![]() ADVANCED PROCEDURESCROWNS It takes two appointments to restore a tooth with a crown. In the first appointment, any decay is removed from the tooth and it is shaped to accept the crown. Then an impression is made of the tooth for use in fabricating a crown. Between the two visits the crown is made, usually of high-strength porcelain over gold alloy, all ceramic material, or full gold. During this time a temporary crown is worn. In the second visit this temporary cap is removed. The permanent crown is adjusted as needed and then cemented in place. IMPLANTS Implants can also be used as support as part of an implant bridge. This is an alternative to partial dentures, and has several advantages. First, there is no adjustment period to acclimatize the patient who, once the work is done, only feels teeth, not metal supports intruding into the mouth. Second, this slows the bone loss occasioned by missing teeth. Third, there is no discomfort or difficulty in eating. And, best of all, of course, they don't have to be taken out all the time. As mentioned above, implants are the best option for anchoring a loose denture and allowing you to once again eat the foods you love and talk in public without feeling self-conscious. ROOT CANAL TREATMENT A root canal is then performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp, and disinfect the canals of the tooth. The only other treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal(s) are filled in to prevent any further infection. Usually a core build-up and crown is recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy. BRIDGES It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons. If not treated the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward, creating a whole chain reaction of bad things. Teeth use their neighbors for support, and, with one missing, they start to "fall." As this worsens the bite changes in response to the pressure. This can eventually result in problems with the entire jaw, e.g. TMJ. The surrounding teeth deteriorate and it is just a matter of time before they, too, are lost. Gum disease becomes a serious problem, with the difficulty of treatment increasing as the neglect continues. DENTURES The entire mouth is examined and a determination is made as to which teeth will have to be removed, and which will remain. The loose teeth are then extracted. Dentures are fitted to go over or around whatever teeth remain in the mouth, depending on the type. There is an adjustment period after dentures are placed in the mouth, and it can take some getting used to. But once accustomed to the dentures, all the normal functionality and appearance return and one just carries on as usual. The longer a patient has gone with their natural teeth, the less bone they will have to hold the dentures in place. This is especially true on the lower jaw where the tongue likes to dislodge the lower denture. Implants are the best option to anchor those loose dentures firmly in place.
TMJ AND MIGRAINE TREATMENTS TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint, which is where the head and jaw meet just in front of your ear. Problems in this joint may be caused by a misalignment of the teeth, trauma, or excess muscle tension. Aside from the two bones that meet there, cartilage buffers them and five muscles are involved in the area. Many patients carry their tension in their jaw and clenching can trigger a number of TMJ-related problems:
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 referral to a specialist necessary for severe cases. The NTI nightguard is the only FDA-approved nightguard for the treatment of migraines. It works by taking the pressure totally off the back teeth and virtually eliminating clenching, which often triggers migraines. |
Contact Dr. Cassandra Coakley and Dr. Kelly Fitzgerald at Main Street Family Dentistry
for your Montpelier dentist and Montpelier family dentist needs.
Montpelier, VT 05602
802.229.0690