About Cosmetic Dentistry
Who doesn't want a perfect smile? While few people have one naturally, almost anyone can get one
with the
help of their dentist.
Recent advances in dental materials and techniques offer highly aesthetic crowns that are almost as strong as the originals. Things your dentist can do to improve your smile include:
- » Bleaching to make teeth whiter
- » Repairing chips or rough spots with fillings that match your teeth
- » Filling cavities with tooth-colored materials
- » Reshaping teeth that don't match the others
- » Closing gaps between teeth
- » Covering broken teeth with porcelain crowns and more...
Here are some BEFORE AND AFTER shots from our Smile Library:
| BEFORE | AFTER |
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If you have questions or would like to book your appointment with Dr. San Diego, Contact Us or call our dental office at (808) 597 8057
White Fillings
Improving Your Smile
White Composite Fillings Compared with Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
| Amalgam filling | Coposite filling |
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There are several important differences between the two types of fillings, it's not just a matter of appearance. The vast majority of today's dental patients will choose white, tooth color fillings.
There are several reasons for this: In the view of many, the mercury in amalgam is viewed as potentially toxic. (Traditional dentists like to use the term "silver fillings," but they have more mercury in them than silver.)
Also, the feeling is that the white composite represents a more advanced technology. Additionally, composite is more esthetic.
For all these reasons, the public is demanding white. And, with today's technology, composite fillings can easily withstand the stress required to serve in a back tooth.
Endodontic Dentistry
If decay progresses to the first stage, a small filling will be required. If decay develops to
the third stage depicted, root
canal therapy will be required.
ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
Years ago, damaged or diseased teeth had to be removed. Today, modern technology allows teeth to be salvaged for future restoration and use.
A root canal is usually necessary when the pulp, which contains the blood supply and nerves, is damaged or diseased. This damage can come from several sources. For example, bacteria from a cavity can enter the pulp and cause infection. Gum disease can also cause damage if there is a severe infection. Or, the tooth can be injured in such a way that the nerve is damaged or the blood supply cut off.
The first step in performing a root canal procedure is to remove the pulp and clean the pulp chamber and root canals. This is done through a small opening in the crown of the tooth. (If you have severe pain from the tooth, this will generally provide substantial relief.) Once the tooth has been cleaned, medication is then placed in the tooth and it is temporarily sealed.
At this point, the tooth is ready for a filling or other dental restoration
What Does Treatment Involve?
Treatment often involves from one to three visits. The pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth are then cleaned and sealed. Here's how your tooth is saved through treatment:
1. First, an opening is made through the crown of the tooth.
2. An opening is made through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber.
3. The pulp is then removed. The root canal(s) is cleaned and shaped to a form that can be
filled.
4. The pulp is removed, and the root canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped.
5. Medications may be put in the pulp chamber and root canal(s) to help get rid of germs and
prevent infection.
6. A temporary filling will be placed in the crown opening to protect the tooth between dental
visits. Your dentist may leave the tooth open for a few days to drain. You might also be given
medicine to help control infection that may have spread beyond the tooth.
7. The pulp chamber and root canals are filled and sealed.
8. The temporary filling is removed and the pulp chamber and root canal(s) are cleaned and
filled.
9. In the final step, a gold or porcelain crown is usually placed over the tooth. If an
endodontist performs the treatment, he or she will recommend that you return to your family
dentist for this final step.
10. The crown of the tooth is then restored.
If you have questions or would like to book your appointment with Dr. San Diego, Contact Us or call our dental office at (808) 597 8057