Your Professional Dentist Near Cherrybrook

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Enhancing the appearance of teeth and smiles is the main focus of cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentists provide treatments like teeth whitening, veneers, and aligners that not only enhance aesthetic appeal but can also offer functional benefits, contributing to better overall dental health.

What stages comprise the process of getting dental implants?

The process of getting dental implants is detailed and requires multiple stages, each critical for ensuring the longevity and success of the treatment.

Initial Consultation and Evaluation

The journey begins with a comprehensive dental evaluation where the dentist assesses the patient’s overall oral health, including the presence of severe gum disease, which could complicate the implant process. This initial consultation aims to develop a clear understanding of the patient’s medical history, oral hygiene habits, and bone density to determine their eligibility for implants.

Treatment Planning

Based on the initial assessment, a detailed treatment plan is formulated, taking into account the patient’s specific dental needs. This plan outlines the number of implants needed and the procedures involved, such as potential pre-treatments for achieving optimal oral health before implant placement.

Preparatory Procedures

For patients with severe gum disease, pre-treatment may involve periodontal therapy to restore gum health. Dental implant success heavily relies on the health of the supporting bone and gums, making this stage essential for preventing future complications.

Implant Placement Surgery

The actual placement of the dental implants involves surgically inserting titanium posts into the jawbone under local anaesthesia or sedation. These posts serve as artificial roots onto which the dental prostheses will be mounted. This procedure is performed with precision-guided by the latest dental technology to ensure minimal discomfort and optimal placement.

Healing and Osseointegration

After the implants are placed, a crucial healing period follows, known as osseointegration, during which the implants integrate with the jawbone. This process can take several months and is vital for providing a stable foundation for the new teeth.

Abutment Placement

Once osseointegration is complete, an abutment is attached to each implant. Acting as a connector, the abutment joins the implant to the crown or denture. This phase may require minor surgery to expose the top of the implant if it was covered by gum tissue during the initial surgery.

Prosthetic Attachment

The final step in the dental implant process involves attaching the prosthetic teeth to the abutments. These prosthetics, which could be crowns, bridges, or dentures, are custom-made to match the natural colour and shape of the patient’s teeth, ensuring a seamless aesthetic result.

Post-Operative Care and Maintenance

After the implants and prosthetics have been placed, comprehensive dental care continues with regular follow-up visits. These appointments are crucial for monitoring the implants and ensuring the ongoing health of the patient’s mouth. Patients will also receive detailed guidance on how to care for their implants to maintain optimal oral health.

How are root canal treatments conducted?

Initial Diagnosis and Evaluation

The process begins with a thorough evaluation of the symptomatic tooth and surrounding gums, including dental X-rays or possibly a CT scan to assess the extent of tooth decay and the shape of the root canals. This diagnostic stage is crucial to determine the viability of root canal treatment and to plan the procedure accurately.

Preparing the Patient

Once root canal treatment is deemed necessary, the area around the affected tooth is numbed using local anaesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort during the procedure. A dental dam might be placed to isolate the tooth and prevent contamination of the root canals during treatment.

Accessing the Root Canal

Using precise tools, the dentist creates a small access hole in the tooth’s crown to access the pulp chamber. This step is critical as it allows the removal of infected or dead pulp from the root canal system using specialised dental instruments.

Cleaning the Root Canal

With the pulp removed, the next step involves thoroughly cleaning the root canal and pulp chamber using small files. During this process, the canals are flushed with an antibacterial solution to remove debris and disinfect the area, reducing the risk of further infection.

Shaping the Canals

After cleaning, the canals are carefully shaped with progressively larger files to prepare them for the filling material. This shaping is essential to ensure the fillings bond securely and seal the canals effectively, preventing bacteria from re-entering.

Filling the Root Canals

The dentist fills the cleaned and shaped root canals with a biocompatible material, typically gutta-percha, and seals them securely using dental cement. This step is crucial to prevent contamination of the root canals and to restore the tooth’s structure and function.

Rebuilding the Tooth

After the root canal treatment, the access hole made at the beginning of the procedure is filled. Often, the tooth will need further restoration with a crown to protect and stabilise the remaining structure, as teeth treated with root canal therapy can become brittle.

Post-Treatment Care

Following the procedure, the patient may experience some tenderness or discomfort, which usually subsides within a few days. Proper oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, are essential to ensure healing and to prevent future tooth decay or infection.

What are dental emergencies?

A dental emergency refers to any situation where immediate dental care is needed to alleviate severe pain, control bleeding, or save a tooth. This includes cases like severe toothache, knocked-out teeth, or significant trauma to the mouth, requiring urgent attention from a dental professional.