Dictionary
ROOT CANAL:
This is the location of the "Pulp Tissue" which is a combination of blood vessels and nerves. The pulp nourishes the tooth from the inside and conducts feelings of pain also.
ROOT CANAL TREATMENT:
Process of removing contaminated contents found in the inside of a tooth. Small files are used to clean and shape the hollow space which is then filled with a material that seals the tooth from further contamination.
ABSCESS:
An abscess is the creation of fluid that thickens into pus that contains bacteria and contaminated debris.
BONDING:
Bonding is a process that allows for a strong connection between a dental material and your tooth. This is one of the most effective seals in dentistry today.
COMPOSITE:
A composite is a tooth-colored resin material often used in place of amalgam. Composites are classified by the size and shape of the filler used in the resin. Most composites are hardened by using an ultraviolet light. Some are cured by both light and mixing two components together.
CROWNS:
Crowns can be made of many different materials, such as, metal, porcelain, plastic, or combinations of these three. Crowns are also referred to as "caps=". A crown can cover all or part of a tooth depending upon what will provide the greatest strength and best esthetics.
OCCLUSION:
A term that refers to the process that takes place when your teeth come together and touch. The occlusal surface is the biting area. Occlusal force means the amount of pressure applied during clenching, chewing or side-to-side movement. Occlusal design is the process of making the teeth to meet the patient’s functional requirements.
PREPARATION:
When a Dentist grinds down a natural tooth to allow for a crown to be placed over it, the tooth stump is called a preparation or crown-prep. The tooth is meticulously shaved down leaving the sides of the tooth very close to parallel, usually 0-7 degrees. Grooves and slots are placed to increase the retention of the new crown.
IMPLANTS:
Implants are a replacement for missing teeth. A cylinder shaped titanium metal implant is placed into the bone where it is left, undisturbed for 4-6 months. During that time, the bone is growing in and around the implant resulting in an extension of the bone. There are multiple components to the implant. The next stage is placed and extends just below the gun tissue. At this point the implant is ready to accept the last stage that sticks out of the gum tissue, similar to a tooth. Because implants are so strong, one implant can support multiple teeth. This type of implant has been in existence for over 30 years with refinements being developed yearly.
TEETH:
Teeth are the hardest thing in the body. The more minerals and fluoride that a child ingests while the teeth are forming, the harder the teeth will be. Like anything we eat, fluoride should be taken in the correct amounts. Even too much water can cause harmful affects to our bodies. A tooth consists of Enamel, Dentin and pulp tissue. The root is made of Dentin which is the majority of the tooth. The enamel covers the Dentin which is what you see when you smile. The pulp tissue is hidden inside the hollow space of the tooth which contains the nerves and blood supply. Teeth are held in the bone by small ligaments.
Procedures