RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
What is restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry involves bonding your teeth with a composite resin filling to repair cavities, change shape or change color. Restorative dentistry seeks to repair your natural teeth in order to return your mouth to full functionality and aesthetic balance.
When is restorative dentistry used?
Dr. Rassner uses bonding primarily for restoration of cavities. Bonding materials used at Woodlake Dental are color matched to your teeth to provide a natural appearance Restorative dentistry can also be used to replace old silver amalgam fillings if they are loose or if you desire a more natural looking material.
What is the procedure for restorative dentistry?
The procedure for tooth restoration involves removing tooth material that may be decayed or discolored to make room for the bonding material. Once the tooth is prepared the bonding material is mixed and color matched to your tooth. The bonding material is then applied to the prepared tooth and cured. Final adjustment of the bonding material is done to insure correct occlusion with other teeth.
ROOT CANAL THERAPY
What is a root canal?
The root canal is part of the underlying structure of the tooth. Underneath the enamel of the tooth is the dentin and at the center is the soft pulp. The soft pulp carries the nerves and blood vessels of the tooth. This pulp extends down each root (up to four) through a narrow passage. The area of the root that contains the pulp is known as the root canal.
Tooth Section
When is a root canal therapy done?
When tooth decay or a fracture exposes the pulp of the tooth, bacteria can infect the pulp. When this happens the tooth will continue to deteriorate until action is taken. If no action is taken the tooth will become progressively more painful and the infection may spread to the jawbone itself. Root canal therapy is done to preserve the tooth itself and protect the surrounding tissue and bone.
What is involved in the root canal therapy procedure?
The first part of a root canal therapy treatment is to administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and the surrounding area. Next the crown of the tooth is opened to access to the pulp chamber. Root canal therapy involves the removal of the pulp from the tooth, disinfection to ward off bacteria and a special filling placed in the root canals themselves. Once the infection is cleaned and the root canals are filled the remainder of the tooth is either filled like a normal cavity or, if there is more severe loss of the tooth structure, a crown may be applied.
ORAL SURGERY
What is oral surgery?
Oral surgery involves treatments such as the extraction of wisdom teeth, repair of misaligned jaws, and removal tumors and cysts of the jaw and mouth. Oral surgeons also perform dental implant surgery.
Examples of Impacted Wisdom Teeth.
When is oral surgery used?
Oral surgery is used for a variety of problems including impacted teeth, implants and jaw related issues. Oral surgery may also be used in the event of facial injury or even birth defects such as a cleft palate.
What is the procedure for oral surgery?
The procedure for oral surgery can vary greatly based on the extent of the repairs. Oral surgery often requires full sedation. Dr. Rassner will perform some oral surgery procedures himself and also works with a respected local oral surgeon for more intensive procedures.
SEDATION
What is Sedation?
Sedation involves the use of drugs to lessen the pain or awareness associated with potentially painful dental procedures. Sedation includes medications such as valium, nitrous oxide and IV sedation. Some sedation medications are combined with a local anesthetic to minimize pain.
When is sedation used?
Sedation is used for the benefit of the patient and can be administered for most procedures. When a particular procedure is known to likely result in pain Dr. Rassner will recommend the best medication for you. If you are anxious or fearful of the procedures Dr. Rassner will work with you to provide the best level of comfort. Dental procedures do not have to be painful and the Woodlake Dental staff strives to make your dental visits as pain free as possible.
What is involved in Sedation?
Exact procedures will depend on the sedation method. If there are oral medications involved, these medicines will be taken 1 hour prior to the dental procedure. Oral local anesthetics will also be used to further eliminate pain. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, can also be administered to induce a state of relaxation. Full sedation procedures are only done under the direction of a licensed anesthesiologist.
PERIODONTAL TREATMENT
What is periodontal treatment?
Periodontal treatment includes scaling and root planing. Both scaling and root planing are aimed at removing calculus (tartar) from the tooth surfaces. This includes the visible or exposed surface, surfaces below the gum line and root surfaces. Regular periodontal treatment is vital to the health of both your teeth and gums. Root planing is only done in the event of severe calculus buildup and is typically associated with gum disease as well.
Periodontal Treatment
When is a periodontal treatment done?
Periodontal treatment should be done on a regular basis as part of your regular checkup plan. Regular cleaning, when combined with good oral hygiene, will improve the overall health of your teeth and gums. In the event that regular care has not been done, and the patient does not have good oral hygiene practices, more intense periodontal procedures may be required to return the gums to a healthy state. Left untreated, periodontal disease will result in the loss of bone and eventually your natural teeth.
What is involved periodontal treatment?
Periodontal treatment involves the use of ultrasonic cleaners, dental instruments and polishers to clean the surface of your teeth. Ultrasonic cleaners use high frequency vibration to remove calculus quickly and easily. Dental instruments can be used for final scaling or for particularly difficult buildup. Once the tooth surfaces are free of calculus your teeth will be polished to achieve a smooth surface and make your teeth feel their best. Combined with good daily oral hygiene, periodontal treatment is the best way to keep all of your natural teeth and make your smile look its best.
Perio Protect Method
The Perio Protect Method offers an additional technique designed to help you manage oral bacteria on a daily basis. Using a custom-formed prescription tray, doctor-prescribed medication can be placed into the periodontal pocket. The tray is designed to prevent medication from being quickly washed away. Your dentist will prescribe the best medication for your condition as well as individualized treatment instructions. For most people following the Perio Protect Method treatment requires just minutes each day. For more details and patient testimonials please visit their website as www.perioprotect.com.