General
General Dentistry
Cavity Treatment
The main factors contributing to tooth decay are bacteria and a diet high in sugar and starch. There are over 500 different types of bacteria that are normally present in the mouth. These bacteria combine with food and saliva to form a sticky substance called plaque that attaches to teeth. Foods rich in starches add to the stickiness of the plaque, which begins to get hard if it remains on the teeth after a couple of days and turns into tartar or calculus. Bacteria in the plaque convert sugar into acid that dissolves the tooth structure causing holes, or cavities. Because of these contributing factors, dental caries has been described as a “diet bacterial” disease.
Types of Treatment
1) Resin
Dental composite resins are types of synthetic resins that are used in dentistry as restorative materials or adhesives. Synthetic resins evolved as restorative materials since they were insoluble, aesthetic, insensitive to dehydration, easy to manipulate, and reasonably inexpensive.
The main advantage of a direct dental composite over traditional materials such as amalgam is improved aesthetics. Composites can be made in a wide range of tooth colors allowing near invisible restoration of teeth. Composites are glued into teeth and this strengthens the tooth’s structure. The discovery of acid etching of teeth to allow a micromechanical bond to the tooth allows good adhesion of the restoration to the tooth. This means that unlike silver filling there is no need for the dentist to create retentive features destroying the healthy tooth.
2) Inlay
Sometimes, a tooth is planned to be restored with an intracoronal restoration, but the decay or fracture is so extensive that a direct restoration, such as amalgam or composite, would compromise the structural integrity of the restored tooth or provide
substandard opposition to occlusal (i.e., biting) forces. In such situations, an indirect gold or porcelain inlay restoration may be indicated. When an inlay is used, the tooth-to-restoration margin may be finished and polished to such a super-fine line of contact that recurrent decay will be all but impossible. While these restorations might be ten times the price of direct restorations, the superiority of an inlay in terms of resistance to occlusal forces, protection against recurrent decay, the precision of fabrication, marginal integrity, proper contouring for gingival (tissue) health, and ease of cleansing offers an excellent alternative to the direct restoration.
3) Crown
A crown is a type of dental restoration that completely caps or encircles a tooth. Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth. They are typically bonded to the tooth using dental cement. Crowns can be made from many materials, which are usually fabricated using indirect methods.
Root Canal Therapy
A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
Then, a sealer paste and a rubber compound is placed into the tooth’s root canal to fill the interior of the tooth. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.
The final step may involve further restoration of the tooth. Because a tooth that needs a root canal often is one that has a large filling or extensive decay or other weakness, a crown often needs to be placed on the tooth to protect it, prevent it from breaking, and restore it to full function.
Gum Treatment
Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean.
The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums which is called “gingivitis.” In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen, and bleeding easily.
When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to “periodontitis” (which means “inflammation around the tooth.”) In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called “pockets”) that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.
To prevent any gum diseases, it is very important to visit the dental office every 6 months for general scaling and gum treatment. Moreover, brush your teeth with floss regularly in your daily routine.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
A wisdom tooth, in humans, is any of the usual four-third molars. Wisdom teeth commonly affect other teeth as they develop, becoming impacted or coming in sideways.
Wisdom teeth are extracted for two general reasons: either the wisdom teeth have already become impacted, or the wisdom teeth could potentially become problematic if not extracted. Potential problems caused by the presence of properly grown-in wisdom teeth include infections caused by food particles easily trapped in the jaw area behind the wisdom teeth where regular brushing and flossing are difficult and ineffective.
Such infections may be frequent and cause considerable pain and medical danger. Other reasons wisdom teeth are removed include misalignment which rubs up against the tongue or cheek causing pain, potential crowding, or malocclusion of the remaining teeth.
After impacted wisdom tooth surgical extraction, you may have swelling and pain. It can be released once you take post-medication for certain periods and rinse your mouth with an antiseptic solution.
Contact us
We operate on an appointment system to provide convenience for patients.
For more information or to make an appointment with Elite Dentist, please call out consultation.
phone
T. 323-766-2888 or 323-766-2882
