NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Wisdom teeth are the large teeth in the very back of your mouth that grow in during your late teens or early twenties. Not everyone gets wisdom teeth, but most people will get four in total. Sometimes wisdom teeth grow in straight, but sometimes they can cause problems. Your dentist might recommend removing wisdom teeth if they are decayed, or are causing pain, infected, or crowding. It is often best to be proactive when it comes to wisdom teeth – removing them before any problems may occur. Recovery from wisdom teeth extraction usually takes about 4 to 7 days. If the tooth is under the gum, then healing may take longer. We can help you decide if wisdom teeth removal is something you or your loved one should have done. It is best to do so sooner rather than later.

A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling.

There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth. As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced. They are very durable, and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.

Reasons for composite fillings:

• Chipped teeth.
• Closing space between two teeth.
• Cracked or broken teeth.
• Decayed teeth.
• Worn teeth.

Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove decay as necessary. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function. It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling.

Root canal treatment — also called endodontics – is a set of specialized procedures designed to treat problems of the soft nerve tissue inside the tooth. While it’s often stereotyped as an unusually painful treatment, in most cases the procedure is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. It’s actually one of the most effective ways of soothing tooth pain.

A root canal procedure becomes necessary when infection or inflammation develops in the pulp tissue of the tooth. Pulp tissue consists of blood vessels, connective tissue and nerve cells — which explains why intense pain can always be a risk during a procedure. In time, the pain may go away… at least temporarily. Without any treatment, however, the infection will not disappear. It can lead to a dental abscess, and may even contribute to systemic problems in other parts of the body.

How do you know when you need a root canal?

Sometimes, the pain you feel makes it an obvious need. If you feel constant and severe pain and pressure in your mouth, or noticeable swelling and extreme sensitivity in your gums, then it’s clear you need an evaluation and treatment as soon as possible. Another symptom of pulp tissue damage is sharp pain when you bite down on food. Lingering pain after eating foods that are really hot or really cold is also an indication of potential trouble. If any of these symptoms arise, you need to have an examination as soon as possible.

Dental extractions are a common dental practice that consist of removing a tooth from its socket. Both the crown, which is the visible portion of the tooth, and the tooth roots are removed. Teeth that have fully erupted are generally removed through a process called simple extraction, which involves using specialized tools to lift or pull the tooth from its socket. Teeth that haven’t yet erupted are removed surgically, often with the patient under IV anesthesia to prevent discomfort and trauma. If necessary, the extracted tooth can later be replaced by a dental implant or bridge.

Dental extractions are usually performed as a last resort when teeth are too badly damaged to be saved, or when leaving a tooth in the mouth will cause more harm than good. There are four primary reasons why you might need to have a tooth extracted.

-Tooth Decay
-Tooth Damage
-Dental Abscess
-Misalignment or Crowding