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PATIENT RESOURCES
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Root Canal
Background
Inside the tooth, under the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin,
is a soft tissue called the pulp.
Treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected.
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The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes:
deep decay repeated dental procedures on the tooth or a crack
or chip in the tooth.
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In addition, an injury to a tooth may cause
pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks.
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If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated,
it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
Root canal symptoms
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Severe pain while chewing or biting
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Pimples on the gums
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A chipped or cracked tooth
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Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the sensation has been removed
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Swollen or tender gums
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Deep decay or darkening of the gums
Root canal treatment saves the tooth
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The dentist (endodontist) removes the inflamed or infected pulp,
cleans and shapes the inside of the root canal.
then fills and seals the space.
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Then the dentist will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.
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After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.
A dental implant is a replacement for a missing tooth.
The dental implant system commonly consists of three parts:
1. The dental implant body, surgically inserted into the jawbone in place of the tooth's root;
2. The dental implant abutment, attached to the implant body by the abutment fixation screw,
and extending through the gums into the mouth to support the attached dental crown;
3. The dental crown (artificial tooth).
Today, implants are predominantly made of titanium.
Benefits of Dental Implants:
• Restores the ability to chew
• Restores cosmetic appearance
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Helps keep the jawbone from shrinking due to bone loss
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Preserves the health of the surrounding bone and gums
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Helps keep adjacent (nearby) teeth stable
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Improves the quality of life
Risks Associated with Dental Implants:
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Damage to surrounding natural teeth during implant placement
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Injury to the surrounding tissues during surgery, such as sinus perforation
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Injury during surgery (for example, fracture of the surrounding jawbone)
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Inadequate function, such as feeling like the teeth do not bite together normally
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A sensation that the tooth is loose or twisting in place resulting from an abutment screw loosening
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Implant body failure (looseness of the implant body) caused by infection. It affects some patients with uncontrolled diabetes and patients who smoke.
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Difficulty cleaning the gums around the implant, resulting in poor oral hygiene
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Untreated periodontal disease (serious gum infections)
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Post-surgical numbness due to nerve impingement or damage
The Dental Implant Process:
Step 1. Implant Insertion:
The first step involves placing the implant into the jawbone. The most
common procedure for implant insertion involves the dentist making a
small incision into the gum, exposing the jawbone. A hole is then
drilled into the bone, and the implant is screwed into place.
To ensure that the implant remains sturdy and provides the required support,
the patient must have enough bone present in the jaw. If necessary, bone grafts
can be done to provide the additional support that is needed.
After this step is complete, there is a healing process that must occur
for several months to allow the bone to fuse. The dentist will usually place
a temporary crown on the implant so that you do not have a gap in your teeth.
Step 2. Crown Installation:
Once the healing process is complete, an abutment or connector is placed
on top of the implant, and this holds the crown securely in place (this can
be done at the same time as the implant insertion). The dentist then
attaches the crown.
Dental crowns are used to cover or replace damaged or missing teeth, while dental veneers are used for cosmetic improvement.
A porcelain veneer is bonded to just the front surface of your tooth. This tends to make veneers more aesthetically pleasing
than crowns because they show less gum margin.
Crowns are thicker than veneers—two millimeters compared to one millimeter—and are more permanent.
Pros of dental crowns:
•Provide support and protection for damaged teeth.
•Bond teeth that have been broken or cracked.
•Keep teeth from being further worn down or damaged.
•Provide cover for dental implants.
•Long-term solution that can last between 5 and 15 years.
•Improve tooth appearance by correcting color and/or shape.
Cons of dental crowns:
•More expensive than veneers.
•Possibility of allergic reaction to materials.
•Potential for breakage, leading to tooth decay.
•Invasive procedure that requires filing down and reshaping of tooth.
•Takes multiple appointments to place.
Pros of dental veneers:
•Improved appearance: Veneers can significantly enhance the appearance of your teeth, providing a brighter, straighter, and more uniform smile.
•Minimally invasive: Unlike some other dental treatments, veneers require minimal alteration of your natural teeth, meaning that you can preserve more of your natural tooth structure.
•Long-lasting: Veneers are durable and can last for many years with proper care.
•Stain-resistant: Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining, so you don't have to worry about your teeth becoming discolored over time.
Cons of dental veneers:
•Cost: Veneers can be expensive, and many insurance plans do not cover the cost of cosmetic dental treatments.
•Irreversible: Once your natural teeth are altered to accommodate veneers, there is no going back. If you decide you no longer want veneers in the future, you will need to replace them with new ones or consider alternative treatments.
•Sensitivity: Some people experience increased tooth sensitivity after getting veneers, particularly to hot and cold temperatures.
•Maintenance: While veneers are durable, they still require regular maintenance and care to keep them looking their best. This includes brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups.
