General Dentistry
General Dentistry
- Use of Intra Oral Camera and digital X-rays to provide a close-up view of the teeth and gums that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
- Inspect the teeth and gums for signs of decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues.
- Clean and removing any plaque or tartar buildup that may have accumulated.
- Use polishing tools to remove any surface stains or discoloration on teeth.
- Apply fluoride treatment to help strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay.
- Perform an oral cancer screening, checking for any signs of abnormalities or lesions in mouth.
- Provide education and advice on proper oral care techniques, including brushing, flossing, and maintaining a healthy diet.
Overall, the steps for oral care during a routine dental exam and cleaning are designed to help prevent dental problems and maintain good oral health.
Dental Cleaning:
There are several different types of dental cleaning, and the type of cleaning recommended will depend on the patient’s individual needs and the condition of their teeth and gums. Dental cleanings can help prevent a wide range of dental problems, including cavities, bad breath, and staining of the teeth. Some common types of dental cleaning include:
- Prophylaxis cleaning: This is a routine cleaning that is typically recommended every six months for most patients. It involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and gums and is an important part of maintaining good oral health.
- Scaling and root planning: In cases of severe gum disease, it maybe necessary to remove stubborn plaque and tartar buildup from deep pockets in the gums. This type of cleaning can be uncomfortable, but it is an important step in treating the underlying condition and preventing further damage. This procedure can be performed on all four quadrants of the mouth over the course of two or more appointments, and local anesthesia may be administered to minimize discomfort.
- Deep cleaning: This is a more general term which can refer to any type of thorough dental cleaning that goes beyond a routine prophylaxis cleaning. It can include scaling and root planning as well as other types of dental cleaning, such as a full mouth debridement or a more extensive prophylaxis cleaning.
Dental Fillings:
A dental filling is a dental restoration that is used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay, wear, or trauma. Dental fillings are designed to restore the shape, function, and strength of the tooth, while preventing further decay and damage. The choice of filling material will depend on various factors, including the location and size of the cavity, the aesthetic concerns of the patient, and the preference and expertise of the dentist. Our dental practices choose to be amalgam-free to prioritize the safety and well-being of our patients, as well as the environment. By choosing to use alternative filling materials, we can provide high-quality dental care that is both safe and sustainable. Here are some common types of dental fillings:
- Amalgam fillings: Amalgam fillings, also known as silver fillings, are made from a mixture of metals, including silver, copper, tin, and mercury. There are some concerns that exposure to mercury from amalgam fillings may pose a risk to certain groups of people, such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children.
- Composite fillings: Composite fillings are made from a tooth-colored resin material that can be shaded to match the color of your teeth. Composite fillings blend in with the surrounding teeth, making them a more aesthetically pleasing option, while amalgam fillings are more noticeable due to their silver color. Composite fillings and they are also suitable for small to medium-sized cavities in the back teeth.
- Ceramic fillings: Ceramic fillings, also called porcelain fillings, are made from a material that is similar in color and texture to natural teeth. They are a good choice for filling cavities in the front teeth, where appearance is important. They are also durable and long-lasting, making them a good choice for larger cavities.
- Gold fillings: Gold fillings are made from a mixture of gold and other metals. They are strong and durable, making them a good choice for large cavities in the back teeth. However, they are noticeable when you smile and are more expensive than other types of fillings.
Dental Crowns:
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be used to restore a variety of dental problems, including large fillings, broken teeth, and teeth that have undergone root canal treatment. A crown is usually recommended when a tooth has been damaged by decay or trauma, but the root is still intact and healthy. Crowns are highly durable and can last for many years with proper care.
There are several types of dental crowns available, and the choice of crown material will depend on various factors, including the location of the tooth, the amount of tooth structure remaining, the aesthetic concerns of the patient, and the preference and expertise of the dentist.
Here are some common types of dental crowns:
- Porcelain crowns: These crowns are made of a tooth-colored porcelain material that closely resembles natural teeth in appearance. They are often used to restore front teeth or teeth that are visible when smiling.
- Ceramic crowns: These crowns are made of a translucent ceramic material that is highly aesthetic and can closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth. They are often used to restore front teeth or teeth that are visible when smiling.
- Metal crowns: These crowns are made of metal alloys, such as gold or silver, and are highly durable and long-lasting. They are often used to restore molars or teeth that are subject to heavy chewing forces.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns: These crowns are made of a combination of porcelain and metal, with the metal providing strength and the porcelain providing an aesthetic appearance. They are often used to restore both front and back teeth.
- Zirconia crowns: These crowns are made of a strong and durable ceramic material that is highly resistant to chipping and cracking. They are often used to restore molars or teeth that are subject to heavy chewing forces.
Dental Bridge
Dental bridges are often recommended as a treatment option when a patient has one or more missing teeth. Dental bridge requires healthy teeth on either side of the gap to be used as anchors for the bridge. The bridge is typically composed of two or more dental crowns that are placed over the remaining teeth on either side of the gap, along with a false tooth (or teeth) that fills the space where the missing tooth (or teeth) used to be. There are several instances where a dental bridge may be a viable option to replace missing teeth.
Below are some reasons why a dental bridge may be a good option:
- Maintaining tooth alignment: When a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth may shift out of place over time, which can cause bite problems and other issues. A dental bridge can help to prevent this by keeping the remaining teeth in their correct positions.
- Aesthetics: A dental bridge can be made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, providing a natural-looking restoration.
- Preventing bone loss: When a tooth is missing, the bone in the jaw may start to deteriorate over time. A dental bridge can help to prevent this by providing stimulation to the bone and maintaining its structure.
- Cost-effective: Compared to dental implants, dental bridges are often a more cost-effective option for replacing missing teeth.
- Restoring function: A dental bridge can help to restore the function of your mouth, allowing you to chew and speak properly.
The process of getting a dental bridge typically involves two or more dental visits. During the first visit, the dentist will prepare the supporting teeth by removing a small amount of tooth enamel to make room for the crowns. Impressions of the teeth will be taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where the bridge will be custom-made. In the meantime, a temporary bridge will be placed to protect the exposed teeth and gums. During the second visit, the temporary bridge will be removed and the custom-made bridge will be placed and adjusted for proper fit and function. With proper care, a dental bridge can last for many years and help to restore the function and appearance of the mouth.
Dental bridges can be made from a variety of materials, including:
- Porcelain: Porcelain bridges are popular because they closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth. They can be color-matched to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.
- Ceramic: Ceramic bridges are also a popular choice because they offer similar aesthetic benefits as porcelain bridges. They are strong and durable, and can also be color-matched to the surrounding teeth.
- Metal alloys: Metal alloys, such as gold or silver, can be used to create a strong and long-lasting dental bridge. However, they are typically not used for front teeth because of their metallic appearance.
- Composite: Composite bridges are made from a mixture of plastic and glass, and are a more affordable option than porcelain or ceramic bridges. However, they are not as durable and may need to be replaced more frequently.
Dental Veneers:
Dental veneers are thin shells that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of a tooth. They are typically made of porcelain or composite resin and are used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, stained, chipped, or misaligned. Veneers can also be used to close gaps between teeth or to reshape teeth that are too small or too large. It’s important to note that dental veneers are not exactly the same as natural teeth, as they are a cosmetic restoration placed over your existing teeth. However, they can provide a very realistic and aesthetically pleasing result that can greatly improve the appearance of your smile.
There are two primary types of materials use to make dental veneers:
- Porcelain veneers: Porcelain veneers are made of a thin layer of porcelain material that is custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth. They are known for their natural-looking appearance, durability, and resistance to stains.
- Composite resin veneers: Composite resin veneers are made of a tooth-colored composite resin material that is applied directly to the front surface of your teeth and shaped to create a natural-looking appearance. While they are less expensive than porcelain veneers, they may not last as long and are more prone to staining and chipping.
The process for getting dental veneers typically involves several steps:
- Preparation: remove a small amount of enamel from the front surface of your teeth. This helps create space for the veneers and ensures a proper fit.
- Impressions: take impressions of the teeth to create a mold of your mouth. This mold will be used to create custom veneers.
- Temporary veneers: In some cases, temporary veneers may be placed on teeth to protect them while your permanent veneers are being made.
- Bonding: Once permanent veneers are ready, it will bond to the front surface of your teeth using a special dental adhesive.
- Trimming and shaping: trim and shape the veneers to ensure a comfortable and natural-looking fit.
Dental Bonding