If you have a tooth that is damaged or decayed, but still intact, a dental crown may be right for you. If your tooth is missing, but its former position is surrounded by other tooth structures, a bridge may be the solution for you. Schedule an appointment to determine whether you could benefit from crowns or bridges.
DENTAL CROWNS & BRIDGES
- IS A CROWN OR BRIDGE RIGHT FOR ME?
- WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I HAVE MY CROWN OR BRIDGE PLACED?
If you are a candidate for a crown or bridge, your teeth will be reduced to ensure a proper fit. An impression will then be taken of your bite and used to fabricate a mold for the crown or bridge. if you are choosing porcelain prosthesis, its color will be matched to the natural shade of your other teeth. You will be fitted with a temporary restoration until the permanent one is ready for placement.
- DO I NEED TO FOLLOW ANY POST-TREATMENT CARE GUIDELINES?
Your teeth will need time to heal following the crown and bridge placement process, so it is normal for you to experience some sensitivity – especially to hot and cold. Additionally, you may experience soreness in the gums surrounding your restoration, though this is usually manageable with an over-the-counter pain medication and should subside within a few days.
DENTAL IMPLANTS
- ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS RIGHT FOR ME?
You may qualify for dental implants if you have missing, broken or severely decayed teeth and are in relatively good overall health. The only way of determining your eligibility for implants is to consult with an oral care provider to identify whether you have adequate bone support and healthy gums that will support the new tooth structure.
- WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT IF MY DENTIST AND I DECIDE DENTAL IMPLANTS ARE RIGHT FOR ME?
The placement of dental implants is a multi-step process that typically takes between 6 and 9 months to complete. It begins with a surgical procedure during which a titanium rod is placed where a previous natural root once was. The gums are closed over the implant, where it will stay for several months while it heals and begins fusing with the surrounding bone. Due to the nature of implant placement and its average procedure time of between 1 and 2 hours, you may be sedated for the duration of the treatment. At the conclusion of the healing period, you’ll return to be fitted for permanent crowns and have them placed.
- WHAT TYPE OF POST-TREATMENT CARE WILL I REQUIRE?
It is normal to experience some discomfort, including bruising and swelling following a dental implant procedure. However,
inflammation and pain may be managed with over-the-counter medications. you may be asked to eat only soft foods for approximately 2 weeks until the surgical site heals.For more information, please visit the website of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID).
DENTAL SEALANTS
- HOW DO I KNOW IF DENTAL SEALANTS ARE RIGHT FOR MY CHILD?
Sealants may be right for your child if he or she has molar teeth that are healthy and free of decay. Schedule a dental consultation for a complete examination to determine if dental sealants could be a preventative health solution for your children.
- WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN MY CHILD GETS DENTAL SEALANTS?
Your child will not experience any pain when sealants are placed. There is no drilling, and the entire tooth is left intact for the procedure. The tooth will be thoroughly cleaned and treated with a special gel before the sealant is painted on and cured. Although your child may at first feel the sealants on his or her teeth, the sealants are very thin and easy to adapt to.
- ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL CARE INSTRUCTIONS TO FOLLOW AFTER THE SEALANTS ARE PLACED?
Normal eating habits can be resumed after dental sealants are applied, although the sealants should be checked at every dental appointment for deterioration. Sealants that are damaged or missing can be replaced.
DENTURES
- HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM A CANDIDATE FOR REMOVABLE DENTURES?
If you are missing one or more teeth and thinking of getting dentures, you will first need a professional consultation with your dentist. During this time, you can explore your tooth prosthetic options, ask questions, and make a decision as to whether dentures are right for you.
- WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN BEING FITTED FOR DENTURES?
Your gums must first be prepared before you can begin wearing dentures. If you need one or more teeth removed, the process could take several weeks while you wait for your gums to heal from the extractions. An impression will then be taken of your gums and the supporting bones beneath the gum, which will be used to fabricate a complete or partial denture in a dental lab.
- WILL I NEED TO FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL AFTER-CARE INSTRUCTIONS?
Once your dentures are ready, you can begin wearing them on a daily basis. Expect the first few weeks to be an adjustment period, during which time you will adapt to the feel of your new dentures, as well as learn how to manipulate your tongue and cheek muscles to keep them in place. You may also experience slight irritation or soreness from the initial denture wear, although this should subside after a few days or weeks.
ROOT CANAL THERAPY
- AM I CANDIDATE FOR ROOT CANAL THERAPY?
You could be a candidate for root canal therapy if decay or damage has allowed bacteria to infect the pulp inside your tooth. Enough tooth structure is required to place a restoration on afterwards. Root canal therapy could also be the right treatment for you if you prefer to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible instead of extracting both the healthy and diseased portions of your tooth. For more information about root canal therapies and whether they are right for you, schedule a dental exam and consultation with your dentist at your earliest convenience.
- WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?
If you decide to undergo root canal therapy, the first step in your procedure will involve a local anesthetic. Once your tooth root is numb, the diseased portion of your tooth pulp will be removed and potentially treated for bacterial infection. The tooth will then be sealed and filled before being restored with a crown or filling.
TEETH WHITENING
- AM I A CANDIDATE FOR TEETH WHITENING?
You may be a candidate for professional teeth whitening if you are experiencing discoloration, but otherwise have healthy teeth and healthy gums. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Singla to find out if tooth whitening could be right for you. Some patients, such as those who are pregnant, have cavities or are sensitive to whitening agents, may not be candidates for professional whitening.
TMJ TREATMENT
- HOW DO I KNOW IF TMJ TREATMENT IS RIGHT FOR ME?
You will first need to be formally examined and diagnosed with TMJ disorder. One of our dentists will evaluate the extent of the condition and determine what course of treatment is best for you. Usually, the initial approach involves conservative treatments, such as self-care, physical therapy and bite guards. Medications may also be used to relax the jaw or relieve pain. Patients who do not respond to conservative treatments may be considered for orthodontics, surgery or joint injections.
- WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT IF I UNDERGO TREATMENT FOR TMJ ISSUES?
TMJ treatment varies from patient to patient, so your experience may be very different than someone else’s. You’ll probably be asked to adopt certain lifestyle changes to help facilitate rehabilitation in your jaw. For example, you may be asked to avoid chewing hard foods and/or sudden jaw movements.
- WILL I NEED TO FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL POST-CARE INSTRUCTIONS WHILE BEING TREATED FOR TMJ ISSUES?
Your post-treatment care instructions will vary according to the type of treatment you receive. If you undergo an aggressive treatment, such as surgery, you may be temporarily subject to an all-liquid diet. You’ll also need to apply ice to the face to minimize swelling and also keep the surgical site clean and dry.