Frequently Asked Questions
Bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can replace a section of missing teeth. Because they are custom-made, bridges are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth.
Anyone who is missing teeth is usually a candidate for a dental bridge. Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth.
Dental bridges serve a number of purposes, including:
- Replacement of the biting surface of the teeth
- Stabilization of adjacent teeth
- Enhances your smile.
It usually requires two appointments.
- At your first appointment-your dentist will prepare your teeth for the bridge. An impression of your mouth is taken. The impression is sent to the dental technician's laboratory. A temporary bridge is applied which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new bridge is fabricated (temporary bridge serves to protect your teeth and gums).
- At your second appointment- the temporary bridge is removed and the permanent bridge is cemented in place.
On average, dental bridges last between 5 and 7 years. The life span of dental bridges depends on the amount of "wear and tear" it is exposed to and how well you follow good oral hygiene.
Replacing missing teeth should actually make eating easier. Until you become accustomed to the bridge, eat soft foods that have been cut into small pieces.
A crown is used to entirely cover or "cap" a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment.
A dental crown completely encases the outer area of the tooth, creating a new outer surface for your tooth. Fillings restore a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc back to its normal function and shape.
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments.
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At your first appointment-The tooth is reduced in size to accommodate a crown. An impression is taken of the existing tooth. The impression is sent to the dental technician's laboratory. A temporary crown is applied which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory
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At your second appointment- the temporary crown is removed and permanent crowns are cemented in place.
On average, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years. The life span of a crown depends on the amount of "wear and tear" the crown is exposed to and how well you follow good oral hygiene
After the procedure you will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown. Occasionally a dental crown might pop off, in which case the crown must be replaced immediately, due to tooth sensitivity and aesthetic appearance. In the case that this happens, please visit your dentist immediately.
A composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide) that can be bonded to teeth. The fact that the resin is bonded means a seal is formed to reduce the chance of leakage (which is common with silver fillings); they also support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes.
No the procedure is not painful , however after receiving a composite, it is normal for a patient to experience post-operative sensitivity to hot and cold which will subside after few days.
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Yes, regular checkups are encouraged in order to track changing conditions in the mouth.
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If you have minor tooth ecay or if you want to replace an existing metallic filling, you may be a good candidate for white fillings.
Constant pressure from chewing, grinding or clenching can cause dental fillings, or restorations, to wear away, chip or crack. Your dentist can identify weaknesses in your restorations during a regular check-up
White fillings are not only functional, but can be natural looking as well. Many people don
- White fillings tooth colored and therefore "invisible". White fillings are great for aesthetics
- They bond to the tooth well and they can be smaller than silver fillings, saving tooth structure
- Less tooth sensitivity both because they are smaller and they are not metal like the silver fillings.
- Improvements over the past years have greatly improved the durability of white fillings.
Tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with silicon dioxide
Crowns, inlays and veneers (on front teeth) can be used.
No the procedure is not painful , however after receiving a composite, it is normal for a patient to experience post-operative sensitivity to hot and cold which will subside after few days.
Yes, regular checkups are encouraged in order to track changing conditions in the mouth.
There are two major types of dentures
1. Complete dentures - it is a removable appliance that replace all the natural teeth. It may be conventional (made after the removal of the teeth and the healing of the gums, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks.) or immediate (dentures are made in advance and are placed immediately after the teeth are removed).
2. Partial dentures- replace one or more, but less than all of the natural teeth and associated structures of the arch.
1. Complete dentures - it is a removable appliance that replace all the natural teeth. It may be conventional (made after the removal of the teeth and the healing of the gums, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks.) or immediate (dentures are made in advance and are placed immediately after the teeth are removed).
2. Partial dentures- replace one or more, but less than all of the natural teeth and associated structures of the arch.
An overdenture uses roots if they have adequate bone, or implants that hold the denture in place in the mouth with the help of special attachments. This holds the denture firmly in place.
Like anything else, a denture will wear out over time. Denture is made out of plastic it can break if dropped. Dentures will need to be relined, remade, or rebased due to normal wear over a period of time and normal shrinkage of your gums and bones.
New dentures will require a learning period. You should start with soft foods that are cut into small pieces. As you become used to chewing, you can return to your normal diet.
Removing a denture at night lets the tissues of the mouth rest and breath.
- Your denture should be cleaned on a daily basis (two to three times a day).
- When cleaning, you should first rinse away loose food particles thoroughly. Then moisten your toothbrush (avoid using hard-bristled brushes, as it can damage your dentures) and apply denture cleanser.
- Brush every surface, scrubbing gently to avoid damage.
- Avoid using hot water as it can cause the dentures to warp.
- The denture should be soaked in water when it is not in your mouth so that it will not dry out and warp. Taking care of your mouth also is vital if you wear full dentures
Your mouth should be examined at least once a year; however your dentist may recommend more regular visits.
It is a process by which a dentist treats the inner aspects of a tooth (the area inside a tooth that is occupied by its pulp tissue). Primary focus is given on saving the tooth from extraction and maintaining the natural integrity of the dental arch.
Root canal treatment can help save your damaged tooth. When the pulp is diseased or injured and unable to repair itself, the pulp dies. If the damaged or diseased pulp is not removed, the tooth and surrounding tissues become infected. Without treatment, your tooth could eventually have to be removed.
The signs are
- Occasional sensitivity to hot and cold foods
- Constant throbbing.
- Pain on chewing.
- Swelling (which may be tender)
- An abscess on the gums.
A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or Endodontist (a root canal specialist).
The procedure involves freezing the tooth and isolating it. A small hole is drilled into the tooth and any existing fillings or decay is removed. Each canal is cleaned to the tip of the root (normally teeth can have anywhere from 1 to 5 canals).
The canals are then sealed with an inert material that occupies the space vacated by the removal of the pulp. This is one of the safest and most effective methods of saving a damaged tooth.
After the inside of your tooth has been treated, the outside will be restored to protect your tooth's underlying structures and to bring the tooth back into function. The tooth is usually covered with a ceramic or metal crown to prevent the tooth from fracturing.
The procedure involves freezing the tooth and isolating it. A small hole is drilled into the tooth and any existing fillings or decay is removed. Each canal is cleaned to the tip of the root (normally teeth can have anywhere from 1 to 5 canals).
The canals are then sealed with an inert material that occupies the space vacated by the removal of the pulp. This is one of the safest and most effective methods of saving a damaged tooth.
After the inside of your tooth has been treated, the outside will be restored to protect your tooth's underlying structures and to bring the tooth back into function. The tooth is usually covered with a ceramic or metal crown to prevent the tooth from fracturing.
No, with modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.
The tooth is usually covered with a ceramic or metal crown to prevent the tooth from fracturing.
Connective tissue that contains blood vessels and nerve tissue which occupies the pulp cavity.
(The space within a tooth which contains the pulp) of a tooth.
Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.