One of the dental treatments of replacing one or more missed teeth, in which the artificial teeth ( fixed or removable ) are procedures done by a simple surgical procedure on the dental chair and under local anesthesia. Such services as;
CROWNS Crowns are full coverage restorations that are used to cover a tooth that is likely to break, or is too broken down to be restored with a filling. They are most commonly done after root canal treatment, or when a large filling wears out. The larger the hole made by a cavity that has to be treated, the more likely a crown will be needed. Even after a filling is put in a large cavity, a tooth is more likely to break. Keep in mind that the jaw muscles are the strongest in the human body. Teeth are subjected to tremendous pressures. Crowns ride over the weakened tooth, providing strength and protecting the tooth against breakage. A broken or cracked tooth is a far more serious matter and much more difficult to treat. Crowns prevent this, as well as making for a nice smile.
It takes two appointments to restore a tooth with a crown. In the first any decay is removed from the tooth and it is shaped to accept the crown. Then an impression is made of the tooth for use in fabricating a crown. Between the two visits the crown is made, usually of high-strength porcelain over gold alloy, all ceramic material, or gold. During this time a temporary crown is worn. In the second visit this temporary is removed. Then the permanent crown is adjusted as needed and then cemented in place.
DENTURES There are different types of dentures, but they share their common function. They replace teeth that have become loose or been lost due to bone loss. When bone loss around the roots of teeth is great enough to loosen them or let them fall out, it's time for dentures. Relax. No one enjoys losing their natural teeth, but you can still eat and talk regularly.
The entire mouth is examined and a determination is made as to which teeth will have to be removed, and which will remain. The loose teeth are then extracted. Dentures are fitted to go over or around whatever teeth remain in the mouth, depending on the type. There is an adjustment period after dentures are placed in the mouth, and it can take some getting used to. But once accustomed to the dentures, all the normal functionality and appearance return and one just carries on as usual. Often implants can used to further stabilize the dentures.
A dental implant is an option to replace a missing tooth. In this procedure, a small titanium shaft is surgically implanted into the bone and allowed to set. The bone grows around it forming a tight connection, which additionally slows or stops the bone loss that occurs when the root of a natural tooth is missing. Once the implant is firmly set in the mouth, the dentist then works to attach the replacement tooth onto the top of the shaft. This permanent solution has the advantages over bridge work that it does not stress the surrounding teeth for support, and, should the tooth wear out, another can simply be replaced on the shaft.
Implants can also be used as support as part of an implant bridge. This is an alternative to partial dentures, and has several advantages. First, there is no adjustment period to acclimatize the patient who, once the work is done, only feels teeth, not metal supports intruding into the mouth. Second, this slows the bone loss occasioned by missing teeth. Third, there is no discomfort or difficulty in eating. And, best of all, of course, they don't have to be taken out all the time.
We also offer mini dental implants. These implants are about half the diameter of traditional implants are used mainly to stabilize lower dentures. These implants can be placed in one appointment and be immediately used. The cost is 50-70% of standard dental implants. Call for a free consult.
ROOT CANAL TREATMENT Root canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is made necessary when a cavity is allowed, through neglect, to reach all the way to this pulp. (Regular cleanings and checkups prevent and detect problems early) Sometimes deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged to the point it needs root canal therapy, also. Once this occurs the pulp becomes infected, and can even extend through the root tip and begin to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is an abscess). By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. It can even weaken the entire immune system. This is dangerous, not to mention very painful. Symptoms that the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. Sometimes, however, no symptoms are apparent and the person is unaware of any problem until a checkup.
A root canal is then performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp, and disinfect the canals of the tooth. The only other treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal(s) are filled in to prevent any further infection. Usually a core build-up and crown is recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy.
BRIDGES This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. It is formed to look like the missing tooth, and it takes its place in the mouth. The sides of a bridge use the two surrounding teeth for support, hence the name. A bridge replaces the missing tooth, both functionally and cosmetically. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science. The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic material. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics.
It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons. If not treated the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward, creating a whole chain reaction of bad things. Teeth use their neighbors for support, and, with one missing, they start to "fall." As this worsens the bite changes in response to the pressure. This can eventually result in problems with the entire jaw, e.g. TMJ. The surrounding teeth deteriorate and it is just a matter of time before they, too, are lost. Gum disease becomes a serious problem, with the difficulty of treatment increasing as the neglect continues.
TMJ TREATMENTS TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint. Temporal, as in temple area of skull; mandibular as in mandible, or lower jaw; joint as in it's where the head and jaw meet. Problems in this joint may be caused by a misalignment of the teeth, trauma, or excess muscle tension. Aside from the two bones that meet there, cartilage buffers them and five muscles are involved in the area. If something goes wrong a good deal of trouble can result.
Problems in this area can cause:
Headaches
Earaches
Trouble/soreness in opening and closing the mouth
Clicking or popping of the jaw
Pain in the jaw muscles
Soreness in the area, sometimes extending to the face
Dental treatments for the condition can include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, adjusting the bite, filling gaps between teeth, etc. There is no one solution that is right for all cases. Sometimes a plastic mouthpiece is used to prevent clenching or grinding that is contributing to the problem. If untreated and taken to extremes, surgery may be required to repair a badly damaged joint.
LASER DENTISTRY
Waterlase®
Dentistry uses laser energy and a gentle spray of water to perform a wide range
of dental procedures – without the heat, vibration and pressure associated with
the dental drill. With many procedures, it’s possible to use less anesthetic,
and often no anesthetic at all.
It's More Convenient
This
procedure can get you in and out of the dentist chair faster, since it’s less
likely that you’ll need an injection – research shows that the vast majority of
patients don’t. It’s nice to avoid that shot, isn’t it? Not using anesthetic
can allow Dr. Elloway to perform procedures that used to require more than one
visit in a single appointment. Also, Dr. Elloway can perform procedures that
once meant an additional trip to a specialist, saving you even more time.
It's More Precise
Lasers
have long been the standard of care in medicine for many surgical and cosmetic
procedures such as LASIK, wrinkle and hair removal and many others. Waterlase®
was approved for hard tissue procedures in 1998 and since has been cleared for
numerous additional dental procedures. Thousands of dentists around the world
have performed thousands of procedures with less need for shots, anesthesia,
drills and post-op numb lips.
Patient Comfort
Heat,
vibration and pressure are the primary causes of pain associated with the use
of the traditional dental drill. Since cutting both hard and soft tissues
(teeth and gums) with the Waterlase® does not generate heat, vibration or
pressure, many dental procedures can be performed with fewer shots, less need
for anesthesia, less use of the drill and fewer numb lips! Additionally, using
the Waterlase® for gum procedures reduces bleeding, post-operative pain,
swelling and the need for pain medication in many cases.
Accuracy & Precision
Dr.
Elloway is able to remove tooth enamel decay (the hardest substance in the
body), bone and gum tissue precisely while leaving surrounding areas
unaffected. This conserves and allows you to keep more of the healthy tooth
structure.
Improved Cavity Fillings
Waterlase®
cavity preparations can increase bond strength of tooth-colored restoration
resulting in longer lasting fillings.
Less
Bleeding & Swelling
Due
to its conservative, gentle cutting action and coagulating capabilities, the
Waterlase® performs many soft tissue (gum) procedures with little or no
bleeding and less post-op swelling.
Versatility
The
Waterlase® is extremely versatile. It can be used for a wide range of hard and
soft tissue procedures. From decay removal, cavity preparation, root canals,
smile design, gum and bone surgical procedures and many others.
