Fillings Restoring lost tooth structure with amalgam, metal, porcelain, or composite resin. Used as part of the treatment of cavities.
Inlay A custom-made cast gold or porcelain alloy that is cemented to a previously prepared cavity in the tooth. A stronger and longer-lasting alternative to amalgam or composite filling.
Onlay A gold or porcelain inlay extended to cover the cusps for protection of the tooth, leaving more natural tooth than a crown.
Veneers (Requires 5-7 days) Veneers are thin shells that are laid onto the teeth and bonded to the surface. Although they can be made of different materials, porcelain is frequently used because of its durability and realistic appearance. Veneers are a more conservative alternative to crowns since they require less removal of the tooth's original surface. With veneers in place, patients can expect straighter, whiter, and more even looking teeth.
The Procedure
On the first day, the patient and dentist discuss the process of placing veneers and the options available (e.g. types and shades of veneers). On your next visit, the dentist removes a very small layer of each tooth's outer enamel. A local anesthesia may be used. The dentist makes a mold of the teeth then the technicians create customized veneers for the teeth. The lab prepares the veneers in one day. During this time, the teeth have a slightly different appearance because of the removal of the outer layer of enamel. On the third day, when the veneers are ready, the patient makes their final dental visit. The dentist applies the veneer to the tooth using a bonding material. When exposed to light, this bonding material dries and hardens.
Crowns (Requires 5-8 days)
When a tooth is cracked, decayed, or damaged, a crown may need to be fitted onto the tooth. A crown is a permanent covering that fits over the original tooth. Crowns can be made of porcelain, gold and other metals, acrylic resin, or an amalgam (a mix) of these materials. Porcelain crowns typically have the most realistic appearance, although they tend to be less durable than other materials. Crowns can whiten, reshape, and realign existing teeth, adding to a healthy and vibrant smile.
Preparing the Tooth and Crown
During your first visit, the dentist will numb the tooth to be crowned and remove the decay in or around it. The tooth is then rescultped to provide an easy fit for the crown. This is a painless process that is performed in the dentist's chair.
An impression of your teeth is then taken and sent to the dental lab where permanent, custom-made crowns are created (this usually takes weeks in the UK bacause of capacity problems). During this interim period, temporary crowns made of an acrylic resin are fitted onto the teeth.
Applying the Crown
On your next visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and fits the permanent crown onto the teeth. He or she makes sure the crown has the proper look and fit, and then cements the crown into place.
>
Bridges (Requires 5-7 days) A bridge is a device used to fill the space where a tooth has fallen out or been removed. A typical bridge consists of a pontic (a filler tooth) that is attached to two surrounding crowns (abutments). Once complete, this bridge structure is bonded into the mouth. Without the use of a bridge, spaces in the mouth from missing teeth can cause multiple teeth to shift, lead to occlusion (biting) and/or jaw problems, and may spur periodontal disease. Bridges safeguard the integrity of existing teeth and help maintain a healthy, vibrant smile.
The Process
Bridges usually require two trips to the dentist's office. During the initial visit, the surrounding teeth are numbed with a local anesthetic. The dentist prepares the surrounding teeth by cleaning any plaque or decay that remains and reducing them so that the crowns can be fitted. The dentist makes a mold of the teeth and sends it off to a dental lab where the customized impression is prepared. The customized mold might takes one to three days to return to the office. In the interim, patients are fitted with a temporary bridge constructed of acrylic resin. When the patient returns to the dental office, the dentist removes the temporary bridge and replaces it with the permanent one. The dentist then adjusts the bridge for the proper bite and fit, and the bridge is permanently bonded into the mouth.
Implants (requires 2-3 visit during a 3-9 months period) Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of bio-material which is placed in the socket of the lost teeth to carry a tooth replacement. The material is generally pure, unalloyed titanium, which is completely accepted by the human body.
During preliminary examinations the doctor checks the patient to decide if placement of dental implants can be carried out. This includes a dental examination (which teeth must be substituted, if the jaw is suitable for receiving the implants, taking of X-ray shots, etc.), and general medical examinations (laboratory tests).
The insertion of implants is carried out under losal anaesthesia. First the dentist prepares the given part of the jaw, then inserts the implant. The suture is removed 4-7 days later, and following this implants begin to heal under the gums.
The healing period
The healing period lasts for about 3 months. During this time bone cells grow into the micro-pores created on the surface of the implant. This process is called osseointegration, and ensures the implants fix in place and become able to support a normal biting load long-term without any damage.
Note: If you notice any change, attend a check-up examination as soon as possible.
Then the tooth replacement is fixed onto the implants. First the implants osseointegrated under the gum are uncovered, then abutment pieces are fitted into them to support or retain the replacement. Following this, the prosthesis is prepared in the dental laboratory in a short time in the usual way.
The complete implant reconstruction process may take from 2 to 9 months.
1. Visit
Consultation, dental X-ray, placing the implant into the jawbone (Your bone cells need to grow around the implant before the post can be attached to the implant), Time required: 2-7 days
2. Visit
3-4-6-8 months later, Post is attached to the implant and the replacement teeth are prepared Time required: 5-10 days
Contact between patient and dentist does not stop here, with placement of the new teeth. Among the most important criteria for long-run success in dental implantation are good mouth hygiene and regular medical check-ups. Patients wearing implant-based tooth replacement must regularly attend examinations once a year. Then the dentist verifies the state of the attachment of the bone and of the mucosa around the implant(s) and that of the tooth replacement, and makes the necessary corrections (e.g. removes plaque).
Dentures When multiple teeth are extracted, dentures may be the most appropriate solution. Dentures can create a natural and healthy looking set of teeth. As well, a properly fitting set of dentures can greatly enhance your smile and sense of self-esteem.
Complete and Partial Dentures
Many types of dentures exist, including complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when few of the original teeth remain. The dentist begins by removing any remaining teeth so the dentures can be fitted. He or she then makes a mold of the gums and sends it to a dental lab where customized dentures are constructed. Patients are typically fitted with temporary dentures until the permanent set of dentures have returned from the laboratory. Partial dentures are prepared in much the same way as a complete set, and are utilized when only a few teeth are missing...
Over Dentures
An implant over-denture connects to implants that have been surgically implanted into jaw bone.
The denture appears like a traditional prosthesis. However, that part of the denture overlying implants is modified to retain various semi-rigid attachments that receive implant extensions projecting above the gum. This arrangement helps keep a denture securely in place while eating, speaking and during other oral activities, but still allows easy self-removal of the denture for cleaning purposes.
Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening can be a highly effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface.
There are a number of reasons why you might get your teeth whitened. Everyone is different; and just as our hair and skin colour vary, so do our teeth. Very few people have brilliant-white teeth, and our teeth can also become more discoloured as we get older.
Your teeth can also be stained on the surface through food and drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine and blackcurrant. Smoking can also stain teeth.
Calculus or tartar can also affect the colour of teeth. Some people may have staining under the surface, which can be caused by certain antibiotics or tiny cracks in the teeth which take up stains.
There is now laser whitening or 'power whitening'. During this procedure a rubber dam is put over your teeth to protect the gums, and a bleaching product is painted onto your teeth. Then a light or laser is shone on the teeth to activate the chemical. The light speeds up the chemical reaction of the whitening product and the colour change can be achieved more quickly using this procedure. Laser whitening can make teeth up to five or six shades lighter.
The other procedure bis called professional bleaching which is the most common form of tooth whitening. Your dentist will be able to tell you if you are suitable for the treatment, and will supervise it if you are. First the dentist will put a rubber shield or a gel on your gums to protect the soft tissue. They will then apply the whitening product to your teeth, using a specially made tray which fits into your mouth like a gum-shield.
The 'active ingredient' in the product is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. As the active ingredient is broken down, oxygen gets into the enamel on the teeth and the tooth colour is made lighter.
>
