From dental implants to wisdom tooth extraction, we'll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your next dental appointment. People use dentures, made of plastic or metal, to replace lost or missing teeth, so they can enjoy a healthy diet and smile with confidence. The dentist will check each tooth with small instruments, such as a mirror and a probe (a thin, toothpick-like instrument). The dentist looks for problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and other conditions.
Any tooth that has deep grooves or fissures can be treated, but fissure sealants are usually placed on the molars and premolars rather than on the front teeth. A sealant is applied to the biting surface of a clean tooth and it hardens like a durable plastic material. It creates a barrier that prevents food and other bacteria from accumulating in the grooves of the tooth and causing tooth decay. Fissure sealants are often recommended for children, as they reduce the risk of tooth decay in permanent teeth.
Dental fillings are used to treat tooth decay that has caused a cavity (hole). The dentist removes cavities from the tooth, cleans the cavity, dries it and seals it with a filling material. A variety of materials can be used to fill the cavity. You will be advised on the most suitable material depending on the size, shape and location of the filling. A common option is tooth-colored filling material (such as composite resin or ceramic), which can restore the tooth's appearance as well as its shape and function.
Endodontic treatment involves replacing the damaged or infected pulp of a tooth with a filling. The “pulp” (often referred to as the tooth nerve) is located inside the hollow center of the tooth and is made up of blood vessels and nerve fibers that supply oxygen, nutrients and sensitivity to the tooth. Tooth injuries or advanced decay can irreversibly damage and infect the dental pulp. During endodontics, damaged pulp is removed.
The dentist cleans and shapes the root canals with a drill and small files. The inside of the tooth is cleaned, dried and packed with filling material that reaches the end of the root. It may be necessary to do a phased endodontic procedure in a few appointments. After the endodontic treatment is finished, the bite surface is covered with a filling material or with a crown. This also prevents the tooth from breaking after endodontic treatment.
Wisdom teeth can cause several dental problems if they are located below the gum (impacted), where the wisdom tooth grows at an angle and hits the adjoining tooth or gum. The wisdom teeth can only be removed with local anaesthesia (only the area around the tooth becomes numb and the person is conscious). However, for more difficult procedures, sedation or general anesthesia may also be offered when the person is partially or totally unconscious. Dental implants can be used to replace missing teeth.
An implant is an artificial screw-shaped device made of titanium. It is surgically attached to the jaw and an artificial tooth can be placed on top of it. Several dental appointments are required to plan treatment, design and place implants. Orthodontic treatment is often recommended to correct the position of the jaw and teeth and treat problems such as crowding, protrusion of the upper teeth, or lower teeth that protrude.
Your dentist may be able to treat these problems or refer you to a specialist orthodontist for treatment. Corrective treatment may include braces or a removable device. After orthodontic treatment, a retention device is needed to maintain the correct position of the teeth. Jaw surgery may be necessary when extensive correction is needed for better results, requiring referral to an oral maxillofacial surgeon.
General dentists are primary care oral health providers and are one of the most common types of dentists. You can visit your general dentist to clean your teeth and get routine dental exams. In these exams, a general dentist will evaluate the health of your teeth and gums and perform treatments such as tooth decay removal, root canal treatment and dental crowns. Orthodontists specialize in the alignment of the teeth and jaw, using wires, braces, restraints and other devices. If you have overbitten, underbitten, crossed or misaligned teeth, you may be referred to an orthodontist for correction.
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing or replacing damaged or missing teeth. These procedures help improve oral health and function. The most common dental restorations include crowns, bridges, and implants. General dentists, sometimes called family dentists, perform restorative dentistry.
Examples of restorative dental procedures include crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures. When bacteria corrode tooth enamel and form a hole, it's called tooth decay. Smaller cavities are usually repaired with dental fillings. Dentists use dental crowns to repair large cavities or restore broken teeth.
The crown, which is sometimes called a cap, is placed over the entire tooth. While an inlay fills in the area between the cusps of the teeth, an inlay also covers at least a cusp. Sometimes a cavity or crack penetrates deep enough into the tooth to reach the pulp. If bacteria penetrate the tooth pulp, they can cause a painful infection.
In these cases, endodontics are necessary. In most cases, people who undergo endodontics also need a crown to provide them with additional strength and support. A dental bridge can replace a single missing tooth or a row of missing teeth. A bridge consists of artificial teeth with dental crowns on each side. The dentist will alter (shave) the natural teeth on both sides of the space.
Then, they'll attach the bridge to your natural teeth. Crowns are placed over natural teeth and artificial teeth cover the space between them. Your dentist can restore dental implants with crowns, bridges, and even dentures. Unlike traditional crowns and bridges, implants don't require the modification of natural teeth. Many dentists consider implants to be the gold standard for replacing teeth.
Dentures are another traditional tooth replacement option. Full dentures replace an entire arc of missing teeth. Partial dentures replace several missing teeth in different areas. Dentures rest on the top of the gums and jaw which is located below them holds them.
You can also opt for dentures supported by implants. These braces are similar to traditional dentures. However, instead of resting on the gums for support, they adhere to dental implants. This offers much more stability compared to conventional dentures.
Dental restorations have very few risks. However, crowns, for example, can be chipped or loosened. If you have deep cavities or are slow to fill them, this can lead to endodontics or tooth extraction. Contact a dentist right away if you have any problems with your teeth. It depends on a few factors, such as the type of procedure and the number of teeth that need treatment.
For example, a person who has had a cavity filled with cavities will be able to resume normal activities right away. However, a person who has four dental implants placed may need a couple of days off to recover. Your dentist can tell you what kind of recovery time you can expect in your situation. Your dentist can advise you on how to maintain your oral hygiene between appointments to keep your teeth and gums healthy. A dentist can take a mold (impressions) of your teeth and make a comfortable, well-fitting mouth guard to protect you.
In case of dental emergencies, such as a broken tooth, a dental filling falling out or a dental abscess, the first thing you should do is talk to your general dentist. If you're worried about going to the dentist or dental treatment, you can help overcome your fears by relaxing or sedating yourself. Custom-made mouthguards offer a better fit and protection against dental injuries than prefabricated mouthguards. Isaacson Gentle Dentistry, located in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, offers a full range of dental services.
Some dental procedures offer both functional and aesthetic improvements (aesthetic restorative dentistry). Pediatric dentistry specialists offer youth-friendly approaches to routine dental care as well as to pediatric-specific dental problems. Also known as pedodontists, pediatric dental specialists care for children from infants to teenagers. All children up to 12 years old are eligible for public dental services (cardholders who don't have discounts are eligible for general and denture care only).
If you're thinking about getting dental implants, it's critical that you discuss your options with a dental care provider. Tooth adhesion: dental bonding is a technique used to correct tooth imperfections and thus achieve a more attractive smile. They also provide a more symmetrical smile, especially if you have any dental problems affecting your appearance. An extraction may be necessary if the tooth is so damaged that it cannot be repaired with a dental restoration.
