BASIC DENTAL PROBLEMS AND ORAL HYGEINE
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Fillings Probably the most frequently used dental procedure for repairing cavities is called a filling. There are two types of fillings, silver fillings and tooth colored fillings. You dentist decides how and where these fillings are applied. The location of the cavity plays an major role in what type of filling will be used for repair. Usually the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb any discomfort before he or she begins. The decayed area is removed from the tooth and the hole is filled with the appropriate filling material. Crowns There are several ways to restore teeth, the most common is filling or bonding. Crowns are used in the event of badly decayed, severely discolored, or broken teeth. A crown is an artificial cover for the tooth and is made out of several types of material. It can be porcelain, acrylic, gold or a combination of metal and porcelain or gold and porcelain. The type of material used is generally determined by the location in your mouth where it will be used. Once the crown is placed over your tooth, it's there for good. It looks like a genuine tooth and is designed to last longer and remain cleaner. Gum Disease Gum disease also called periodontal disease or gingivitis is the number one cause of tooth loss. Gum disease attacks the gums as well as the bones beneath the teeth. The bone literally dissolves away from around your teeth and your teeth become loose and eventually begin to fall out. If plague is not removed on daily it forms calculus which is the breeding ground for germs which cause gum disease. Bleeding or puffy, tender red gums are a sign that there is an infection present in your gums. Regular visits to your dentist are the best way of catching gum disease in its early stages. Professional cleanings are necessary to clean plaque from beneath the gum line and prevent further disease. Extraction The term extraction is the professional term for having a tooth pulled. Anesthetics such as Novocain are given to virtually eliminate pain for this procedure. Some dentists even have the capability to administer an IV Sedation. After the tooth has been pulled there may be tenderness where the tooth originally was. Your dentist will supply complete instructions on care after the procedure has been performed. Check with your dentist, he or she can answer your questions and help make you more comfortable. Root Canal In the past if a tooth was infected or the nerve in the tooth was dying, the tooth would have to be pulled. Today there is a procedure called root canal the infection can be treated and the injured nerve taken out. One reason for root canal treatment is an infected or abscessed tooth. Root Canal removes the pulp tissue which is composed of a nerve and blood supply within the tooth. After the material has been removed from within the root, it is sterilized and sealed with a material that prevents bacteria from entering. A root canal removes everything, which feeds the tooth and keeps it alive the tooth will eventually become very brittle. Your dentist will make recommendations as to a cap or crown to prevent chipping or shattering the tooth while chewing food. Dentures Dentures are the final frontier in dental work, the replacement of your original teeth. You must realize that even the best fitting dentures will feel awkward in the beginning. Some patience and practice is necessary to get used to talking and chewing with your new teeth. Dentures will collect plaque just like regular teeth and need to be cleaned daily. The gums beneath the dentures also need to be cleaned on a daily basis. To clean your dentures fill the sink halfway with water, so if they fall into the basin they won’t crack. Use a special brush available for dentures, you can ask your dentist or check your local pharmacy. Always stay in contact with your dentist because your mouth is constantly changing. |
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