Dental Crowns

A dental crown, also known as a cap, is a dental restoration needed to restore teeth that have suffered significant damage or loss of structure. Various types of crowns are available, including porcelain fused to metal, full porcelain, and full metal crowns. Your dentist will provide a detailed explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of each type, helping you make an informed decision.

The process of getting a dental crown involves several steps, beginning with the preparation of the affected teeth and taking impressions. During this stage, a temporary crown or bridge is placed on your teeth for protection and aesthetics. The impressions are then sent to a dental laboratory, where technicians mold your teeth and craft the crown or bridge.

Fabricating a crown or bridge involves multiple meticulous steps performed by different technicians. Once the work is completed, the finished restoration is sent back to the dental office. Before cementing it onto your teeth, the crown or bridge undergoes necessary checks and adjustments to ensure a proper fit and functionality.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth can potentially become stained over time due to the consumption of various foods and drinks, such as cola, spicy food, and coffee. Fortunately, advancements in teeth whitening technology have made it possible for dentists to whiten teeth effectively without causing any damage to the tooth structure.

While most teeth whitening methods follow a similar concept, some are more effective than others based on the delivery of the whitening material to the teeth. Another crucial factor influencing the effectiveness of the method is the concentration of the whitening material. Over-the-counter whitening systems typically do not provide the desired results due to lower concentrations.

Two main professional whitening methods are tray whitening and in-office whitening. Tray whitening involves creating a custom tray based on impressions of your teeth, which you wear for a few hours each day until the desired result is achieved. It’s important to note that teeth sensitivity may occur temporarily during this method.

In-office whitening is the most effective method. Techniques like Britesmile, Zoom, and Laser whitening can achieve great results in a single session. Your dentist will provide detailed information on the different methods available and recommend the most suitable one for your case.

Dental Implants

Dental implants have emerged as an excellent alternative for replacing missing teeth in the past two decades. With high success rates and various available options, dentists now have more ways to effectively treat and replace lost teeth.

Your dentist will check your case to determine if you are a reliable candidate for dental implants. Essentially, a dental implant is a titanium-based cylinder that replaces the missing tooth root. After a healing period, other components are placed on the implant, allowing your dentist to eventually attach a crown (cap) to restore the tooth’s functionality and aesthetics.

Implants can also be utilized to support full or partial dentures, significantly improving their retention and stability. Most patients with sufficient bone volume can undergo implant placement, although decisions are made individually. X-rays and CT scans are typically performed to assess the bone quantity and quality, guiding the selection of the appropriate implant size and type.

Veneers & Laminates

Veneers or laminates offer a rapid solution for achieving a beautiful smile. They are thin shells made of porcelain or resin that are bonded to the tooth surface to enhance their shape, shade, and position, thereby enhancing the appearance of your smile and absolutely the teeth. Veneers are used to replace lost tooth structures when necessary.

Your dentist will comprehensively examine your teeth to determine if veneers are a suitable treatment option for you. Veneers can significantly enhance the esthetics of your teeth and smile, allowing you to achieve the desired whiteness and shape. Veneers are bonded to your natural tooth structure and provide strength and durability.

Due to their minimal thickness, veneers are among one of the most conservative cosmetic treatments available. In most cases, only a small amount of tooth structure must be removed before veneer placement. Consult with your dentist to learn more about how veneers can improve your smile.

Root Canal Treatment

Each tooth consists of three different layers: enamel (the outer layer), dentin (the inner hard layer), and pulp (the space containing live tissue and nerves). When the pulp space is exposed to the external environment, it becomes contaminated and eventually infected. Large cavities or fractured teeth are common causes of this condition.

Root canal treatment involves accessing the pulp space, removing the infected and dead tissue, and thoroughly disinfecting the area. Once cleaned, the space is sealed using specialized materials. Modern root canal treatments utilize advanced techniques and materials, ensuring greater comfort and efficiency. After root canal treatment, your restorative dentist typically places a crown on the treated tooth to protect it against fractures and restore its functionality.

Root Canal Re-treatment

When a previously performed root canal treatment fails, the standard approach is to attempt re-treatment. This procedure is typically carried out by an endodontist (a specialist in root canal treatment) or an experienced general dentist.

The process of root canal re-treatment is similar to initial root canal treatment. However, in addition to removing any remaining infected tissue, the dentist must also eliminate old filling material, posts, crowns, or any other obstructions within the pulp space. This allows for effective disinfection and sealing of the root canal area.

After root canal re-treatment, a crown is often placed by your restorative dentist to provide protection against fractures and maintain the tooth’s structural integrity.

Inlays & Onlays

Inlays or onlays are custom-made restorations crafted in a dental laboratory and used when the cavity or tooth structure loss is too extensive for a simple filling. The process of creating an inlay is similar to that of a crown. Once the tooth is prepared, the inlay is either cemented or bonded onto the tooth surface.

Different materials can be used for inlays, including gold, porcelain, and composite resins. Porcelain and composite inlays/onlays offer cosmetic alternatives to traditional fillings while providing excellent strength compared to standard white fillings. Gold inlays/onlays are also effective options, although their popularity has decreased due to their appearance.

Your dentist will elaborate on when an inlay or onlay is an appropriate treatment option for you. In general, they can replace most fillings in posterior teeth, offering a more conservative approach than crowns. While the cost of inlays/onlays is comparable to that of crowns due to the similar fabrication process, they can prove to be more cost-effective in the long run.

TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular Joint) Disorder

TMJ refers to the Temporo-Mandibular Joint, which connects the lower and upper jaws (skull). This joint is one of the most complex in the body, enabling various movements such as forward and backward, rotations, and side-to-side motions.

TMJ disorder encompasses complications and problems associated with this joint. Common symptoms of TMJ problems include pain, limited jaw movement, clicking sounds, muscle spasms, and jaw locking.

Several factors can contribute to TMJ disorder, including genetics, hormonal changes, low-level infections, autoimmune diseases, trauma, and teeth clenching or grinding.

Dentists experienced in TMJ problems and treatments can diagnose such conditions and evaluate the underlying causes. Common treatment options include night guards, bite guards, and bite adjustments. It is recommended to inform your dentist if you experience any TMJ-related symptoms, as they will be able to evaluate your situation and recommend the most suitable treatment.

Teeth Sealants

Sealants are thin layers of resin applied to the pits, fissures, and grooves of molars, primarily serving to prevent decay in these areas.

Most cavities on the posterior teeth often begin in the pits or grooves of chewing surfaces, especially within the first few years after the eruption. Applying sealants to these surfaces using composite resins effectively prevents this type of decay.

Sealants are effective in minimizing cavities on the surfaces where they are applied. While it is still possible for decay to occur between teeth, sealants significantly reduce the overall risk of cavities.