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A dental crown is tooth-shaped cap that is permanently cemented over a tooth, in order to restore the tooth’s strength, shape and size, and improve its appearance. The crown will cover the visible portion of the tooth above and right at the gum line, once it is cemented into place.
Crowns are used to hold weak, broken or cracked teeth together to avoid further fracturing. Crowns are also used to support large fillings, attach a bridge, or cover discolored or deformed teeth. Crowns may also be placed over dental implants.
The dentist usually requires two dental visits to install a crown. First, the dentist needs to prepare the tooth or implant for the crown. The dentist will grind and shape the tooth so that the crown can be fitted over it. Then, the dentist makes an impression of tooth and surrounding gums, which is then sent to a dental laboratory so that the crown can be created. The dentist fits a temporary crown over the tooth, until the permanent crown is ready. During the second visit, dentist will remove the temporary crown and cement the finished permanent crown onto the tooth.
Crowns generally last about five to eight years, and with good oral hygiene most crowns last longer. Certain habits such as fingernail biting, chewing ice, and grinding teeth can do damage to the crown, and should be avoided. |
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A dental bridge is a false tooth (called a “pontic”) used to replace one or more missing teeth. The pontic is centered between two attached porcelain crowns, to create a fixed bridge. The fixed bridge is permanently cemented to the two teeth on either side of the tooth gap.
There are several different types of dental bridges:
- Traditional bridge - a false tooth centered between two attached porcelain crowns
- Resin bonded - also known as a "Maryland" bridge, false teeth are fused together to metal bands and bonded to the back of the teeth on either side of the gap. This type of bridge is ideal when the missing teeth are in the front of the mouth.
- Cantilever – a type of bridge created to attach to only one tooth on either side of the tooth gap.
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The root canal is the hollow space in the center of the tooth. It contains the pulpy nerve tissue that provides the tooth with a sensory function – the ability to feel hot and cold. There may be up to four canals in the human tooth. When the root pulp becomes damaged from cavity decay or fractures, pain usually results due to the increase in blood flow and cellular activity of the tooth. Bacteria can enter and multiply in the tooth, causing the pulp to die. The tooth must be treated or the pain can get worse, and infection can spread, possible causing an abscess.
Root canal therapy involves first removing the decayed or dead pulp, and cleaning out the canal. The dentist may re-shape the canal and insert medication to kill bacteria, if necessary. Once the dentist has determined that all infection has been cleared, the canal will be filled with gutta percha (a rubber-like material). The tooth then will be permanently sealed with porcelain or a permanent crown. Root canal therapy may take between one to three sessions, depending upon the condition of the tooth.
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A denture is an artificial set of removable teeth made of acrylic resin, sometimes combined with metal. Dentures replace missing teeth and adjacent tissues. Dentures can be either partial or complete. A partial denture serves to fills in the spaces made by missing teeth and prevents the remaining teeth from shifting position in the jaw. Complete dentures replace all of the teeth. There are two types of complete dentures: immediate or conventional. An immediate denture is fitted onto the gums as soon as the teeth are surgically removed. One disadvantage of an immediate denture is that adjustments may be necessary after the gums have completely healed. A conventional denture is fitted onto the gums after the gums have had a period of time to heal after surgery.
Dentures can take approximately five dental visits. First, the dentist takes an impression of the gums and a wax bite - these are necessary to determine the vertical dimensions and proper jaw position. The dentist may make a trial denture or “try-in” to make sure of the right shape and color as well as proper fit. Minor adjustments are usually needed when the denture is placed. |
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At Carolina Dental Arts, we are devoted to general and family dentistry. As your primary dental care provider, our practice is responsible for the general diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to the oral health needs for patients of all ages—for everyone in your entire family. We are highly educated and trained on all dental procedures and can consult with you for the best course of treatment for your dental needs.
Give us a call today to find out what Carolina Dental Arts can do for you! |
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Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a specialty involving the diagnosis, surgery and treatment of injuries and defects in the mouth, teeth, face, jaws and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. An oral surgeon is required to obtain 6 additional years of hospital based surgical and anesthesia training. An oral surgeon also has specialized knowledge in pain control and advanced training in anesthesia to provide quality care with maximum patient comfort and safety in the office setting.
The types of surgical procedures we perform include:
- Dental implants
- Cyst or tumor removal
- TMJ surgery to repair/realign jaw
- Facial and jaw reconstruction due to cancer surgery
- Re-align facial bones resulting from facial trauma
- Tooth extraction
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Composite resin is an acrylic-based tooth colored material made out of glass and resin. Composite resin is a favored material used by dentists in tooth fillings and to repair defects in the teeth. Although composite fillings tend to be a little more expensive than amalgam (silver) fillings, the obvious advantage is that it is difficult to distinguish composite from natural teeth. Composites are often used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important, but can be used on back teeth as well.
What are some of the advantages of using composite tooth colored fillings?
- Unlike amalgam fillings, composite bonding will not expand and contract with temperature changes, avoiding the risk of tooth fractures.
- Composite bonded fillings can be prepared so that it releases fluoride in the tooth, preventing recurrent decay.
- Composite bonded fillings look natural.
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Tooth whitening is a process that bleaches the enamel to lighten and remove tooth discoloration and stains from teeth. Tooth discoloration can be caused many factors, including: beverages that stain (such as coffee, teas, and colas), tobacco, trauma, tetracycline (antibiotic) staining, excessive fluoride, and nerve degeneration.
Many dentists consider the teeth bleaching process the safest cosmetic procedure available today. Research and clinical studies show that under the supervision of your dentist, whitening teeth with carbamide peroxide and/or hydrogen peroxide is safe for both teeth and gums. These whiteners usually come in a gel form and are applied by the use of a custom-fitted mouth guard, which our dentist will make for you, fitting your teeth precisely.
If you are a candidate for tooth whitening, you should consider chair side tooth whitening at Carolina Dental Arts. Sessions generally take from 30 minutes to one hour. The dental office can also provide you with a bleaching kit for home use.
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Dental cleaning is the removal of dental plaque (a soft, sticky, bacteria infested film) and tartar (“calculus”) from the teeth. Dental cleanings are necessary to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. If left untreated, severe gum disease can result in tooth loss. Cleaning and polishing of the teeth leaves the surfaces of the teeth clean and smooth so that bacteria are unable to stick to them.
The dental hygienist or dentist will use specialized instruments to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth. First, the dental hygienist will use an ultrasonic device that emits vibrations to knock larger pieces of tartar loose. The ultrasonic device sprays a cooling mist of water while it works to wash away debris and keep the area at a comfortable temperature. Next, hand tools called scalers and curettes are used to manually remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces. These tools are curved and shaped to match the curves of the teeth. Once all the tooth surfaces have been cleaned of tartar and plaque, the teeth are polished using a slow speed hand piece with a soft rubber cup that spins on the end. Prophylaxis paste – which is a special gritty toothpaste-like material - is applied to the teeth to make them shiny and smooth. Your dental hygienist or dentist may also apply fluoride to the teeth to help strengthen the tooth enamel.
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A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. Extractions can be performed for several reasons including severe tooth decay or infection, tooth damage due to breakage, severe gum disease, impacted wisdom teeth, and removal of teeth to make space for orthodontic treatment.
Extractions can be simple or surgical. Simple extractions are performed on teeth that are visible and easily accessible in the mouth. Simple extractions do not require an incision, and are performed under local anesthetic. Surgical extractions involve the removal of teeth that are hard to reach because they have broken under the gum line or because they have not erupted fully. Surgical extractions require an incision, and may be performed using nitrous oxide.
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