This includes Routine digital x-rays, full jaw view digital radiographs if and when needed, scaling, cleaning, and examination.
It is important to have your teeth, gums and mouth checked by a dentist at least once a year. Identifying problems early is often easier to treat and usually less costly. The importance of good oral health has considerable influence over a person’s general health.
This affects the soft and hard structures that support the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums become swollen and red due to inflammation from harmful bacteria. Regular dental examinations, scaling, and good home preventative care can help prevent this condition becoming more serious. The more serious form is called periodontitis this is when the gums pull away from the tooth and supporting gum tissues are destroyed. Bone can be lost, teeth may loosen or eventually fall out. Treatment for this may need referral to a specialist.
If you have tooth decay the dentist will remove the decay and replace it with restorative material. The size and depth of the restoration will dictate the materials used and the length of the appointment required. You are always welcome to discuss any preferences you have with the dentist.
Root canal treatment is required when the pulp (nerve) of the tooth has been damaged. The nerve of the tooth is removed and replaced by special filling material. This can be due to decay, deep fillings trauma, fracture or infection.
Tooth extractions may be for many different reasons (Wisdom teeth, trauma, pain, orthodontic referral etc). Some extractions are more difficult than others, therefore requiring minor surgery involving some bone removal.
Sometimes lumps and bumps appear in the mouth, they may need to have a biopsy for diagnostic purposes.
A crown also known as caps. They can be used to restore a tooth when a large portion of the tooth is lost, fractured or has a large filling that will benefit from a crown for longevity.
Bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth where there are teeth on either side of the gap. Both teeth on either side of the gap are crowned with the missing tooth or teeth fused to these this making a bridge like fixture.
Dentures are a removable replacement for missing teeth. They can be either a full denture (upper and lower) or just upper or lower or a partial denture which replaces one or a few teeth.
Dental implants are a fixed screw into the bone, used to support a crown. These require careful planning and preparation for a successful outcome.