More on Periodontics
Gum disease is usually caused by plague (a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth). If plague is not removed with thoroughly by daily brushing and flossing, gums become irritated and inflamed. The irritated gum tissue can separate from the teeth and form spaces called pockets. Bacteria move into the pockets where they continue to promote irritation. Left untreated, the process can continue until the bone and other tooth-supporting tissues are destroyed. The early stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis. It often results in gums that are red and swollen and bleed easily.
Some possible warning signs of gum disease include: gums that bleed during brushing, red and swollen gums, tender gums, gums that have pulled away from the teeth, persistent bad breath, pus between the teeth and gums, loose or separating teeth and a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
Children and adults at high risk of dental decay may benefit from using addition fluoride products. Dental sealants may also be used for a child’s total preventive dental care.
What are implants?
When it comes to replacing one or more teeth in your mouth, a dental implant is often the treatment of choice and is also one of the most conservative treatments for tooth replacement. Implants are biocompatible posts that replace the roots of your missing teeth. They are physically and biologically designed to attach to your jaw bone and become the foundation for a natural looking restoration.
Your new tooth or teeth will have excellent stability and strength, and will look and feel like your natural teeth. Implants are prescribed to replace a missing tooth or teeth. An implant post is placed where the tooth is missing. A customized gum or bridge is permanently cemented to the implant. Implants restore the natural beauty, function and health of the teeth.
What is a Bridge?
A bridge is prescribed when one or more teeth are missing and there healthy teeth on both sides of the open space. Bridges can be made from three types of materials: solid gold for reliable long wear; porcelain fused to a gold base for strength and beauty, and high-strength metal-free porcelain for optimum cosmetic results.
Bridges are prescribed for damaged, decayed or broken teeth. The damaged teeth are prepared by eliminating tooth structure. After fabrication, the bridge is cemented to the prepared teeth. Bridges restore the natural beauty and health of teeth. With proper care, your new bridge will increase your overall health and instill confidence for years to come.
What are Crowns?
Crowns are prescribed when a tooth or teeth
are too badly decayed, broken or cracked to be easily restored with a filling.
Crowns are normally needed for teeth that have had root canals, but can also be
placed on dental implants to replace missing teeth. Crowns can be made entirely of gold or porcelain fused
to a gold substance for strength and beauty. However, with new technology,
crowns can be made entirely from high-strength ceramic and porcelain for
beautiful cosmetic results.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Endodontic treatment more commonly known as root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp of your tooth becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes such as deep decay, repeated dental procedures on your tooth, or a crack/chip in your tooth.
Decay can result in the infection to the pulp of the tooth. After creating a small opening, very small instruments are used to clean and shape the root canal spaces. The cleaned spaces are filled with a biocompatible material and specialized cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals. With proper care, an endodontically treated will function normally for years to come.
What are Wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth or third molars are the last teeth to erupt in your mouth and are the teeth least needed for good oral health. Most people have four wisdom teeth that usually erupt through the gums in their late teens or early twenties. Sometimes wisdom teeth remain trapped in the jawbone under the gums because there is insufficient room for them to erupt.
Wisdom teeth can cause gum disease, crowding or other damage to adjacent teeth, decay (due to the inability of your toothbrush to keep the area clean) and bone destroying cysts. Pain and swelling are the most common symptoms of problems with wisdom teeth. Whether you have any obvious symptoms, it is important to diagnose potential or existing problems caused by your wisdom teeth. Removal is often the wisest decision for your health and well-being.
© Universal Dental Surgery 2012
