tooth whitening can cause teeth sensitivity and does in many people. We found that by either alternative days, or taking a "break" - we were able to avoid much of the sensitivity issue.
• Laser Teeth Whitening: This is the cool option available at cosmetic dentists and major cities such as San Francisco. The dentist will hand apply a gel to your teeth -- painting them with gel -- and then shine the laser for a period of time. Laser whitening is the fastest and most high tech way to quickly whiten your teeth with a minimum of hassle. Although some "old school" dentists may not encourage the laser whitening -- it is quickly gaining acceptance and a wealth of satisfied clients. We recommend you check out the options and pricing from dentists on our site.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that a periodontist places into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.

While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. Modern materials and techniques make this form of treatment possible for almost anyone, and even where the conditions appear highly unfavourable.

Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth. You know that your confidence about your teeth affects how you feel about yourself, both personally and professionally.

Crowns & Bridges

Dental Crowns

Crowns are a type of dental restoration which, when cemented into place, fully cup over the portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line. Since dental crowns encase the entire visible aspect of a tooth, a dental crown in effect becomes the tooth's new outer surface. Crowns are necessary, when teeth are to damaged for a filling to hold. Depending on how much of the tooth became ill, the physician will recommend a partial crown or a complete crown to you.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a false tooth, known as a pontic, which is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in the area left by a missing tooth. The two crowns holding it in place that are attached onto your teeth on each side of the false tooth.

This is known as a fixed bridge. This procedure is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Fixed bridges cannot be taken out of your mouth as you might do with removable partial dentures.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded directly to the front of each tooth. They can reshape teeth, change tooth color, close spaces, and fix worn or chipped teeth to create a white, beautiful, and uniform smile. They are an ideal choice for improving your smile and have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility.

When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea, or even cigarette stains. For strength and appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options.

Placing custom veneers requires a high degree of technical skill as well as attention to cosmetic detail. Our dentistry has extensive training in the treatment planning and placement of custom veneers. We take extra care to design each case individually to match and enhance the characteristics of each patient's smile.

Porcelain Inlays/Onlays

Dental Inlays and Onlays are restorations used to repair rear teeth that have mild to moderate tooth decay. Inlays and Onlays can also be used to restore teeth that have minor fractures or cracks. However, if the damage to the teeth is severe enough, a dental crown is sometimes warranted. Inlays and Onlays are usually made from porcelain, composite resin and sometimes gold.

Aside from convenience, there are several advantages to having these procedures done in a single visit. Single visit restorations eliminate the need for additional appointments and injections, and your tooth is much better off not having a temporary restoration for two weeks. Temporary restorations can fall out and leak, which can lead to subsequent complications. Dental procedures can be traumatic to teeth, and eliminating a second appointment reduces the amount of stress put on a tooth.

Ceramic inlay / Ceramic onlay

Ceramic inlays/onlays are the most esthetic tooth replacements. Even a dentist will have difficulty telling the difference between your natural teeth and the replacement. The reason is that ceramic inlays allow the dentist to match the colour of the replacemet perfectly to that of your own teeth. The cementation of the inlays is carried out by using a special glue that guarantees perfect fit. Although they are highly attractive, ceramic inlays require an extremely careful job both from the dentist and the dental tecnician. Since the material is rigid, it is prone to fracture and may also wear down the teeth. To avoid fracture, it is safer to use the material in a thicker layer, which means a larger amount of natural tooth is removed.

Dentures

When many of your teeth are loose or painful, they may be beyond saving. This condition is usually caused by advanced periodontal disease. If you are not a good candidate for implants, then removing your teeth and replacing them with a denture may be the best way to eliminate the infection and restore the health of your mouth. Periodontal disease causes bone to be lost; if it's not caught in time, there's so little support for the teeth that they have to be removed.

A Full Denture replaces all the missing teeth in the upper and lower jaw. When the entire procedure is completed in one day, it's called an Immediate Denture.

A Partial Denture is a removable dental appliance that replaces multiple missing teeth. It can be attached to the teeth with clasps (metal or tooth colored) or it can be attached to the teeth with crowns with precision attachments (hidden clasps).

An Implant Overdenture is a denture that has some sort of direct connection to dental implants. The connection helps secure the Full Denture into place, while overcoming the instability and lack of retention of a common complete denture. This is a good treatment option for an individual who requires a full denture, but wants to achieve a more stable and less bulky type of restoration.