Composite Fillings
Fillings are materials cosmetic and general dentists use to seal cavities after they clean out the decayed part of the tooth or teeth. They are also used to repair broken or cracked teeth. Fillings protect and preserve your teeth from expanding decay; they will also alleviate the teeth from any pain associated with this decay.
Composite fillings are made of a resin material designed to match the color of your natural teeth which make them virtually invisible. Composite fillings are being used more commonly in today’s cosmetic dentistry instead of amalgam fillings since they are also less sensitive to temperature changes and non-toxic because they use no mercury.
Composite fillings are stronger because they bond directly to the surface of the tooth. They protect the tooth from fracturing because they don’t require the severe “undercut” (removal of healthy tooth structure) of a mercury filling.
Crowns
Crowns are highly durable restorations used to cover a tooth and restore it to its original shape and size after it has been fractured, has decayed or needs to be protected. They are incredibly strong due to the fact that they are created in a laboratory. Dental crowns help protect and strengthen the remaining tooth structure that has already been cleaned from tooth decay.
There are different factors that may contribute to erosion, cracking and breaking of your teeth, such as age, fillings or tooth decay. In cosmetic dentistry, crowns are used to solve these kinds of problems.
Crowns are excellent restorations and have few disadvantages. They are highly durable, but they will eventually need to be re-cemented or replaced due to normal wear.
Bridges
A bridge is a single appliance that is generally attached to two teeth on each side of the space where a tooth is missing. An artificial tooth attached in the middle of the bridge fills in the gap where the missing tooth was. Multiple visits may be required to check the fit of the metal framework and bite, it depends on each individual patient’s case.
Bridges can be permanent or removable. If a patient has missing teeth, this can cause several problems that bridges can help prevent, such as biting and chewing problems, gum disease or tooth decay. A bridge looks great, and perfectly covers the gap where one or more teeth may have been allowing you to have a beautiful smile so you can show it with confidence!
Root Canal Therapy – Endodontic Treatment
Root canal therapy is a treatment by which a dentist treats the inner aspects of a tooth and can help save your teeth from extraction. This procedure is performed when the nerve and vessel in the interior of the tooth is injured or infected. Our dentist removes the injured pulp and the root canal is cleaned and sealed off to protect it.
Our dentist will then clean the ducts, apply disinfectant inside the tooth and fill it with resin, leaving your tooth clean, uninfected and without any pain. When the treatment is completed, a crown is placed on the tooth to help protect it from fracturing.
Gum Disease – Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Periodontal treatment is performed when a patient has gum disease. This disease is caused by plaque and tartar, which are bacteria and particles that are deposited on your teeth. When bacteria cause inflammation in the gums or an infection it is called Gingivitis.
Gingivitis can cause red and swollen gums, pain, bleeding and itching. You can prevent and treat gingivitis by having a good dental hygiene; brushing and flossing your teeth correctly every day, and visiting a professional for regular checkups and cleanings. If gingivitis is not taken care of correctly it can become Periodontitis.
Periodontitis is an inflammation of the gums around the tooth caused by dental plaque, if this is not taken care of in a proper time it may cause your teeth to fall os loosen out. Maintaining your oral hygiene is the key to having a healthy dental smile. Periodontal (gum) disease is a leading cause of tooth loss among adults. A decayed tooth or diseased gum is an open door for bacteria to pass from your mouth into your body. Don’t take your oral health for granted.
View our Mouth & Body Connection Information and Chart!
Watch the Laser Periodontal Therapy Video
Canker Sore Elimination
A canker sore is an oral ulcer that appears alone or in clusters inside the mouth and is very painful. They are small, red with yellowish borders. You might get them on the inside of your lips, the insides of your cheeks, the base of your gums or under your tongue. The sores usually heal without treatment in about a week or two.
At Pacific Dental Care we treat canker sores with specialized lasers for a faster healing process. The soft tissue laser is the most effective way to treat canker sores since it gives immediate pain relief and causes the ulcer to heal in 24-72 hours.
If your canker sores are large, last longer than 2 weeks, you can’t eat or drink, or if you have a fever or feel sick you should make an appointment to see our dentist for an immediate check up. Our dentist may prescribe antimicrobial mouth rinse, a corticosteroid ointment, or a solution to reduce the pain and irritation.