Dental implants are used to replace damaged or missing teeth. Unlike bridges and dentures, dental implants are permanent tooth replacements that maintain the appearance, comfort, and function of your natural teeth. This makes them a much preferred tooth replacement alternative amongst patients concerned, not only with the aesthetics of their smile, but the comfort and upkeep of their replacement teeth. Most patients with missing or damaged teeth are candidates for dental implants, presuming they are in good health. Because dental implants require surgery, your periodontist must assess your individual circumstances to determine if you are healthy a viable candidate for the procedure.
Dental implant surgery requires multiple sessions, but the procedure is widely practiced and has become highly routine among most dental professionals. As with any surgical procedures, there are some risks that should be considered, but you can discuss these with your dentist or periodontist to take all factors into consideration.
When performed by an expert periodontist, the dental implants procedure is fast, relatively painless, and effective. And with proper aftercare and consistent upkeep, any of the procedure’s potential risks is drastically minimized.
Potential Risks of Dental Implants
Dental implants have been used by periodontists for over 30 years, so the procedure has a long history of success. While dental implant surgery is considered to be one of the safest and most predictable dental procedures, here are some factors to consider when electing to receive dental implants:
● Infection at the implant site. Infection at the site of any surgical procedure is something any medical professional would caution their patients about. With dental implants specifically, the procedure involves inserting the implant into the bone socket of the missing tooth–that is, into the jawbone itself. Periodontists take every precaution to keep the area sterile and minimize the risk of infection, and if you follow aftercare instructions thoroughly, you reduce the risk of infection post procedure.
● Damage to surrounding structures. Because the procedure involves drilling into the jawbone, in rare occasions, there is the risk of damaging the bone, the surrounding teeth, nerve endings, or even blood vessels. If your own jaw is not strong enough to support dental implants, you may require bone grafts to reinforce the structure of your jaw, and this also has the potential to do damage to the existing area. But such instances are rare in procedures handled by skilled periodontists.
● Sinus problems. When dental implants are placed in the upper jaw, there is the potential for the implant to protrude into the sinus cavity and cause problems with your sinuses. Periodontists avoid this with comprehensive examinations before the procedure. X-rays, CT scans, and molds of your teeth all go into helping your periodontist determine the precise shape, size, and structure of your jaw to help them place the implant directly.
The Advantages of Safe Dental Implants
There are a myriad of advantages to choosing dental implants, both aesthetically and functionally. They look and feel natural, providing you with a health replacement for your natural teeth that gives you a radiant smile. They are also permanent, unlike bridges and dentures, so as long as you take regular care of them (as you would with your natural teeth), you do not have to worry about removing them daily or taking extra steps to care for them beyond brushing and flossing. There is no impediment to your speech, and very little pain after the procedure, and with dental implants, there are no restrictions to your diet.
In fact, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, dental implants go above and beyond mere tooth replacement insofar as they actually stimulate bone growth. The titanium that the implants are made of fuses with your natural bone in a process called osseointegration. This not only offers stability for the implant, but as more bone grows to fuse with the titanium, your jawbone is strengthened, and this can provide needed reinforcement against future tooth loss.
All in all, dental implant surgery is a safe procedure with a wide array positive benefits for patients. If you are considering dental implants, it is important to research not only the procedure but also the periodontist you want to work with. Some dentists, like Dr. Jan Linhart, have a periodontist on staff, but if they don’t, they can likely recommend one. Remember, you are in control of your oral health. Be active in your research and explore all your options for ensuring the safest way to attain the smile you’ve always wanted.
Nowadays, with so many alternatives to traditional braces–such
as Invisalign or porcelain veneers–orthodontic patients have a
wide range of options to fit their individual needs. While traditional braces are effective and still widely used by orthodontists
to correct misaligned teeth, newer technologies have made some orthodontic
treatments faster, more comfortable, and more aesthetically pleasing.
iBraces are one such treatment that have grown
in popularity among patients because they offer an efficient, virtually
invisible alternative to conventional braces. iBraces work very similarly to
traditional braces, using brackets and wires to straighten teeth, but they are
the only orthodontic braces that are 100% customizable. What sets iBraces apart
as a truly unique and individualized orthodontic solution?
The iBraces Difference
iBraces are not visible on the front side of your teeth.
Instead, each bracket is anchored to the back of each individual tooth. The
brackets are smaller than those used in traditional braces, so they don’t
interfere with speech, and they are contoured to perfectly hug the lingual
(tongue-side) surfaces of your teeth. While this makes more comfortable
conventional braces, it isn’t the only thing that makes iBraces unique.
The secret to iBraces is the fact that each brackets is made specifically to each individual tooth.
This not only ensures maximum comfort and efficiency, but makes for a
completely customized set of braces that is tailored to provide the ideal amount
of corrective movement your teeth need. The iWires that connect each bracket
and are tightened to straighten teeth are shaped using robotic technology. This
ensures that the wires are “programmed” for your specific treatment plan,
allowing them to produce the best outcome.
iBraces are quicker than regular braces, though the specificity
of iBraces prescriptions means that the length of treatment varies from patient
to patient. Regardless, if you and your orthodontist determine iBraces are
right for you, you can expect to be finished with your treatment faster than if
you had gone with traditional braces.
iBraces with Doctors Linhart & Mathrani
At Linhart Dentistry, Dr.
Rohini Mathrani is an exceptionally skilled orthodontist and our
iBraces specialist. iBraces is typically a viable option for most adults and
adolescents who have their permanent teeth, but if you have any special
circumstances. Dr. Mathrani can recommend the best solution for you. to learn
more about iBraces and other orthodontic treatments, contact
Linhart Dentistry today to schedule an appointment.
Dental implants are used to replace damaged or
missing teeth. Unlike bridges and dentures, dental implants are permanent tooth
replacements that maintain the appearance, comfort, and function of your
natural teeth. This makes them a much preferred tooth replacement alternative
amongst patients concerned, not only with the aesthetics of their smile, but
the comfort and upkeep of their replacement teeth. Most patients with missing
or damaged teeth are candidates for dental implants, presuming they are in good
health. Because dental implants require surgery, your periodontist
must assess your individual circumstances to determine if you are healthy a
viable candidate for the procedure.
Dental implant surgery requires multiple sessions, but the
procedure is widely practiced and has become highly routine among most dental
professionals. As with any surgical procedures, there are some risks that
should be considered, but you can discuss these with your dentist or periodontist
to take all factors into consideration.
When performed by an expert periodontist, the dental implants
procedure is fast, relatively painless, and effective. And with proper
aftercare and consistent upkeep, any of the procedure’s potential risks is
drastically minimized.
Potential Risks of Dental Implants
Dental implants have been used by periodontists for over 30
years, so the procedure has a long history of success. While dental implant
surgery is considered to be one of the safest and most predictable dental procedures,
here are some factors to consider when electing to receive dental implants:
●
Infection at the
implant site. Infection at the site of any surgical procedure is something
any medical professional would caution their patients about. With dental
implants specifically, the procedure involves inserting the implant into the bone socket of the missing
tooth–that is, into the jawbone itself. Periodontists take every precaution to
keep the area sterile and minimize the risk of infection, and if you follow
aftercare instructions thoroughly, you reduce the risk of infection post procedure.
●
Damage to
surrounding structures. Because the procedure involves drilling into the
jawbone, in rare occasions, there is the risk of damaging the bone, the
surrounding teeth, nerve endings, or even blood vessels. If your own jaw is not
strong enough to support dental implants, you may require bone grafts to
reinforce the structure of your jaw, and this also has the potential to do
damage to the existing area. But such instances are rare in procedures handled
by skilled periodontists.
●
Sinus problems.
When dental implants are placed in the upper jaw, there is the potential for
the implant to protrude into the sinus cavity and cause problems with your
sinuses. Periodontists avoid this with comprehensive examinations before the procedure. X-rays, CT scans,
and molds of your teeth all go into helping your periodontist determine the
precise shape, size, and structure of your jaw to help them place the implant
directly.
The Advantages of Safe Dental Implants
There are a myriad of advantages to choosing dental implants,
both aesthetically and functionally. They look and feel natural, providing you
with a health replacement for your natural teeth that gives you a radiant
smile. They are also permanent, unlike bridges and dentures, so as long as you
take regular care of them (as you would with your natural teeth), you do not
have to worry about removing them daily or taking extra steps to care for them
beyond brushing and flossing. There is no impediment to your speech, and very
little pain after the procedure, and with dental implants, there are no
restrictions to your diet.
In fact, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, dental
implants go above and beyond mere tooth replacement insofar as they actually
stimulate bone growth. The titanium that the implants are made of fuses with
your natural bone in a process called osseointegration. This not only offers
stability for the implant, but as more bone grows to fuse with the titanium,
your jawbone is strengthened, and this can provide needed reinforcement against
future tooth loss.
All in all, dental implant surgery is a safe procedure with a
wide array positive benefits for patients. If you are considering dental implants, it is important
to research not only the procedure but also the periodontist you want to work
with. Some dentists, like Dr. Jan Linhart, have a periodontist
on staff, but if they don’t, they can likely recommend one.
Remember, you are in control of your oral health. Be active in your research
and explore all your options for ensuring the safest way to attain the smile
you’ve always wanted.
The dental implant procedure is a safe and
permanent alternative to bridges and dentures as a replacement for missing
teeth. Periodontists
(specialists in gums and the bone structures that support your teeth) can
perform the procedure on anybody who is missing one or more teeth, as long as
they are in good health and have generally good oral hygiene.
In the 1950’s, Professor Per-Ingvar Branemark discovered that
living bone can fuse with titanium oxide to become an inseparable combined
structure. This is known as osseointegration, and it was the discovery that
paved the way for dental implants. Essentially, dental implants are small
titanium cylinders that are inserted into the jawbone where the missing tooth
is. The titanium acts as the root of the tooth, and once it fuses to the bone,
it becomes a permanent anchor for a false tooth that looks, feels, and works
exactly like your natural teeth.
The procedure for dental implants requires multiple sessions,
and can typically take around 18 months to complete. Despite the amount of
time, and the level of involvement with the jawbone and gums, it is generally
considered to be a very safe procedure. When it comes to the implants
themselves, there are two types of dental implants: endosteal and
subperiosteal.]
Endosteal Dental Implants
Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implants
used for the procedure, and are generally used for patients who have no special
circumstances or prohibitive conditions. In other words, if you are healthy
overall and don’t have any complications or other factors affecting your oral health,
your periodontist will likely use endosteal implants.
Endosteal implants are usually shaped like screws, cylinders,
or blades. They are surgically implanted directly into the jawbone during phase
one of the procedure. In the office, your periodontist will use local
anesthesia to numb the area before placing the implant. The implant is then
left alone for three to six months while osseointegration occurs and the
titanium fuses to your bone, thus ensuring a solid foundation for the
prosthetic tooth.
If you are concerned with the aesthetics of a missing tooth, or
difficulty chewing or speaking, ask your periodontist about temporary bridges
or dentures that can be used to cover the implant during phase one. Phase two
of the implant procedure involves creating a new tooth that is attached to the
titanium anchor. An endosteal implant can hold one or more prosthetic teeth,
depending on your need.
Subperiosteal Dental Implants
Subperiosteal implants are an alternative to endosteal implants
for patients who would not otherwise be a candidate for traditional dentures.
Patients who have weaker jawbones, or who have minimum bone height (a shallow
jawbone that could not support an endosteal implants) may need subperiosteal
implants.
Subperiosteal implants are titanium frames that are fitted over the jawbone, as opposed to inserted
into it. They are implanted just below the gum tissue, and as the gums heal,
osseointegration occurs, fusing the frame to the bone. Metal posts attached to
the frame protrude through the gums, and this is where the prosthetic tooth is
mounted. The fused frame acts as an anchor in the same way that the endosteal
cylinders do.
As with endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants usually
require a two-phase process that occurs over several months: the placement of
the implant, followed by the mounting of the prosthetic tooth. However, recent
developments have lead to an alternative method for both types of implants.
Depending on the patient’s oral health, the number of teeth involved, and the
position of the teeth, your periodontist may be able to install the dental
implant in one whole piece, during a single session.
—
If you have fractured or missing teeth and are considering your
options, ask Dr. Linhart about dental implants. More often than not, you will
be a candidate for the procedure, which offers a convenient and lasting
solution to bridges or removable dentures. As with any surgical procedure,
there may be some risks involved, depending on your individual circumstances. Linhart Dentistry can work with you to assess all your options and determine the
best way to restore your smile.
Porcelain veneers are an effective, long-term
solution for transforming discolored or misshapen teeth into a beautifully
white and perfectly aligned smile that will last for decades. The procedure
involves thin pieces of porcelain (veneers, or laminates) that are hand-crafted
by a lab technician into the shape of perfect teeth. The laminates are then
bonded to your natural teeth to correct the their imperfections and create an
authentic, uniform smile.
Orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign
or braces can straighten misaligned teeth, and
are important for improving your bite, jaw structure, or strength of your
teeth. However, they cannot correct chips, permanently stained, or misshapen
teeth. Teeth
whitening procedures can brighten your smile to an extent, but some
tooth discoloration cannot be corrected by these treatments, and the effects
are always temporary. Porcelain veneers are quick, easily applied by a restorative
dentist, and, when properly cared for, will last for years.
As with any dental procedure, cosmetic or otherwise, it is
important to discuss with your dentist whether or not the course of treatment
is right for you. Are you considering porcelain veneers? These seven
requirements might indicate that you’re an ideal candidate.
1.) Discolored teeth
If you have teeth with deep, tough
stains, traditional whitening procedures may not be enough to remove them.
Mottled teeth with lines or bands that leave the enamel rough collect plaque
and other debris that make stains more prominent. Laminates bond to the enamel
and cover over the unsmooth surface.
2.) Misshapen teeth
Some people have naturally misshapen
teeth, like incisors that curve at an odd angle or front teeth with ridges on
the ends. Porcelain veneers are smooth and uniform, creating the appearance of
aligned teeth that are all properly shaped.
3.) Fractured teeth
Fractured teeth are misshapen, not by
the natural development of your teeth, but by accidents or other factors that
actually break or crack your tooth. While it is important to seek the proper treatment for fractured teeth to prevent more
serious issues, you may still be left with a tooth that is noticeably
different. If this has happened to more than one of your teeth, you might
consider porcelain veneers to cover up traces of other dental work.
4.) A properly aligned bite
Crooked teeth are certainly a reason
that some people elect to receive porcelain veneers. However, porcelain veneers
are only an option for mildly misaligned teeth. People with crooked teeth that
result from issues with the formation of their jaw, or those who have a
seriously misaligned bite, require orthodontic treatment such as braces or
Invisalign.
5.) Healthy gums
Gum disease is a serious issue that
can cause various complications, and can even sometimes require surgery to
correct. If you have a history of gum disease, or believe you may be exhibiting
symptoms, consult with a periodontist to determine the proper course of
treatment. Gum disease can weaken your teeth and the surrounding bone, and
porcelain veneers would not be a solution.
6.) Healthy tooth enamel
Porcelain veneers are bonded to the
enamel of your teeth, and therefore require a strong enamel to support them. If
you have weakened enamel, your dentist will need to determine if your teeth are
strong enough for porcelain veneers.
7.) You don’t grind your teeth
Habitually grinding your teeth not
only weakens your enamel, which can preclude you from porcelain veneers, but it
also means that once you have veneers,
you may cause damage to them. If you use a mouthguard at night or are otherwise
seeking ways to avoid grinding your teeth, your dentist might still decide that
porcelain veneers are the answer, but if it is a chronic habit that causes
other issues for you, then you might not be a candidate.
Porcelain veneers are a lasting, affordable,
and quick cosmetic fix for imperfections in your teeth that prevent you from
having the winning smile you’ve always wanted. Speak with your dentist today to
see if your teeth require other forms of restorative treatment, or if porcelain
veneers are right for you.
When it comes to orthodontic
treatment, the field of dentistry has come a long way. In the past, traditional
braces using metal brackets anchored to the teeth to correct misalignment or
crookedness was a patient’s only options. Metal braces are still a widely used
and highly effective method, but nowadays, patients can choose from a wide
array of alternatives depending on their individual needs, aesthetic
preferences, and budget.
Orthodontics has evolved to take discretion and appearance into
consideration, creating effective alignment solutions that patients can wear
without having to be self conscious. Porcelain
veneers, for example, are an excellent cosmetic solution for
patients with minor misalignment. For a substantial overbite or more serious
orthodontic issue, however, patients can consider iBraces,
which are smaller than traditional braces, and are anchored to the back of your teeth to be virtually
invisible.
One orthodontic treatment has become one of the leading
alternatives to braces. Invisalign, for adults or teens,
is a series of clear plastic trays that are molded specifically to your teeth
and fit over your teeth to align
them. They function in much the same way as traditional braces, with the
obvious benefit of being, well, invisible. Aside from the visual difference,
though, there are some functional differences between braces and Invisalign.
Let’s explore some of the major ones.
How Do Invisalign and
Braces Straighten Teeth?
If you have had braces in the past, or know somebody who has
braces, you’re familiar with the check ins every few weeks with your
orthodontist to tighten the braces. The wire that’s anchored to your teeth is
gradually tightened over the course of treatment, literally squeezing the teeth
together to straighten them. This must happen in the office, which is
beneficial in that it allows your orthodontist to closely monitor the progress
of your treatment.
Invisalign also works by applying incremental pressure to your
teeth to tighten them, however, it uses a series of plastic trays, or aligners,
to do this. While Invisalign aligners are molded to the shape of your teeth,
each is a slightly different size, following the natural progression of your
straightening process. Every subsequent tray is just a bit straighter, until
ultimately, your final tray is the shape of your perfectly straight smile.
Instead of tightening a wire like with regular braces, you simply change your
tray roughly every two weeks.
You must still meet with your orthodontist on a regular braces,
but changing trays can be done easily and conveniently at home. Typically, your
orthodontist will give you a few trays at a time to last you between visits.
Trays are numbered, and you wear them in numerical order.
How Do Invisalign and
Braces Affect Your Day-to-Day?
One of the clearest advantages of Invisalign over braces is
that Invisalign is removable. This means that daily activities like eating,
drinking, and brushing your teeth aren’t affected at all. In fact, you have to remove your Invisalign tray when
eating or drinking. But you can still eat whatever you want because there is
nothing obstructing your teeth. Optimal wear for your Invisalign tray is 22
hours per day, but this still allows you plenty of time to keep the tray out
while eating.
With braces, however, food can get caught in between the
brackets. You have to take extra care to brush after every meal to avoid a
buildup of plaque and bacteria from food particles that accumulate around the
the braces. Foods that are too hard or sticky can be difficult to brush away
from your braces, and can even potentially damage them. Because of this,
patients often avoid foods they once loved to avoid the hassle they cause for
their braces.
Speaking of brushing, your daily oral hygiene routine is
completely unaffected by Invisalign. While you should ideally be brushing more
(after each meal to properly clean your teeth before putting your tray back
in), the fact that you remove your tray for brushing means that you can brush
normally. When you wear braces, you have to take extra care to avoid damaging
the wire when you brush, and there are certain areas of your teeth that you’ll
miss altogether. This makes it difficult to be as thorough with your brushing
as you typically would without braces.
—
There are many factors to consider when choosing between
Invisalign and braces. Because Invisalign straightens teeth through the use of
trays and not the tightening of wires, your orthodontist has less direct
control over the movement of your teeth. Treatment may take longer, and there
are some orthodontic issues, such as overlapping teeth, that Invisalign alone
may not be able to correct. But with any course of treatment, consulting with
your orthodontist and learning as much as you can about your options will help
you make the decision that’s right for you.
Cosmetic, or restorative, dentistry is the area of dental
practice that focuses specifically on improving your quality of life by giving
you the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Cosmetic dentists, like Doctors Jan
Linhart and Zachary Linhart, specialize in procedures that
correct discoloration, misalignment, and other imperfections that prevent you
from having your perfect smile. At Linhart Dentistry, the team of restorative
dentists work alongside a team of other dental specialists to provide patients
with a full range of dental services.
A happy smile is a healthy smile, and for many patients,
cosmetic dentistry plays an important role in the overall betterment of their
self esteem, oral health, and well being. How can cosmetic dentistry give you a
new smile? Check out these five procedures to get an idea of what a cosmetic
dentist can do for you!
1.) Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening is one of the most
common cosmetic dental procedures. There are a wide array of different ways to
whiten your teeth, and many of these methods can be done at home. However, for
best results, getting your teeth whitened by a cosmetic dentist can help your
teeth stay whiter longer, and can ensure that the materials used are safe on
your teeth.
Bleaching and laser tooth whitening are two widely practiced procedures. Laser tooth whitening involves the use of
lasers to stimulate a hydrogen-peroxide based gel on your teeth to remove
stains. Laser tooth whitening usually entails multiple visits, although Dr.
Linhart’s revolutionary PearlInBrite Laser Tooth Whitening system
speeds up the process, giving patients a 9-10 shade whiter smile in just one
visit.
2.)
Porcelain
Veneers
Porcelain veneers can be a
life-changing cosmetic solution for people who have misshapen, mildly
misaligned, or discolored teeth. The procedure involves the placement of
porcelain “laminates” over your natural teeth to create a perfectly straight,
uniform smile. The laminates are crafted by a lab technician to be shaped like
natural teeth, and the porcelain is then bonded to your enamel. While this may
not be an option for people with serious orthodontic or periodontal issues, it
can be an ideal fix if you have permanently stained or slightly misaligned
teeth.
3.) Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is an alternative to
porcelain veneers, and involves your dentist coating your teeth in a
naturally-colored resin material. The resin fills in any gaps or chips in your
teeth, and your dentist will shape the material to give it a natural look.
Teeth with jagged edges appear smooth, and any mottling or bumps on your enamel
is also smoothed over. A special light is then used to permanently harden the
resin, which is just as strong as porcelain veneers or your natural teeth.
4.) iBraces
Since braces are worn to correct
moderate to severe misalignment of your teeth, they fall more into the realm of
orthodontics than cosmetic dentistry. However, there are a number of
alternatives to traditional metal braces that are aesthetically discreet and
help you maintain a beautiful smile during
this corrective treatment.
You may have heard of Invisalign,
which uses a series of clear trays that fit over your teeth to align them as
opposed to metal brackets. iBraces are another cosmetic alternative.
iBraces work like traditional braces, but they are not visible on the front
side of your teeth. The brackets used to straighten the teeth are custom-made
for each tooth, and are contoured to hug the backside of your teeth for
increased comfort and minimal visibility.
5.) Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are important to the
treatment of broken or fractured teeth, but are also used in cosmetic
dentistry to improve the appearance of misshapen or otherwise imperfect teeth.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over the tooth to
strengthen it or prevent further damage. A damaged tooth can impede the health
and radiance of your smile, so a natural looking dental crown is a solution for
not only saving the tooth, but preserving your smile as well.
If there is any reason whatsoever that you feel your smile can
be improved upon, you should talk to your dentist about what cosmetic
opportunities are available to you. Cosmetic
dentistry is an important part of the full range of dental services
that go into maintaining your oral health and overall well being.
When most people hear the words “root canal”, they typically
think of a major dental procedure that is both scary and painful. In actuality,
a root canal is an extremely routine and common procedure that can be performed
with ease by a skilled endodontist. While the idea of a root canal
may be daunting, the procedure itself can be virtually pain-free, and each
year, millions of smiles are saved by this simple procedure that can stop or
prevent the advancement of tooth decay.
If you have never had a root canal, there’s a chance you may
not have a clear idea of what the procedure entails or what to expect after a
root canal. Let’s explore exactly how a root canal can save a damaged tooth,
preserve your smile, and promote overall oral health.
Why Might You Need a Root Canal?
Contrary to common beliefs, the pain that is associated with a
root canal actually precedes the procedure entirely. If your dentist has
recommended a root canal, it is because the inner layer of your tooth has
become inflamed, damaged, or infected. If left untreated, such damage can
potentially lead to tooth decay. Pain can be a common symptom of a more
advanced stage of damage to the tooth, but the tooth may begin to hurt right
away. In some cases, there may not even be any pain at all, which is why
routine dental examinations are necessary for preventing and assessing
potential issues.
Beneath your tooth’s enamel is a soft inner layer known as the
dental pulp. This spongy tissue contains the nerves, blood vessels, and
connective tissues that nourish the tooth during development. The term to
describe the procedure, “root canal”, is actually derived from the canals
within your tooth that travel from the root into the “pulp chamber”, so that
the blood vessels can nourish the tooth. Your tooth’s nerve is purely
sensory–it is not vital to the health of the tooth–but in alerting you when something
is too hot or too cold, the pain experienced in the nerve can also alert you to
a problem.
When the pulp is damaged, the nerve breaks down and bacteria
accumulates. This,coupled with debris from the broken down nerve (as well as
external particles if your tooth is cracked), can cause an infection or an
abscessed tooth. Infections can cause:
●
Swelling in the gum that may spread to other parts of
the face
●
Bone loss around the end of the root
●
Drainage problems with infected fluid building up in
the root
●
Tooth decay.
There are many different ways the pulp of your tooth can become
damaged, and it is important to be cognizant of any duress or trauma your face
and mouth might be under. If you have experienced one of the following, consult
with your dentist right away.
●
Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth that can
weaken the enamel
●
An ill-fitting crown or filling that cracks the tooth
or exposes spaces in the tooth
●
A fractured tooth
●
Trauma to the face that loosens or breaks the tooth
●
Untreated cavities that spread into the pulp of the
tooth
Root canal therapy cannot reverse the damage to your tooth, but
if performed early enough, it can easily and effectively save your tooth by
alleviating the symptoms and preventing further damage.
What is a Root Canal?
Endodontists are the dental professionals that
specialize in the treatment and repair of the tooth’s inner layer–the dental
pulp. Once a dentist has determined you need a root canal, they may perform the
procedure themselves or refer you to a specialist. Some dental practices even
have an endodontist on staff. You and your dentist will discuss
your options and decide whether or not your root canal should be performed by
your general dentist or an endodontist, depending on the level of damage to the
tooth.
X-rays are taken prior to the procedure to examine the inside
of the tooth and determine the extent of the damage, particularly to see if
there’s any sign of infection in the surrounding bone. Your dentist or
endodontist will then anesthetize the surrounding area for your
comfort. A root canal may take multiple appointments to complete.
The point of the root canal procedure is to remove the dental
pulp, clean the inside of the tooth, then fill and seal the area. A rubber-like
material called gutta-percha is used to seal the tooth, which is then restored
with a crown or filling for added protection. In order to remove the dental
pulp, the endodontist must drill a hole into the crown of the tooth for access.
Delicate instruments called root canal files are then used to remove the dental
pulp and scrape the walls of the pulp chamber to clean and shape the space for
filling. Throughout the procedure, the endodontist will flush the tooth with
water or a gentle sodium solution to clear away debris.
Once the pulp is removed, the root canals are sealed with
gutta-percha. If there are signs of infection, medication may be applied to the
inside of the tooth and your endodontist may wait until the second session to
fill the root canals in order to ensure the infection has healed. In this case,
a temporary filling will be used to protect the area until your next
appointment.
After the root canals are sealed with gutta-percha, the final
appointment entails having a crown or other restoration
placed on the tooth to restore it to its full functionality. In some cases, if
damage to the tooth has been too extensive, or the hollowed-out tooth lacks the
proper structure to function on its own, the endodontist may place a post
inside the tooth to reinforce it before crowning it. In almost all cases, a
tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment can function just as well as it
did prior to the damage.
After Your Root Canal
You may be surprised to learn that after a root canal
procedure, most people report feeling a great sense of relief. The pain associated
with root canal therapy comes from the inflammation and discomfort of the
infected tissue, so once that is removed, most pain should be alleviated. As
with any dental procedure, there will be some tenderness immediately following
the root canal, and this may persist for another day or two. Your tooth may
also be a bit sensitive to extreme temperatures (though less so than when the
tooth was damaged). This is especially true between sessions, when your tooth
is capped by a temporary crown and not fully sealed.
In cases where the damage to the tooth was severe and the
patient experienced extreme pain, the area will be a bit more sensitive for a
few days longer following the procedure. This, however, can be treated with
over-the-counter pain medications. If necessary, your dentist may prescribe a
painkiller, but pain on that level following a root canal is rare.
The severe toothache, swelling, and prolonged sensitivity to
extreme temperatures goes away once the procedure is performed. Most people can
return to normal activities after the first day. It is important, however, to
remember to take extra care between sessions. While the temporary filling is in
place after the first appointment, you should avoid chewing on the tooth, and
be careful not to expose it to too much duress. This is important to avoid
contaminating the tooth or damaging the area while it is still under repair.
Once the tooth is fully restored, you can brush and floss as
you regularly would. Overall, the procedure is highly effective, minimally
painful, and is an important step to ensuring the health and longevity of your
smile. There are many who would say its as easy as having a tooth filled!
After a certain age people shy away from the idea of getting braces. Braces are a very obvious indication that someone is trying to straighten their teeth or correct their bite. While braces can work wonders on someone’s smile, they are very visible. If only there was an invisible alternative to braces. Luckily there are now options for those that want to get that perfect smile without showing everyone they are doing so.
Invisalign and iBraces are both options for those that want to correct their teeth without sporting braces.
Invisalign
Invisalign can help you get the great smile you’ve always wanted because it’s…
Invisible
Invisible, so no one can tell you’re straightening your teeth. So now you can smile more during treatment as well as after.
Removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are no problem.
Invisalign® allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan before you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.
Comfortable, because it has no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in our office getting adjustments.
iBraces
If Invisalign is not an option for you consider iBraces. iBraces are a great solution as they mimic normal bracketed braces, but are not visible on the front of your teeth.
iBraces are custom made to each individual tooth and thus provide better comfort and performance. Your unique prescription as determined by Dr. Rohini Vajaria is built into your iBraces so your teeth move in the most efficient manner possible. The wires are bent to a precise shape using robotic technology to ensure that you get the results you want.
Do you think one of these may be the right choice for you? Come in for an evaluation today!
There are so many benefits to cosmetic dentistry! Read below for some of these benefits and schedule an appointment today to see how we can give you a beautiful, healthy smile.
Discover the Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
Written on January 22, 2011 – 4:01 pm | by WhyDentist.com |
Cosmetic dentistry is comprehensive dental care encompassing a number of different treatments such as; Cosmetic fillings, teeth straightening, teeth whitening, Veneers, crowns, bridges and implants.
Cosmetic dentistry can work wonders for your physical and mental health, improve your smile, increase your confidence and bring the dazzle back into your mouth.
Cosmetic fillings can replace old ugly black and silver fillings with new natural coloured fillings. The translucency, shade and texture of your own teeth can be matched producing excellent results.
Teeth straightening is very important to both adults and childrens well being and health as enables the jaw to function correctly and gives back the confidence to smile. It’s important to remember you’re never too old to wear braces and can bring benefits into retirement. Also, at Dr. Linhart’s we offer options such as Invisalign and iBraces to straighten your teeth without all of the noticeable wires.
Teeth can be whitened, lightened + brightened to counter act the effects food, drink + cigarettes. Teeth bleaching + whitening is an efficient and effective way to make teeth look brighter, youthful and more attractive. Dr. Linhart has created the PearlinBrite line to effectively whiten teeth.
Veneers – bond a thin layer of material to your teeth. They can correct the appearance of teeth, cover up cracks, discolorations and fill in gaps. Porcelain crowns or caps – used to cover broken, damaged and heavily filled teeth creating a natural look.
Dental implants are more than just an alternative to dentures and bridges and can be used to replace all your teeth or just a single tooth. Dental implants can make you feel confident about smiling again by providing new teeth that look and feel natural. They also help to prevent the deterioration of the facial structure and preserve the bone.
Dental implants can be a great long term solution to dentures. They can be used to stabilise dentures or replace them. Discover the benefits of cosmetic dentistry, smile, feel happy, uplifted and regain your self confidence.