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Prosthetics, Crowns & Bridges
Crowns: 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, or cap. 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 and the all-metal crown.
Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to the dentist's office. Initially, the Dentist: |
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Removes decay and shapes the tooth. |
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Makes an Impression |
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Makes and fits a temporary or transitional crown of plastic or metal. |
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In a subsequent visit, the dentist: Removes the temporary crown, fits and adjusts the final crown. Cements the crown into place. |
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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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Initially, the dentist prepares teeth on each side of the space to receive crowns and makes an impression of the entire area. |
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Fits a temporary or transitional bridge. |
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In a subsequent visit, the dentist places, adjusts and cements the fixed bridge. |
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Full and Partial Dentures
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For those who for various medical or economical reasons can not afford the implant supported prosthetics, full and partial dentures remain a viable alternative that we would be happy to discuss with you. |
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Periodontics
Prevention and Treatment of Gum Disease
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Endodontics - Root Canal Treatment
If your tooth's nerve chamber becomes infected by decay, or damaged by trauma, root canal treatment is often the only way to save your tooth. Deep tooth decay or other injury can cause damage to or infection of the tooth pulp. In a root canal or endodontic treatment, the dentist removes the damaged or infected pulp and replaces it with a special filler which helps maintain the remaining tooth structure. |
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Some indications of the need for root canal treatment may be:
- Spontaneous pain or throbbing while biting.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
- Severe decay or an injury that creates an abscess (infection) in the bone.
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Tooth and Gum
Trouble
Bacteria in your mouth form a sticky film (plaque)
on teeth and gums. If not removed, this film hardens into a
crust (tartar,
also called calculus). A buildup of plaque and tartar
can cause an infection called periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease can lead to pain, gum damage, bone loss,
and even tooth loss. Scaling and root planning is a
special type of cleaning done by a dental professional
(general dentist, dental hygienist, or periodontist). This
cleaning removes plaque and tartar. It helps restore the
health of your teeth and gums.
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Healthy Gums
In a healthy mouth, gums are firm. Firm, healthy gums
protect teeth and bone. |
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Infected Gums
Infected gums bleed, swell and recede (pull away) from
teeth. Teeth may loosen and become sensitive. As the
infection worsens, bone may be lost and teeth may fall
out. |
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Your Evaluation
Your dentist determines how advanced your periodontal
disease is and how much damage has been done. Your gums are
looked at for bleeding and swelling. Your teeth are checked
for looseness and sensitivity. Full mouth x-rays help show if
there is bone loss around your teeth. |
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Periodontal Probing
Periodontal probing helps measure how advanced your
disease is. During probing, a tool (probe) measures the
space (called the pocket) between each tooth and the
surrounding gum. The deeper the pocket, the more severe
the problem. |
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The Procedure
Scaling and root planning removes plaque and tartar from
below your gum line. This controls the growth of harmful
bacteria. It also helps gums reattach firmly to the teeth.
Because this procedure goes deeper than regular cleaning, your
mouth may be numbed. The cleaning may take two to four or more
visits to complete. |
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Scaling
Scaling is a type of cleaning. It removes plaque and
tartar from around and below the gum line. |
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Root
planning
Root planning involves scraping and smoothing the root
surfaces of your teeth. Gum tissue can more firmly
reattach to roots that are clean and smooth. |
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After your Procedure
Your mouth may feel sore and tender after treatment. Keep
brushing and flossing your teeth after each meal. Rinse with
warm salt-water every few hours. Pain medication may be
suggested if you need it. |
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Brush and Floss Right !
Brushing and flossing help keep your teeth and gums
healthy. They stop plaque and tartar from building up on your
teeth. Brush after every meal. Floss at least once a day. And
be sure to brush and floss right. The tips below tell you how. |
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Brushing
- Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Hold the brush at 45°
angle to your gum line. This lets the bristles reach
under the gums. Gently brush the outer and inner
surfaces of your teeth.
- Use the top bristles to
clean the inside of the upper and lower front teeth.
- Scrub the chewing
surfaces.
- Brush your tongue to clear
away food and bacteria. Then rinse well.
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Flossing
- Ask your dentist to recommend the type of dental
floss that's best for you.
- Wrap 18 inches of floss around your middle fingers.
Hold it tight between your thumb and index finger.
- Ease the floss between your teeth. Rub up and down
against the sides of each tooth.
- Be sure to floss below your gum line where plaque
tends to collect.
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