Our Services

Regardless of what your dental needs may be, you can count on our dental center to provide you with the highest level of care and professional attention. From cleanings and exams to extensive tooth restorations, we cover a wide range of services. On this page, we provide you with detailed descriptions of the services and treatments we offer. Every service is focused on bringing our patients great results and a beautiful smile.

Once you've familiarized yourself with our services, please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have. We'll be glad to set up an appointment, and we look forward to treating you to great dental care.

Cleaning and Protection - Dental Exam

At your initial visit with our office, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive exam. During this examination, either your dentist or hygienist will:

• Examine your diagnostic x-rays (radiographs)
• Screen for oral cancer
• Check for gum disease
• Check for tooth decay
• Examine existing restorations

Cleaning and Protection - Professional Dental Cleaning

Your professional dental cleaning will be done by either your Registered Dental Hygienist or by your Dentist. Each cleaning includes:

• Removal of calculus (tartar) through the use of special dental instruments
• Removal of plaque
• Teeth polishing to remove stubborn stains or plaque

Cleaning and Protection - Dental X-Rays

Dental x-rays, also called radiographs, are an important tool for your dentist to diagnose and prevent any serious dental problems. These x-rays reveal what is occurring under the gum line, and they make it possible to find any abnormalities that the exam/cleaning does not reveal. The full picture of the mouth that x-rays provide allow your dentist to detect issues and prevent them from developing into larger problems. In the end, taking dental x-rays will save you time and money.

Dental x-rays can reveal:

• Abscesses or cysts
• Bone loss
• Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
• Decay between the teeth
• Developmental abnormalities
• Poor tooth and root positions
• Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line

Are dental x-rays safe?

Everyday, people are exposed to natural radiation from the surrounding environment. Dental x- rays only expose patients to the same level of radiation that a person receives from natural sources, making them both safe and effective.

Even though such a low level of radiation is safe, we still minimize our patients' exposure by using lead apron shields to cover their bodies and a fast film that keeps exposure levels at a minimum. In fact, compared to traditional film x-rays, our digital radiographs reduce radiation exposure by up to 90 percent.

How often should dental x-rays be taken?

The time between your scheduled x-rays will depend largely on your medical and dental history. Some of the things your dentist will take into consideration are your age, current signs/symptoms of dental problems and your risk for disease. Based on your individual needs, your dentist will then be able to determine the frequency with which you should receive radiographs.

Typically, we recommend that all new patients receive a full-mouth series on their first visits. These x-rays are good for three to five years. Bite-wing x-rays, which show the top and bottom teeth biting together, are usually taken at your normal recall (check up) visits, either once or twice a year.

Cleaning and Protection - Home Care

The number one goal at our clinic is to help our patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles that will serve them for a lifetime. Practicing good dental care habits at home plays an important part in keeping your dental health at its very best. Eating healthy meals and minimizing snacks, along with brushing and flossing daily, can greatly reduce your risk of dental disease.

Tooth brushing - Your teeth should be brushed at least two times a day, and one of the most important times to brush your teeth is right before you go to bed. An ADA-approved toothpaste and soft bristle tooth brush will bring the best results from your dental routine.

• To start brushing, hold the tooth brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums, using small circular motions on the the teeth. You also need to make sure that you feel the brush's bristles on your gums.
• Brush the whole surface of each tooth, including the outer and inner sides, as well as the biting surface.
• Use the tooth brush's tip to get the inside of the front teeth.
• Brush your tongue to remove extra bacteria and to freshen your breath.
• Use an electric tooth brush to get the best results. They remove plaque the most effectively, and they are easy to use. Just put the bristles on your teeth and move the brush across all sides of every tooth.

Flossing - Flossing cleans areas between the teeth and under the gum line that regular brushing cannot reach. It disturbs the build up of plaque, protecting the teeth from the serious damage that plaque and tartar can cause.

• To floss, you should use about 12-16 inches (30-40 cm). Wrap most of the floss around your middle fingers, leaving a couple inches between your hands.
• To get the floss between the teeth, guide it with your thumb and forefingers, going in a back-and- forth motion.
• Gently curve the floss around each tooth, making sure to get under the gum line while moving the floss up and down the tooth.
• Use a floss holder if you struggle with conventional floss.

Rinsing - After brushing your teeth, it's important to rinse you mouth out thoroughly with water. You can also do this if you don't have a chance to brush your teeth after a meal. Many people also like to use an over-the-counter product for rinsing. You should talk with your dentist to figure out which rinsing product would be the best for you.

Your dentist might also recommend that you use other dental aids, such as tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, interdental brushes, etc. Through proper use, these aids can all improve your oral care.

Cosmetic Dentistry - Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are simply tooth-colored fillings that are used for repairing a damaged or decayed tooth. The filling is used to fill up the part of the tooth where the flawed part once was, thereby restoring the tooth's original shape and function.

There are many filling options that are available, composite fillings being just one. Every filling option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and your dentist can help you understand the differences. The two most commonly used fillings are silver amalgam and composite fillings. Composite fillings work best on the front teeth or other visible teeth, as they can be closely matched to a tooth's existing color.

Composite fillings, as well as the other types of fillings, are very durable. However, after several years of normal wear, they will probably need replaced.

Reasons for composite fillings:

• Chipped teeth
• Closing a gap between two teeth
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Decayed teeth
• Worn teeth

How are composite fillings placed?

It typically only takes one appointment to place a composite filling. To start the procedure, your dentist will numb the area and then remove any decay or flaws. The newly-created space will be cleaned thoroughly, with a special medication being applied to teeth that have decay near the root. At this point, your dentist will place the filling, shaping and polishing it to give the tooth its original shape back.

After receiving a filling, you are likely to be more sensitive to hot and cold. This sensitivity will subside with time.

Before going home, you will receive care instructions that should accompany a normal, healthy dental routine and diet.

Cosmetic Dentistry - Porcelain Crowns (Caps)

A crown is used to cover the entire tooth, so it can maintain its original size, shape and function. Crowns are also referred to as caps, and they are used to protect teeth for which other restorative treatments, such as fillings, would no longer be effective.

Though crowns can be made of many different materials, porcelain is the most popular for the simple reason that it resembles the color of natural teeth. Crowns are made to last for years, but with time they will need replaced. Porcelain crowns are a great way to restore your smile by restoring your tooth's shape and function, while at the same time closely matching the tooth's original color.

Reasons for crowns:

• Broken or fractured teeth
• Cosmetic enhancement
• Decayed teeth
• Fractured fillings
• Large fillings
• Root canals

What does getting a crown involve?

With crowns, two appointments are necessary to place the restoration effectively. The first appointment is used to take accurate molds of the tooth that's going to be fixed. These mold are used to create the custom-made crown, as well as a temporary crown that you will wear between the first and second appointments.

After the molds are taken, your dentist will numb the tooth area and remove decay and some tooth surface so the crown will fit. At this point, a temporary crown will be placed on the tooth with temporary cement. Your bite will also be checked to ensure that everything is in place properly and comfortable for you.

There is typically a two-week time lapse before the second appointment, at which point the temporary crown will be removed. The tooth will be cleaned again, and the custom-made crown will be placed on the tooth. While placing the crown, your dentist will make sure that the spacing and bite remain accurate.

Regular visits to your dentist will be encouraged to help lengthen the life of your new crown, and you will also be given care instructions at the end of your second appointment.

Cosmetic Dentistry - Porcelain Fixed Bridges

Dental bridges are permanent restorations; they are used to replace missing teeth.

There are many different kinds of bridges to choose from, and your dentist will provide you with the best advice so you can make a smart decision. The most traditional bridge is the most popular. This restoration is made of porcelain fused to metal, with the porcelain matching the natural color of teeth very closely. With the traditional bridge, two crowns are placed over two abutment (anchoring teeth). They are then attached to pontics (artificial teeth). This fills the gap that was created by a missing tooth or teeth.

As with all restorations, dental bridges will provide you with several years of use; however, they will eventually require re-cementing or even replacement.

Reasons for a fixed bridge:

• Fill space of missing teeth
• Maintain facial shape
• Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
• Restore chewing and speaking ability
• Restore your smile
• Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance

What does getting a fixed bridge involve?

Two visits are typically necessary for a bridge. At the first visit, the different tooth areas will be numbed and the two anchoring teeth will be prepared for the crown. This prep work requires removing a portion of the enamel. After this step, your dentist will take a mold of the teeth, so the dental laboratory can create your custom-made bridge. At the first appointment, your dentist will also create and place a temporary bridge for you to wear until your next appointment, which will be several weeks later.

When it's time for your second visit, the permanent bridge will be checked and adjusted for a proper fit before it is cemented to the teeth. Sometimes the dentist will use temporary cement to place a bridge, allowing time for your mouth to adjust to the new bridge before cementing it in permanently at a later time.

In addition to keeping up regular brushing, flossing and dental visits, you will be given care instructions for your new bridge.

Cosmetic Dentistry - Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are very thin pieces of tooth-shaped porcelain that are bonded to the front of the teeth. Each veneer is custom-made to give every patient a beautiful, natural-looking smile.

Veneers can oftentimes be used in place of crowns to treat a variety of different dental conditions, and they can completely transform a patient's smile.

Created to be very durable, veneers still might need replaced over time so your smile will continue looking its best.

Reasons for porcelain veneers:

• Cosmetically, to create a uniform, white, beautiful smile
• Crooked teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Severely discolored or stained teeth
• Teeth that are too small or large
• Unwanted or uneven spaces
• Worn or chipped teeth

What does getting porcelain veneers involve?

Veneers can be placed on the teeth within the time frame of two visits. On the first visit, your dentist will lightly buff and shape the teeth, making room for the thickness of the veneers. Very little anesthesia, or none at all, is necessary for this shaping process. Your dentist will also take impressions of your teeth and help you choose the best color/shade at this visit.

At the second visit, your dentist will thoroughly clean the teeth, which will help ensure a long- lasting bond. Once this is done, the veneers will be bonded to the teeth with a special cement that is hardened by a light beam.

Regular dentist visits combined with good oral hygiene habits, such as daily brushing and flossing, is necessary to help your veneers last for a long time. We will also give you special care instructions after your second appointment.

Cosmetic Dentistry - Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening or bleaching is a non-invasive procedure that can drastically improve the appearance of your smile by brightening the natural color of your teeth.

Your dentist can offer you several different options for whitening your teeth, but the most popular method among most patients is the home tooth whitening system. Though done at home, this system can still bring patients dramatic results. Before you start the tooth whitening process, your dentist will examine any fillings, crowns or other restorations to determine if they will need replaced after whitening your teeth. Any necessary replacements will be done after the bleaching has been done; this way your new restorations match the new, brighter shade of your teeth.

Every several years, you will need touch ups to keep your smile looking white. If your smoke or drink tea, coffee or wine, the touch ups will need to be done more frequently.

Reasons for tooth whitening:

• Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)
• Normal wear of outer tooth layer
• Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.)
• Yellow- or brown-stained teeth

What does tooth whitening involve?

Two visits to your dentist are necessary to get the tooth whitening system started. On the first visit, we'll take molds of your teeth, and we'll use these molds to create clear, custom-made trays for you.

During the second appointment, we'll make sure the trays fit properly on your teeth. If any adjustments are necessary, we'll make them at this time. Once you receive the trays, you'll need to wear them twice a day for 30 minutes for a couple of weeks. You can also wear the trays overnight instead of during the day. Depending on the level of whiteness you want to achieve, you may need to extend the length of the treatment time. Once you have bleached your teeth to the desired level, you may experience some sensitivity, but this will gradually go away.

We'll send you home with detailed care instructions so you can be sure that you're using the trays and solution correctly.

Periodontal Disease - What is it?

The word periodontal means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease, therefore, affects the gums and bones that surround the teeth. The disease is caused mainly by the build up of plaque and calculus (tartar) on the teeth. Plaque and tartar attack and break down the gums and supporting bone in the mouth. People who have periodontal disease often experience red, swollen and bleeding gums.

About four out of every five people have periodontal disease but are unaware of it, as the first stages of the disease are not very painful.

The number one cause of tooth loss, periodontal disease is very serious and has been link with other systemic disease of the body, including cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes and stroke. Research is currently being done to determine if there is a connection between these diseases and the bacteria associated with periodontal disease. Smokers have an increased risk for this disease.

To reduce your risk of periodontal disease, you need to practice good oral hygiene, eat a balanced diet and schedule regular dental visits.

Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease:

• Bleeding gums
• Loose teeth
• New spacing between teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Pus around the teeth and gums
• Receding gums
• Red and puffy gums
• Tenderness or Discomfort

Periodontal Disease - Diagnosis

During your regular dental check-up, your dentist or hygienist will be able to determine whether or not you have periodontal disease.

To check for periodontal disease, your dentist will use a small dental instrument (called a periodontal probe) to measure the pocket (sulcus) between the gums and the teeth. Ideally, this small pocket should only measure three millimeters or less, and it should never bleed. Your dentist will use the probe to see if the space is deeper than it should be, which would indicate a more advanced stage of the disease.

Before making a diagnosis, your dentist will also check for inflammation, bleeding and tooth mobility. The information taken from this evaluation will be used to determine which below category the disease is currently in.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is considered the first stage of periodontal disease. Tender, inflamed gums that bleed during brushing or flossing are the main symptoms.

Periodontitis

The plaque that forms on your teeth eventually hardens into tartar (calculus). When tartar starts to build up on the teeth, the gums start to recede away from the teeth. Bacteria and pus begin to grow in the gaps between the gums and teeth., irritating the gums and causing them to bleed very easily. Bone loss is also found sometimes with periodontitis.

Advanced Periodontitis

As periodontal disease begins to destroy the gums, bone and other supporting ligaments, the teeth start to become loose and may fall out. Moderate to severe bone loss is seen frequently with advanced periodontitis.

Periodontal Disease - Treatment

Your dentist will recommend treatments according to the type of periodontal disease you have and how advanced it may be.

Since gingivitis is not a very severe form of the disease and does not typically include bone loss, it can usually be treated by a couple regular cleanings. Tips for good home care will also be given to you to help prevent the disease from returning.

If the disease is at a more advanced stage, scaling and root planning (deep cleaning) are required. Your dentist will most likely perform this cleaning on only one quadrant of the mouth at a type. Numbing the area completely, your dentist will remove tartar, plaque and other toxins that are on the roots of the teeth and both above and below the gum line. By removing these toxins, the gums can heal and shrink back to their normal size. Mouth rinses and an electric tooth brush might also be recommended to finish clearing up the infection.

Sometime scaling and root planning are not sufficient enough to clear up the disease, and periodontal surgery is necessary to help the sulcus go back to a normal size. Your teeth will stay healthier and be much easier to clean if the pocket size is smaller. A specialist might be necessary to perform the procedure.

Periodontal Disease - Maintenance

Plaque that's left on the teeth for 24 hours will turn into tartar. Through regular home care, you can help prevent the build up of plaque and tartar. Nevertheless, regular dental exams and cleanings are necessary to remove plaque in the hard to reach places of your mouth.

If you've received treatment for periodontal disease, you need to follow up with regular cleanings at your dental office. During these cleanings, your dentist can check the depth of the sulcus to ensure that your gums are still healthy, and any plaque/tartar that you've not been able to remove from daily brushing and flossing will be taken care of during the cleaning. We recommend that patients who have had periodontal disease to come in for cleanings four times every year.

During your cleaning and exam, we will also make sure to:

• Take and examine diagnostic x-rays
• Examine existing restorations
• Check for tooth decay
• Screen for oral cancer
• Make recommendations for your oral hygiene
• Polish your teeth

Supplementing your daily dental care routine with regular periodontal cleanings will go a long way in helping you maintain good oral health, and it is the best way to keep the disease from returning.

Restorations - What are they?

Even with heightened patient awareness and the advances made in dentistry over the last few years, the teeth are still susceptible to decay, infection and damage from many other sources. Restorations are used to repair teeth that have been damaged in some way. As their name implies, these procedures restore a tooth's original shape, function and form. There are many restoration options that are suitable for different conditions, making it easy for patients to choose the best restorative treatment for their individual situations.

For patients who are in need of a restorative treatment, we'll explain the the advantages and drawbacks of the different available options. Your dentist will be able to make the best recommendations for your situation. Throughout the process, we'll make sure you receive the best dental care, so your smile will last you for years to come.

Restorative dentistry can:

• Enhance your smile
• Fill in unattractive spaces between teeth
• Improve or correct an improper bite
• Prevent the loss of a tooth
• Relieve dental pain
• Repair damaged and decayed teeth
• Replace missing teeth
• Replace old, unattractive dental treatments
• Restore normal eating and chewing

Restorations - Dental Implants

Missing teeth can be replaced by dental implants, which provide patients a permanent, convenient solution compared to full or partial dentures. As a dental appliance, dental implants give strong, comfortable support to patients.

Artificial roots and teeth are used for dental implants. The roots, which are usually made of titanium, are surgically placed into the jaw bone. The artificial teeth are attached to the implants, and patients end up with a beautiful, functional smile.

Even though they are designed to last for many years, implants still might need re-tightened. Sometimes, they require replacement.

Dental implants are used to:

• Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth
• Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into a missing tooth's space
• Restore a patient's confident smile
• Restore chewing, speech, and digestion
• Restore or enhance facial tissues
• Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable

What does getting dental implants involve?

Several visits spread out over a few months are necessary to provide a patient with dental implants.

The whole process is started off on the first visit with x-rays and impressions being taken of both the jaw and the teeth. With the x-rays and impressions, your dentist will be able to determine the condition of the bone and jaw and how much spacing is available for an implant. Your dentist will completely numb the area that is going to receive the implant. At this point, the implant will be surgically placed into the jaw and then left to heal and integrate itself into the bone for about 6 months. A second surgery is sometimes need to place the post that holds the artificial teeth.

After being given several weeks for healing, the artificial teeth will be made and fitted to the implant anchor. Several fittings could be necessary for this part of the process, and it can sometimes take up to two months to get the right fit. At the end, the artificial teeth will be attached permanently, and the dentist will ensure that the patient has a comfortable fit.

Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, combined with a healthy diet, will help your implants last for several years. In addition, we also provide each patient with special care instructions at the end of the procedure.

Restorations - Inlay Restorations

Made from composite material, gold or tooth-colored porcelain, an inlay restoration is a custom filling that is permanently cemented into the tooth by a dentist. These type of fillings are made by professional dental laboratories.

Teeth with a large of amount of decay/damage or teeth with large fillings can often be treated with an inlay restoration. If possible, inlays are a preferable option to crowns, as they do not require as much removal of the tooth surface.

After normal wear over time, most inlays will probably need to be replaced. They are designed to last patients several years, especially when accompanied by smart dental care.

Reasons for inlay restorations:

• Broken or fractured teeth
• Cosmetic enhancement
• Decayed teeth
• Fractured fillings
• Large fillings

What does getting an inlay involve?

Two appointments are usually necessary for an inlay procedure. Molds of the tooth will be taken during the first appointment, and they are used to make both the custom inlay and a temporary inlay that will be worn between the two appointments.

Before placing the temporary inlay, your dentist will prep the tooth by removing decay/damage and thoroughly cleaning the tooth's surface. At this point, the temporary inlay will be placed, and an appointment will be made for the permanent one to be put in.

During the second appointment, the permanent inlay will be carefully placed by the dentist and then cemented into the tooth, with adjustments being made as necessary to ensure it provides you with a comfortable, natural bite.

To make sure that your new inlay lasts for several years, you'll need to make sure to keep up a healthy dental routine and diet, as well as make regular trips to the dentist.

Restorations - Onlay Restorations

Onlay restorations are custom-made filings, and they can be made out of several different materials, including gold, tooth-colored porcelain or composite material. These fillings, also called partial crowns, are created by a professional dental laboratory, and they are made to be permanently cemented to the teeth.

Like inlays, onlays are meant for teeth that have extensive decay/damage or large fillings. In fact, the only true difference between an inlay and an onlay is that an onlay covers one or more of the tooth's chewing cusps. Nevertheless, the onlay still does not cover as much of the tooth as a crown, and therefore not as much of the tooth needs removed during the preparation process.

Onlays are designed and placed in the tooth so they can provide patients several years of use. After normal wear over time, however, they might need replaced.

Reasons for onlay restorations:

• Broken or fractured teeth
• Cosmetic enhancement
• Decayed teeth
• Fractured fillings
• Large fillings

Two appointments are needed for onlay restorations. The first appointment is used to take accurate impressions of the teeth; the impressions are used to create a temporary onlay and a permanent one.

After taking the impressions, your dentist will prep the tooth for the onlay by numbing the area, removing all the decay and damage and then thoroughly cleaning the tooth surface. Once this is done, the temporary only will be placed on the tooth until the custom-made piece is ready.

At the second appointment, the permanent onlay will be cemented to the tooth, and your dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure a proper fit.

After the onlay is on the tooth, we will provide you with special care instructions that, combined with a daily dental routine and regular trips to the dentist, will help extend the life of your onlay.

Restorations - Composite Fillings

See description given under Cosmetic Dentistry.

Restorations - Crowns (Caps)

See description provided under Cosmetic Dentistry.

Restorations - Dentures & Partial Dentures

Dentures are removable dental appliances, and they are used to replace missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. Created to look like a patient's natural teeth, dentures often enhance a patient's smile.

Partial dentures and complete dentures are the two different options available to patients for this type of dental restoration. Complete dentures are only necessary when all the teeth have fallen out or been removed. When only a some of the natural teeth are missing, partial dentures can be used to fill in the spaces left by the missing teeth. Partial dentures are very useful in keeping the rest of the natural teeth from shifting.

There are two types of complete dentures - conventional and immediate. Conventional dentures are provided to a patient only after the dentist has removed the teeth and the gums have been given four to six weeks to heal. During this healing process, the patient goes without teeth. Immediate dentures, on the other hand, are placed in the patient's mouth right after the teeth are removed. Adjustments are necessary with immediate dentures, as the gums will start to heal and shrink after a couple of weeks.

Dentures will last for several years, but they will sometimes need repairs and/or adjustments. Some patients will even need their dentures remade.

Reasons for dentures:

• Loss of all teeth in an arch (requires a complete denture)
• Loss of several teeth in an arch (requires a partial denture)
• Enhancement of smile and facial tissues
• Improvement of chewing, speech, and digestion

What does getting dentures involve?

Several appointments are necessary to provide patients with comfortable, natural-looking dentures. Accurate impressions of the teeth, as well as measurements, are used to create a set of dentures for each patient. Oftentimes, many appointments are needed so that you end up with the correct color, shape and fit. Your dentist will make adjustments as necessary and will place the dentures on your final visit, making sure you have a natural, comfortable fit.

Most patients go through an adjustment period with their new dentures, and during this period they often experience increased saliva flow, as well as soreness and difficulty in eating and speaking. These issues will diminish as you get used to your new dental appliance.

Taking good care of your dentures and making routine trips to your dentist will help ensure your new dentures will last for several years. We will provide you with instructions on how to care for your dentures and how to maintain good overall oral health.

Restorations - Fixed Bridges

See description provided under Cosmetic Dentistry.

Restorations - Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy can be used to save a tooth that would otherwise have to be removed due to infection or decay of the tooth's nerve. The pulp (living tissue inside of a tooth), bacteria, decay and nerves are removed from the tooth during root canal therapy. The empty cavity that remains inside the tooth is filled with medicated dental materials, and the tooth is restored to its original shape and function.

Though root canal therapy is used to avoid removing a tooth, many patients mistakenly believe that pulling out the infected tooth is the easiest and most cost-effective solution. However, removing a tooth usually ends up costing the patient more money, and the new space creates problems for the teeth that were adjacent to the one pulled.

As a treatment, root canal therapy has a high level of success, and it lasts most patients for the rest of their lives. Very rarely, a patient's tooth will have to be re-treated due to new infections.

Common signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:

• An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Severe toothache pain
• Swelling and/or tenderness

Reasons for root canal therapy:

• Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
• Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
• Injury or trauma to the tooth.

What does root canal therapy involve?

Root canals can take one or several appointments, and they will be performed by your dentist or by a recommended endodontist (root canal specialist).

To prep the tooth, your dentist will thoroughly numb the area and then place a rubber dam (sheet of rubber) around the tooth. This sheet protects the tooth from saliva and keeps it dry during the procedure. The dentist will then make an access opening in the top of the tooth; this opening is used to insert root canal files to remove the pulp, nerve tissue, decay and bacteria.

After removing all these tissues, your dentist will seal the tooth with a permanent filling. A temporary filling will be used on patients who require more than one appointment.

The second appointment, if it is necessary, is used to fill and seal off the roots and cavity inside the tooth. The access opening will also be permanently covered, and a crown will most likely be placed over the tooth to protect it from further damage. At the end of the procedure, the tooth will once again be fully functional.

Most patients experience sensitivity after a root canal treatment, but this issue will go away after the tooth has healed.

In addition to being encouraged to keep a consistent home care routine, you will also be provided with care instructions for the tooth that received treatment.