Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is the process of removing infected, injured or dead pulp from your tooth.  The space inside the hard layers of each tooth is called the root canal system.  This system is filled with soft dental pulp made up of nerves and blood vessels that help your tooth grow and develop.  When bacteria enter your tooth through deep cavities, cracks or flawed fillings, your tooth can become abscessed.  An abscessed tooth is a tooth with an infection in the pulp.  If pulp becomes infected, it needs to be removed.  An abscessed tooth may cause pain and/or swelling.  Your dentist may notice the infection from a dental x-ray or from other changes with the tooth.  If left untreated, an abscessed tooth can cause serious oral health problems.

HOW A ROOT CANAL TREATMENT IS DONE

·         The dentist gives you a local anaesthetic (freezing).

·         To protect your tooth from bacteria in your saliva during the treatment, the dentist places a rubber dam around the tooth being treated.

·         The dentist makes an opening in the tooth to reach the root canal system and the damaged pulp.

·         Using very fine dental instruments, the dentist removes the pulp by cleaning and enlarging the root canal system.

·         After the canal has been cleaned, the dentist fills and seals the canal.

·         The opening of the tooth is then sealed with either a temporary or permanent filling.

AFTER ROOT CANAL TREAMENT           

After a root canal treatment, your tooth has to be restored to look, feel and work as much like a natural tooth as possible.  If an endodontist performed your root canal treatment, he or she will fill the opening of the tooth with a temporary filling and send you back to your dentist, who will use a permanent filling or a crown to restore your tooth.  The choice of restoration will depend on the strength of the part of the tooth that’s left.  A back tooth will likely need a crown because chewing puts a great deal of force on back teeth.  If there is not enough of the tooth left, posts may be used to help support the crown. Root canal treatment may be done in one or two appointments.  After root canal treatment, your tooth may be tender for the first week or two.  Bad pain or swelling is NOT common.  If this happens, call your dentist or endodontist.You can still get a cavity or gum disease after a root canal treatment.  Root canal treatment does not protect your tooth from other types of damage.  With proper care and regular dental visits, the tooth could last as long as you’re other teeth.  Most of the time, a tooth that has had a root canal treatment can be saved.  However, there are cases where everything possible has been done to save a tooth and still the tooth must be extracted.

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CROWNS 02/10/2012
 
                                               CROWNS                                                                                                                                                      

What is a crown and why do you need one?

A crown is an artificial tooth that covers and restores a tooth’s shape, appearance and  function.  You may need a crown if you have had a root canal, a large filling or a have a broken tooth.   Crowns can also be used to cover a discoloured or misshapen tooth.  Once a crown has been placed on a tooth it will look and work much like a natural tooth.

How will your Dentist make a crown?

1.       Your dentist will give you a local anaesthetic.

2.       The dental assistant will take an impression of your teeth.

3.       Your dentist will then file down the tooth that needs to be restored, to make room for the crown.

4.       Another impression of the filed-down tooth and nearby teeth is taken.  This impression is used to custom make your final crown so it will be the right shape for your mouth.  This impression will be sent to a dental lab to fabricate your crown.

5.       Until your final crown is ready your dentist places a temporary crown over the tooth that needs to be restored.  The temporary crown is made from an impression of your tooth before it was filed down.  It protects your tooth until the final crown is ready.   A temporary crown may not have the same shape and colour as a final crown.

6.       On your next visit, approximately 2 weeks later, your dentist takes off the temporary crown and puts on the final one.  Your dentist checks to make sure the crown is the right fit, shape, colour and bite.  If it is, your dentist cements the crown into place.

These are the steps dentists most often follow in making a crown, but your tooth may need special care.  If this is the case your dentist will discuss this with you accordingly.

Crowns are strong and generally last for about 10 years or longer if you take good care of them.  Brush and floss your crown, just like you clean your natural teeth.  Crowns may not be as strong as your natural teeth.  So like your natural teeth, remember not to bite down on hard objects or use your teeth to open or cut things.

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THE OBJECTIVE: Teeth whitening is a way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the surface enamel. While the procedure cannot make a complete color change, it can lighten the existing shade and make your smile and teeth look brighter.  A full exam and x-rays must be done first to make sure you are a good candidate.

THE PROCEDURE:  May involve one in-office  appointment or a fabrication of a take home whitening kit.  The in-office whitening  appointment  is approximately one hour.   The take home whitening kit involves 2 appointments ½ hour each in office to take impressions  and deliver the kit with instructions to be carried out at home by yourself.  The in-office procedure involves bleaching of the teeth, where a gel is placed on the gums to protect the soft tissue and then a whitening product is applied directly to the tooth surface.  The active ingredient in the product is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The peroxide is broken down on the tooth surface and oxygen passes into the enamel to make the tooth color lighter over time.   

a)        The at home treatment involves dabbing a small amount of whitening gel inside of your custom made dental tray.  It can be worn once or twice a day for 1 hour for up to 4 weeks.

b)       Immediately after an in office treatment your teeth will be 3-4 shades lighter and may lighten another couple shades in the next few days.  The at home treatment works more slowly, it may take 3-4 weeks to get the same results as the in office treatment.

THE OUTCOME: The teeth should gradually appear whiter and brighter in appearance as a result of this dentistry, although it may take 4-5 weeks before you see the best results. The effects are not permanent but should last for approximately 4 months, and may depend on whether you smoke or continue to consume food or drinks that have a staining effect.

THE RISKS: There are few risks associated with teeth whitening treatment but complications particular to it include temporary tooth sensitivity and sore gums. You may get a sore throat or white patches on the gum line. Teeth whitening can only lighten existing tooth colour and only works on natural teeth. The treatment cannot work on dentures, fillings, crowns and veneers.

THE POPULARITY: Teeth whitening is becoming a very popular procedure for people of all ages and is often used to counter the effects of general discolouration of the teeth, which happens over time, because of food, drink, smoking and natural ageing. Tartar build up (composed of mineral salts, food, and other debris that has hardened over time) can also affect the colour of teeth and some people may have staining under the surface, which can be caused by certain antibiotics or tiny cracks in the teeth which absorb stains

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