ADVANCED PROCEDURES

We believe it is very important to explain procedures to our patients and answer all of your questions. Dr. Schuster and her experienced staff can help you understand your treatment and feel good about your health and your smile.

CROWNS Crowns are full coverage restorations that are used to cover  teeth that are likely to break, or are too broken down to be restored with fillings. Crowns are most commonly done after root canal treatment,when a large filling has failed or a tooth as fractured.The larger the hole made by  decay or a fracture, the more likely a crown will be needed. Even after a filling is put in a large cavity, a tooth is more likely to break. Keep in mind that the jaw muscles are among the strongest in the human body. Teeth are subjected to tremendous pressures. Crowns fit over weakened teeth, providing strength and protecting  teeth against breakage.

It takes two appointments to restore a tooth with a crown. In the first  decay is removed from the tooth and it is rebuilt with a strong bonded filling material and then shaped to accept the crown. An impression is made of the tooth and a certified dental technician fabricates the crown. During this time a temporary crown is worn. At the second visit the temporary is removed. The new  crown is adjusted and cemented on the tooth.

DENTURES
Full and partial dentures replace teeth that have been removed because of infection and decay. Often implants are used to stabilize dentures. Dentures are designed to be removable and cleaned by the patient.

IMPLANTS
A dental implant is an option to replace  missing teeth.. In this procedure, a small titanium shaft is surgically implanted into the bone and allowed to set. The bone grows around it forming a tight connection, which additionally slows or stops the bone loss that occurs when the root of a natural tooth is missing. Once the implant is firmly set in the mouth, the dentist then attaches an abutment post into the shaft and then a crown is placed over the abutment post. This treatment has an advantage over bridge work as it does not involve perparing  the surrounding teeth for support, and, should the crown wear out, another can be placed.Implants can also be used to support a bridge. This is an alternative to partial dentures, and has several advantages; bone is preserved by placing an implant and the implant supported bridge does not need to be removed by the patient as does a denture. Implants can also be used to stabilize removable dentures.

ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
Root canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is done to save an infected or injured tooth.  Usually deep decay or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged to the point where  it needs root canal therapy or needs to be extracted. Once this occurs the pulp becomes infected, and the infection may extend through the root tip and begin to infect the surrounding bone and tissue (this is an abscess). By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own, even with antibiotics. Symptoms that the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. Sometimes, however, no symptoms are apparent and the person is unaware of any problem until a dental x-ray reveals an infection.

A root canal is performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp, disinfect the canals of the tooth and seal them from further bacteria. The only other treatment alternative would be to extract the tooth. Usually a core build-up and post and crown is recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy.

BRIDGES
This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. A bridge replaces the missing tooth, both functionally and cosmetically. The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic material. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics.

It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons.Teeth use their neighbors for support, and, with one missing, they start to "fall" and shift. As this worsens the bite changes in response to the pressure. This can eventually result in problems with the  jaw and lead to joint problems. The surrounding teeth can deteriorate and fracture. Gum disease can also result as the teeth shift and become more difficult to keep clean.

TMJ TREATMENTS
TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint: temporal, as in the temporal bone of skull; mandibular as in mandible, or lower jaw; joint as it is where the head and jaw meet. Problems in this joint may be caused by a misalignment of the teeth, trauma, or excess muscle tension due to bruxism or teeth grinding. Aside from the two bones, cartilage  muscles are involved in the area.

Problems in this area can cause:

• Headaches
• Earaches
• Trouble/soreness in opening and closing the mouth
• Clicking or popping of the jaw
• Pain in the jaw muscles
• Soreness in the area, sometimes extending to the face

Dental treatments for the condition can include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, adjusting the bite, filling gaps between teeth, etc. There is no one solution that is right for all cases. Sometimes a plastic mouthpiece or splint is used to prevent clenching or grinding that is contributing to the problem. If untreated and taken to extremes, surgery may be required to repair a badly damaged joint.