Root Canal
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A root canal is needed when the pulp inside of a tooth becomes infected. The pulp becomes in fected when bacteria invades the tooth through a loose filling, a cavity or a crack. This often causes sensitivity when chewing. It also can cause sensitivity to hot or cold foods. It also often causes throbbing or aching. The bone may also become infected and abscessed. This happens when bacteria escapes through the root openings. When this happens the bone breaks down and the periodontal ligaments may swell causing the tooth to loosen. To perform a root canal first the dentist makes an opening in a tooth. Then the dentist removes the infected pulp. The dentist does this by drilling with tiny, flexible files. With up and down motions the dentist clears out the tooth to prepare it for canal-filling substance. After that step of the procedure is finished the root canals are filled with either tiny pieces of gutta-percha shaped like cones or another dental filling material. A sealer- cement is poured or placed on top of the gutta-percha so it will stay in place. After that has been completed the work begins on restoring the outside of the tooth. if the tooth needs more support the dentist might remove some of the gutta-percha and replace it with a post. Then a filling is added. It is usually silver or tooth-colored dental material. A crown will probably be used to cover the top of the root-canaled tooth. The crown is usually gold or porcelain. After a root canal a tooth should align with the other teeth and fit comfortably in with the other teeth. there should be no pain, swelling, or a loose filling or crown. If any of these problems occur it is wise to talk to a dentist. |
Implants
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A implant is a metal anchor inserted in the jawbone to replace a deteriorated root. The implant is placed in the jawbone and the bone grows around the metal anchor. This takes around three to six months. A healing cap is placed on the tooth while this process is taking place. After the bone has grown around the anchor the healing cap is removed. At this time a metal post or abutment may be attached to the anchor. an impression is made of the tooth and area around it. An artificial tooth is formed and screwed or cemented in place. |
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Crowning a Tooth
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A crown is a piece of metal that is used to cover a damaged or artificial tooth. first a dentist drills the damaged part of the tooth to remove it. The tooth is covered with a gel that forms a mold. The crown is made to fit the prepared tooth. After the crown is prepared it is placed on the tooth and a buffer-like thing is used to make small adjustments so the crown fits the tooth perfectly. |
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Filling Cavities
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A cavity is a hole in a tooth caused by plaque deteriorating the tooth. The process starts when the dentist injects an anesthetic into the gums of the patient. The dentist then drills out the cavity with a small dental drill. Then another instrument is used to place a filling into the hole in the tooth. Then another small instrument is used to pack down the filling into the tooth. Then the dentist carefully carves out the filling to match the existing tooth so it doesn't cause a lot of pain to the patient when it chews. |
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Periodontal Disease Treatment
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Periodontal Disease is a disease where bacteria is left to sit on gums and it deteriorates the tooth and the gums may recede. There are many different types of oral surgery for periodontal disease. This is used when the plaque is in a pocket between the gum and the tooth. The dentist carefully lifts away the gum and scrapes away the plaque that has gathered there. After wards the dentist replaces the gum to it's original spot and ties it in place with a stitch. This process is for when the gum grows excess tissue. The dentist simply cuts off the excess gum so it forms a correct gumline. This procedure is used when the bone has decayed around the tooth. First the dentist peels back a portion of the gum around the tooth. Then the dentist scrapes off the plaque and calculus. Then the bone is smoothed, and filed down to a shape that is close to the original. Then the gum is put back in place and held in place with a stitch. The bone under the gum is cleaned out and then a special membrane is placed between the bone and the gum. The membrane helps keep out unwanted bacteria so the bone can regrow correctly. After the bone has grown back to the original form the membrane is removed. After cleaning the bone the graft material is stuffed into the area where severe decay has taken affect. Then the dentist stitches together the gum so no bacteria can get under the gum and create a problem with the new growth. The new bone grows and replaces the bone graft. The gum may recede in severe cases of periodontal disease. In this case a graft of gum tissue is grown in a lab and placed on the area where the gum is receding. The gum grows with the graft and the difference is hardly noticeable. |
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