Dental Implants

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants are tiny titanium posts which are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, dental implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing.

Evaluation for Dental Implants

If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by the dental surgeon and  will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.

Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implants are metal anchors, which act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures.
 First, implants are placed within your jawbone by a surgery. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. The surgeon will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The replacement teeth are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.

Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.

Pit and Fissure sealants

                              

Pit and Fissure sealants

The sealing of fissures and pits is the preventive/therapeutic closing of the chewing surface (that is particularly vulnerable to caries) with a highly fluid synthetic compound.

Patients with a high risk for caries, as well in patients  with healthy teeth with fissures vulnerable to caries, should have a sealing of the fissures and pits done early.

What are pits and fissures?

The top surfaces of your teeth - where the chewing takes place - aren't smooth and flat. They are cris-crossed with tiny hills and valleys - called pits and fissures. These are places where plaque can build up safe from your toothbrush and dental floss. Some of the pits and fissures are so narrow that even a single bristle from your toothbrush can't get deep enough to clean them out.

                                                                 

   The objective is to transform  the chewing surface of the tooth by applying the sealant  into a plaque retentive relief and thus into a surface suitable for prophylaxis.

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How it is applied?
One method of preventing cavities from developing in the pits and fissures is to seal them off with a special varnish called a pit and fissure sealant. If your dentist determines that you need a pit and fissure sealant to help protect your teeth from decay, some special steps are taken to prepare the teeth first.

1. Your dentist will clean the tooth first with small rotating brushes or an abrasive particle polishing paste.

2.Afterwards, the surface of the unprepared dental enamel surface is conditioned with approx. 35% phosphoric acid gel for about 60 seconds on a permanent tooth and for about 120 seconds on a milk tooth.

3. After the thorough spraying and washing of the etching gel for at least 10 seconds and a forced drying, a chalk-like white enamel surface must be visible which will make it easier for the pit and fissure sealant to stick. 

4.Once everything is ready, your dentist 'paints' the sealant right over the pits and fissures on the tooth surface.

5. A special kind of light cures the sealant and makes it ready for use.

6. The whole procedure is quick and painless. Keeping the area dry and away from your saliva during the application is very important. If the tooth gets wet, the sealant might not stick properly. 
                                         

Contraindications to fissure and pit sealing are broad dentin lesions, incompletely erupted teeth, and milk molars, whose second dentition is imminent.

ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure in which the infected or damaged pulp of a tooth is removed and the inside areas are filled and sealed. The pulp of the tooth is the soft tissue that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. It lies within the tooth and extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the root in the jawbone.

Why is the procedure required?

Root canal treatment saves teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. The most common cause of pulp infection is a cracked tooth or a deep cavity. Both of these problems can let bacteria enter the pulp and causes an infection inside the tooth. If not treated, pus builds up at the root tip in the jawbone forming a “pus-pocket” called an abscess, which can cause damage to the bone around the teeth.

What preparation is required?

There is no preparation required for root canal treatment. Once the tooth is opened to drain, the dentist may prescribe an antibiotic. With the infection under control, local anaesthetic is more effective, so that the root canal treatment may be performed without discomfort.

How is the procedure performed?

During the treatment, the infected pulp is removed , the pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned and sealed. The steps involved are:

•      An opening is made in the crown of the tooth.

•      The pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned.

•     Medications may be put in the pulp chamber and root canal to help get rid of bacteria and treat the infection.

•     A temporary filling is placed in the crown opening to protect the tooth between dental visits.

•      In the final step, the temporary filling is removed and a permanent filling of gutta percha is done in the root canal.

•  Then the opening is sealed with a permenant filling and a post is inserted to support the crown.

• Finally the tooth is covered with a cap of metal, porcelain or gold crown .

Root canal treatment can sometimes be completed in one visit but often several visits are needed. Back teeth usually require more time for treatment because they have more canals, which are narrower and harder to reach.

During the treatment, x-rays need to be taken at each stage to assess the length and position of each of the root canal.

 
                                             

What are the alternatives to root canal treatment?

Extraction or removal is the only alternative. The extracted tooth will have to be replaced by a denture, bridge or implant. Otherwise, the neighbouring teeth will move into the space, creating problems with eating and cleaning. These problems can cause gum disease and new cavities.