Explanation of Dental Procedures:

Filling: Involves the removal of diseased or decayed tooth structure and replacement of it with tooth colored material. Fillings are indicated when there is still sufficient tooth structure to predictably keep the tooth strong in the presence of the filling material.

Crown or Cap: Involves removal of diseased or unsupported tooth structure followed by the placement of a white or gold crown over the entire tooth. A crown is indicated when the damage to the tooth is significant enough and where the tooth cannot function predictably with a filling alone.

Fixed Partial Denture or Bridge: Multiple connected crowns to replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. A bridge involves the shaping of the teeth adjacent to the missing one(s) so that they can act as an anchor upon which the bridge can be cemented.

Veneer: A resin or porcelain facing bonded to the tooth to improve its appearance, shape, color, or position.

Root Canal (Endodontics): Involves removal of the infected nerve from the inside of the tooth. The nerve pace is filled with an inert material and sealer to prevent the recurrence of infection. Root Canal treatment is commonly followed by a buildup and crown to strengthen the tooth since root canal treatment causes the tooth to become brittle and more likely to break as it is no longer vital.

Sealant: A tooth colored or clear protective cover placed over the grooves and fissures of a tooth which helps prevent cavities in those areas by blocking out the bacteria that cause dental decay.

Implants: A surgically placed fixture that is anchored to the jawbone to help retain a crown that will replace a missing tooth or teeth. This is most commonly a two part procedure consisting of the actual implant placement in the jawbone followed a few months later by an abutment placement which is a metal fixture visible above the gums. The implant is completely restored by placing a cemented crown over the abutment which acts to support it. The crown acts to replace the missing tooth and restore its function during chewing, talking, smiling, etc.

Prophylaxis (Normal Dental Cleaning): Removal of superficial stain, plaque, or tartar from above the gum line. Prophys are performed on patients with healthy mouths that are free of disease.

Scaling and Root Planing: A procedure to remove tartar or local irritants from below the gum line. This procedure is performed when the patient has been diagnosed by the doctor as having periodontal gum disease. The tooth’s root surfaces are smoothed or planed to allow the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. Scaling and root planning is often accompanied by the administration of local anesthetic to numb the gums prior to treatment. Additionally, the administration of antibacterial agents can often be used to further lower bacterial levels and to aid in healing.