Dental Cleaning
Dental cleaning is an important factor in maininting healthy gums and teeth. It is recommended that a cleaning is done every 6 months unless informed differently by your dentist.
Although varied case by case, a routine dental cleaning may not require the use of anesthesia. A cleaning may be done in one visit or more depending on the amount of plaque that is present, areas involved, and patients' comfort.
During a dental cleaning, plaque and debris are removed from teeth and gums. Once all debris are removed, a coronal polishing is performed. At the conclusion of cleaning the dentist may prescribe a mouth rinse that will be beneficial in healing the gums and maintain hygiene. Also, your dentist will go over oral hygiene instructions and post-operative instructions to assist the maintenance of the oral hygiene.
Crowns, Bridges
Crowns are dental restorations that are indicated for root canal treated teeth, broken teeth, heavily decayed teeth, or teeth that maybe broken and needed for partial denture retention and support. Crowns can be made of full Porcelain, Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM), full gold, Zirconium and more. If a patient is diagnosed with a tooth that needs a crown, the dentist will discuss with the patient the options and the type of crown that would be most ideal.
Dental bridges are indicated for areas in the mouth where teeth are missing. Traditionally bridges are made up of a crown on each side of a missing tooth area, which are called abutments, and a crown which seats in the area where a tooth is missing, this is known as a Pontic. The materials that bridges are made off are similar to those of crowns (Porcelain, PFM, Gold, Zirconium and more). In some cases Bridges are more ideal than removable dentures, however in some cases some factors may contraindicate a crown and other options (i.e. partial dentures) may be more ideal. Your dentist will discuss with you the most ideal options for your case.
Root Canal
Overview
A root canal is a treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth. The procedure involves removing the damaged area of the tooth (the pulp), cleaning and disinfecting it and then filling and sealing it. The common causes affecting the pulp are a cracked tooth, a deep cavity, repeated dental
treatment to the tooth or
trauma.
The term "root canal" comes
from cleaning of the canals
inside the tooth's root.
What to Expect During
a ROOT CANAL
If you think you need a root canal,
consult your dentist. There are a
number of steps that occur over a
few office visits.
-
X-ray – if a dentist suspects you may need a root canal, he will first take X-rays or examine existing X-rays to show where the decay is located.
-
Anesthesia – local anesthesia is administered to the affected tooth. Contrary to popular belief, a root canal is no more painful than a filling.
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Pulpectomy – an opening is made and the diseased tooth pulp is removed.
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Filling – the roots that have been opened (to get rid of the disease pulp) are filled with gutta-percha material and sealed off with cement.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are diagnosed usually due to decayed teeth, broken/chipped teeth, food getting stuck between teeth, or for cosmetic reasons. The most conventional material used as fillings are composite (white) and amalgam (silver), at Miles for Smiles we offer both. Amalgam fillings and Composite fillings have pros and cons which are explained to each of our patients prior to their use. Our experienced dentists will review each case meticulously and help our patients in making the decision of which filling would be most beneficial in use.
Dentures and Partials
Dentures are removable appliances that are traditionally used to replace missing teeth. Dentures can be full, which can replace a full set of teeth, or partial, which can replace some missing teeth. Dentures are designed to help mastication of food, support facial structures, such as the lips, speech and more. Some people have wear dentures that are old and ill-fitting, for that we offer relining and adjustments.
Denture fabrication is a process that may take several appointments. At the first appointment your doctor will evaluate your upper and lower jaw bones (mandible and maxilla) and several other factors in order to diagnose the type of dentures that are best for you. The amount of appointments and denture type will be discussed in more detail after your dentist’s diagnosis.
Extractions
Dental extractions are performed in order to remove teeth that are not restorable, have sever decay or sever infection, are loose and may be dislodged and block patient’s airway, or have advanced gum disease. Some other factors may lead to tooth extractions and will be discussed with patients on individual basis. In dentistry, extractions are known to be the last resort. In Miles for Smiles, it is our ambition to do our best to save as many teeth as possible with preserving natural teeth.