Treatment.
Prophylaxis.
Regular tooth cleaning by a dental professional is recommended to remove calculus (mineralized dental plaque) that may develop even with careful brushing and flossing, especially in areas of the mouth that are difficult to clean. Professional cleaning includes tooth scaling and polishing. This involves the use of various instruments and devices to loosen and remove tartar from the teeth. Most dental hygienists recommend having the teeth professionally cleaned at least every six months.
Preventive and general dentistry.
Caries is one of the most common problems which our teeth. The disease process of caries is caused mainly by the mouth bacteria population. They are producing acids which leads to the damage of the structure of the tooth hard tissue as well as to the demineralization of the enamel and dentin. Prevention is based mostly on the optimal oral hygiene and following proper diet. The moment the enamel continuity is broken, further dentin destruction progresses much faster and dentist’s treatment seems unavoidable. Cavities caused by caries can be filled in either with composite or with dental ceramics, though composite fillings are not that efficient when applied into the vast defects.
Prosthetics.
Crowns.
A restorative crown replaces destroyed by decay, outer part of a tooth. This protection becomes necessary when a tooth cracks or has its entire structure weakened by decay. The tooth is prepared for a crown. It may be reinforced with a cast metal core, or rebuilt with both a cast metal core and a post. A impressions of the prepared tooth, the teeth next to it and opposite is made. The new crown is made to fit this mould. The crown may be made of gold or stainless steel alone, metal with a veneer of tooth-coloured porcelain or resin, or of porcelain or resin alone. The finished crown is then placed over the prepared tooth, adjusted, and cemented into place.
Bridges.
Bridges are a type of restoration that is done when one or more permanent teeth are lost. The resulting gap must be filled in to prevent the remaining teeth from shifting. If the other teeth shift, they will affect the patient's bite (occlusion), which sometimes produces pain in the jaw joint. The risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases. A bridge is inserted not only for beauty smile but also to prevent this risk. Bridges are non removable appliances of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) anchored by crowns on the adjacent teeth (abutment teeth).
Dentures.
A denture consists of artificial teeth mounted in a plastic base moulded to fit the remaining oral anatomy. It is removable and may or may not be held in place with a denture adhesive. Complete dentures may be worn when all of the top or bottom teeth have been lost. A partial denture is similar to a bridge in that it fills a gap left by missing teeth with artificial teeth. It attaches to a crown on the abutment tooth with a metal clasp or precision attachment. A partial denture is primarily used at the end of a row of natural teeth, where there is only one abutment tooth. The chewing pressure is shared by this abutment and the soft tissues of the gum ridge beneath the appliance.
Root canal treatment.
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure in which the diseased or damaged pulp ( cells, blood vessels and nerve in the centre of the tooth ) is removed and the inside areas (the pulp chamber and root canals) are filled and sealed. The cost of the treatment and the crown restoration may be expensive. However, replacing an extracted tooth with a fixed bridge or an implant to maintain the space and restore the chewing function is typically even more expensive.
Root canal treatment is performed under local anaesthesia and completely opposite to very popular opinion painless.
Implants.
Implants are the best solution for the patients with missing teeth. Almost all gaps between teeth can be filled
with the root substitute i.e. with the implant. Implants are made of titanium or ceramics, both are very effective at fusing with live bone, and makes the implant a natural, stable foundation for a prosthetic crown or a whole bridge, depending on the number of the teeth we want to rebuilt.. The success rate for implants is remarkable - far above 90%.
Teeth Whitening.
It is recommended that you talk to your dentist before making any decision about whitening your teeth. It may not be for you. People with sensitive teeth, grey discolourations, prior bonding or certain types of fillings in their front teeth are not good candidates for bleaching. If your dentist recommends bleaching, then, depending on your needs there are two main techniques available:
In-office bleaching - Your dentist will first apply a protective gel to prevent gum irritation. Afterwards, a bleaching agent will be applied and a special light may be used to activate the whitener. Typically, you will visit your dentist one to three times and each visit will last about 30 to 90 minutes.
At-home whiteners - These whiteners contain peroxide and usually come in a gel that you place inside a special tray. You will wear this for several hours a day for two weeks, or overnight for one to two weeks.
Your teeth will usually lighten about two shades, but the results aren't permanent. If you continue eating and drinking the products that cause staining, you will need to re-bleach sooner. It is important that you avoid colourful food products straight after bleaching.