CROWNS
Crowns are full coverage treatments that are offered to cover a tooth on the verge of breaking or is already too broken down to be fully restored with a filling. They are most often performed after a root canal or after a large filling dismantles. The larger the hole created by the cavity, the more fragile the tooth after the filling wears out. The jaw muscle is the strongest in the human body, meaning that teeth undergo tremendous pressure. Crowns offer support and protection from breakage due to extreme pressure from the jaw muscle. A broken or fractured tooth is a serious matter and needs extensive procedures to restore. Crowns are a good solution to prevent further damage and also help make a beautiful smile.
Crowns require two appointments to complete the full procedure. In the initial appointment, decay is removed from the tooth and it is restructured to fit the crown. After, an impression is designed in order to manufacture the crown. While the crown is being made- usually with porcelain, gold, or all ceramic material, a temporary is placed over the tooth. In the second visit, the temporary is removed and the permanent crown then takes its place and is cemented.
DENTURES
While there are various types of dentures, all serve the same function. They replace teeth which have been lost due to bone loss. When it has become great enough that multiple teeth become loose, it is time for dentures.
After the entire mouth has been examined and teeth to be removed have been determined, they are then extracted. Dentures are then designed to fit over and around the remaining teeth. It might take a little time to adjust to this new arrangement, but before too long normal functionality and appearance are restored. Implants can also be used to stabilize dentures.
IMPLANTS
A dental implant is a service which replaces a missing tooth. During this process, a small titanium shaft is surgically implemented in the bone and allowed to stabilize. The bone then grows around it to form a solid connection, simultaneously slowing or stopping the bone loss which happens when a root of the tooth is missing. After the shaft is steadfastly in place, the dentist will attach a replacement tooth to the top of the shaft. This solution has many benefits over bridges in that they do not stress the bordering teeth for support. Also, should the tooth wear out or crack, it can be easily replaced by another on the fixed shaft.
Implants can additionally be used as support as a portion of an implant bridge. This is an alternative solution to partial dentures and has many benefits. First, there is no period of adjustment to acclimate the patient after the procedure is complete, in that they feel teeth instead of metal supports protruding from their gums. Secondly, this procedure slows bone loss caused by missing teeth. Third, patients experience no inconvenience or discomfort in eating. Last and most importantly, they don’t require constant removal.
Mini dental implants are also offered. These implant are close to half the size in diameter to standard implants and are mainly used to stabilize the lower dentures. These can be fitted in one appointments and immediately used. Also, the cost is significantly less than traditional implants.
ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
Root canal treatment is pertinent when the cavity has made its way to the pulp through negligence. Sometimes trauma or deep restorations may cause damage to the nerve on a level that a root canal is necessary as well. When this occurs, the pulp gets infected and may even spread through the root tip and deteriorate the surrounding bone. This is called an abscess. When the pulp is infected, it must be medically treated as it will not heal on its own. This can even debilitate the immune system. This is a severe health threat and can be very painful. However, in some cases symptoms are not detectable until a check up is done.
A root canal is performed to clean out the infected pulp, and sterilize the canals of the tooth. After the infection is remedied, the canal is filled to prevent further damage or infection. Crowns are usually recommended after a root canal therapy has been performed.
BRIDGES
Bridges fill the space created by missing teeth/a missing tooth. This procedure is as much art as it is dentistry in that a replacement tooth is design and fabricated to take the place of the missing tooth,
This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. A bridge uses the bordering teeth as support, hence the name. The materials used are usually porcelain, gold alloys or all ceramic.
It is pertinent that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible. If an extended amount of time goes by, the gap where the tooth is missing begins to shift inward, causing a chain reaction of negative results. As the teeth begin to wander or fall, the bite shifts and create bigger problems such as TMJ. Surrounding teeth begin to deteriorate and fall out. Also as gum disease forms and escalates, it becomes harder and harder to treat as neglect continues.
TMJ
TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint. Issues in this joint are caused by Mal-alignment of the teeth, excess muscle tension or trauma. Problems that can result include:
- Earaches
- Headaches
- Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
- Pain in jaw muscles
- Soreness in the area and sometimes in the face
- Popping or clicking of jaw
Treatment for this include adjusting the bite, replacing missing teeth, filling gaps, etc. It varies from case to case. Sometimes plastic mouthpieces are used to prevent grinding and clenching which exacerbates the problem. If left untreated for an extended period, surgery may be required.
