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\t\t\t\nA root canal infection can become serious and spread to other areas of the face and skull. It is not uncommon for teeth to die and get infected. Since the tooth is dead, blood can\u2019t enter the tooth and bring protective immune cells to kill the infection, so the problem grows. In most cases the infection spreads to the surrounding bone. This causes increases the pressure and the tooth is pushed up out of its socket. The tooth feels high when biting.<\/p>\n
The body attacks the root canal infection surrounding the tooth and the area around the tooth becomes inflamed. The inflammation leads to tooth pain. Antibiotics alone do not cure the problem. The dead nerve inside the tooth must be removed and the canals cleaned, otherwise the remaining dead tissue can feed infection. This is why many patients go to the dentist for an emergency appointment, get antibiotic and in a week feel great. Because they feel well, they don\u2019t return. Three months later the problem returns and is much more serious and sometimes life threatening.<\/p>\n
Sometimes the body and the root canal infection come to a stalemate and a dental abscess forms. This dental abscess can remain inside a patient\u2019s jaw bone for years and constantly feed live and dead bacteria into this patient\u2019s bloodstream. Keeping the dead tooth is not an option and taking herbs, vitamins, or even prescription antibiotics will not solve the problem. The correct treatment is to perform root canal therapy or a dental extraction.<\/p>\n
The root canal infection must be treated with the correct antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the dental infection. With the constant use of antibiotics over many years, super resistant bacteria have developed that can not be easily killed. This is especially why this problem should be treated soon and treated aggressively.<\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) Why should I replace missing teeth?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t Your appearance is one reason. Another is that the gap left by a missing tooth<\/strong> can mean greater strain is put on the teeth on each side. A gap can also mean your \u201cbite\u201d is affected, because the teeth next to the space can lean into the gap and alter the way the upper and lower teeth bite together. This can then lead to food getting packed into the gap, which causes both tooth decay<\/strong> and gum disease<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) How are missing teeth replaced?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t This depends on the number of teeth missing and on where they are in the mouth. The condition of the other teeth also affects the decision.<\/p>\n There are two main ways to replace the missing teeth. The first is with a removable false tooth or teeth \u2014 a partial denture<\/strong>. The second is with a fixed dental bridge<\/strong>. A bridge is usually used where there are fewer teeth to replace, or when the missing teeth are only on one side of the mouth.<\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) What is a partial denture?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t This is a plate with a number of false teeth on it. It may be all plastic or a mixture of metal and plastic. Both types may have retaining clips (clasps), to help keep the denture in place in the mouth. Depending on where they are, some of these clips may be visible when you smile or open your mouth.<\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) What are the replacement teeth made of?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t Usually plastic, and occasionally porcelain. Each replacement tooth is made specially to get the right shape, color and size for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) What is the difference betwwen a plastic partial denture and one that contains metal?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t Plastic partial dentures<\/strong> are less expensive to make, but unless they are designed very carefully, they can damage the teeth they fit against.<\/p>\n Metal partial dentures are usually made from an alloy of cobalt and chromium and they are much stronger. They are lighter to wear and can be supported by the remaining teeth. Although the base is metal, they have gum-colored plastic and natural-looking teeth fixed to them. They are more expensive than the plastic ones.<\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) How do I choose the best type for me?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t Be guided by your dentist. He or she will know the condition of your remaining teeth. In most cases a metal-based partial denture gives the best result, but the higher cost may make you decide against it.<\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) How do I look after my denture?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t You should remove the denture from your mouth for cleaning. You\u2019ll be shown how to clean it by your dentist or hygienist, probably with a small toothbrush and toothpaste, or by soaking it in cleansing solution. If you have a metal-based denture, you\u2019ll need to choose a cleansing solution that\u2019s suitable for metal.<\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) Should I take my denture out at night?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t Yes. Leave it in water to prevent warping. <\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) What is the alternative to a partial denture?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t The main alternative is a fixed bridge. This is made by constructing crowns on the teeth at either side of the space, and then joining these two crowns together by placing a false tooth in the space. This is all made in the laboratory and then the pieces are cemented into place with special adhesives. The bridge can\u2019t be removed. <\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) Can I always have a bridge to replace missing teeth?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t Providing you have enough strong teeth with good bone support, yes, you can usually have a bridge. Your dentist will help you decide which is the best way of replacing the teeth within your budget. <\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) Are bridges expensive?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t Although a bridge may seem expensive, it will give many years of use. It will also improve your appearance and bite. A bridge uses the considerable skill of the dentist and technician, and in this way, it\u2019s similar to ordering a piece of hand-made jewelry. The materials are also expensive so it\u2019s fair to say a bridge will not be the cheapest treatment you have ever had. <\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) How do I look after my bridge?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t You need to clean your bridge every day to prevent problems such as bad breath<\/strong> and gum disease<\/strong>. You also have to clean under the false tooth every day. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to use a bridge needle or special floss, as a normal toothbrush cannot reach the area.<\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) Are there other methods for fixing false teeth?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t There are other methods such as using a combination of crowns and partial dentures that can keep the retaining clips out of sight. These are quite specialized dentures, so you should ask your dentist about them.<\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) Can I have teeth which attach to my jawbone?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\tThis is possible with the use of implants. The success of this technique means you may be able to replace missing teeth without crowning other teeth. Foods\/drinks<\/strong>. Coffee, tea, colas, wines, and certain fruits and vegetables (for example, apples and potatoes) can stain your teeth.<\/p>\n Tobacco use<\/strong>. Smoking or chewing tobacco can stain teeth.<\/p>\n Poor dental hygiene<\/strong>. Inadequate brushing and flossing to remove plaque and stain-producing substances like coffee and tobacco can cause tooth discoloration.<\/p>\n Disease<\/strong>. Several diseases that affect enamel (the hard surface of the teeth) and dentin (the underlying material under enamel) can lead to tooth discoloration. Treatments for certain conditions can also affect tooth color. For example, head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can cause teeth discoloration. In addition, certain infections in pregnant mothers can cause tooth discoloration in the infant by affecting enamel development.<\/p>\n Medications<\/strong>. The antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline are known to discolor teeth when given to children whose teeth are still developing (before the age of 8). Mouth rinses and washes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride can also stain teeth. Antihistamines (like Benadryl), antipsychotic drugs, and drugs for high blood pressure also cause teeth discoloration.<\/p>\n Dental materials<\/strong>. Some of the materials used in dentistry, such as amalgam restorations, especially silver sulfide-containing materials, can cast a gray-black color to teeth.<\/p>\n Advancing age<\/strong>. As you age, the outer layer of enamel on your teeth gets worn away revealing the natural yellow color of dentin.<\/p>\n Genetics<\/strong>. Some people have naturally brighter or thicker enamel than others.<\/p>\n Environment<\/strong>. Excessive fluoride either from environmental sources (naturally high fluoride levels in water) or from excessive use (fluoride applications, rinses, toothpaste, and fluoride supplements taken by mouth) can cause teeth discoloration.<\/p>\n Trauma<\/strong>. For example, damage from a fall can disturb enamel formation in young children whose teeth are still developing. Trauma can also cause discoloration to adult teeth.<\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) How can I prevent teeth discoloration?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t By making a few simple lifestyle changes, you may be able to prevent teeth discoloration. For example, if you are a coffee drinker and\/or smoker, consider cutting back or quitting all together. Also, improve your dental hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly and getting your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist every 6 months.<\/p>\n If your teeth appear to be an abnormal color without ready explanation and, if other symptoms are also present, make an appointment to see your dentist.<\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) What treetment is available for teeth discoloration?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t Treatment options to whiten teeth can vary depending on the cause of the discoloration and may include.<\/p>\n While traditional dentistry focuses on oral hygiene and preventing, diagnosing and treating oral disease, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of a person\u2019s teeth, mouth and smile. In other words restorative, general and\/or family dental practices address dental problems that require necessary treatment, whereas cosmetic dentistry provides elective \u2014 or desired \u2014 treatments or services.<\/p>\n Cosmetic dentistry may also provide restorative benefits. For example, dental fillings are a common procedure used to treat decayed teeth. Previously, most dental fillings were composed primarily of gold, amalgam and other materials that left visible dark spots on the teeth.<\/p>\n Today, dental fillings may fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry, because you can select fillings made of porcelain or composite materials that closely match the color of your teeth, thus maintaining the natural appearance of your teeth and smile. Many people may choose to have their older fillings replaced with newer, tooth-colored fillings to enhance their oral appearance.<\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) What are the Cosmetic Dentistry trends?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t Technological advancements in natural-looking, tooth-colored dental materials make today\u2019s cosmetic dental treatments more durable and predictable than in years past. Additionally, dentists are now using more conservative cosmetic dentistry techniques to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, depending upon your specific clinical situation.<\/p>\n Cosmetic dentists may also use such technologies as lasers in order to perform some procedures necessary for cosmetic treatments in their own offices \u2014 without the need for referrals to specialists. This makes cosmetic dental procedures such as smile makeovers more comfortable and convenient for patients, as well as helps to reduce recovery time.<\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) What kind of Cosmetic Dentistry treatments are available?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t Cosmetic dentistry treatments currently in use include:<\/p>\n Cosmetic dentistry offers many options for people who are unhappy with their smile. If you are one of these people, we encourage you to read our comprehensive cosmetic procedure articles to learn about the various treatments available to beautify your smile.<\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) Why are white fillings better then silver amalgam fillings?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t There are several important differences between the two types, it\u2019s not just a matter of appearance.<\/p>\n As a patient, your dentist should inform you of the availability of the white composite fillings. If you have had amalgam fillings placed in your mouth without being offered the option of having white fillings instead, the dentist has not performed his or her legal duty.<\/p>\n Given the opportunity to make a fully informed choice, my experience is that the vast majority of today\u2019s dental patients will choose the white fillings. There are several reasons for this: In the view of many, the mercury in amalgam is viewed as potentially toxic. (Traditional dentists like to use the term \u201csilver fillings,\u201d but they have more mercury in them than silver.) Also, the feeling is that the white composite represents a more advanced technology. Additionally, composite is more esthetic. For all these reasons, the public is demanding white. And, with today\u2019s technology, composite fillings can easily withstand the stress required to serve in a back tooth.<\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) Is the mercury in amalgam fillings toxic?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t There is a controversy over the potential adverse health effects of silver fillings, which are close to 50% mercury and generally have less than 40% silver in them. Although mercury is toxic, it has been thought that it was not released to the body during use as a filling material. Recent research, however, seems to show that these fillings release a very small amount of mercury vapor during chewing. Whether or not this amount of mercury is harmful to the body is a subject of controversy. Most people have some silver amalgam fillings in their teeth with no apparent adverse effects. No harm from the mercury in amalgam fillings has ever been absolutely proven. However, it has never been proved that it is not harmful, either. Many people are preferring the mercury-free fillings because of this health issue.<\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) Are composite fillings weaker than amalgams?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t This is another question that is loaded and highly controversial in the profession. The direct answer to this from me is yes, the mercury-free fillings or composite fillings are weaker than amalgam. However, if you take the total result\u2014the filling plus the tooth\u2014the composites are stronger because they bond to the tooth, making the tooth more resistant to fracture.<\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) Should I tell my dentist I want white fillings?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t My personal advice is not to ever be assertive with your dentist in telling him or her how you want your tooth restored. Listen to the options presented to you. Ask what your choices are and what the dentist recommends. If your dentist is not offering the white fillings to you as an option, there is probably a good reason. Many dentists do not feel comfortable using these composites on back teeth\u2014they require special training to place. But if you press the dentist, he or she may say yes, they will place whatever restoration you want, in order for you to be happy, even though he or she feels uncomfortable with the procedure.<\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) How long have these white fillings on back teeth been around?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t Their early history goes back to the 70s, well before the technology was available to do them well. In the mid-80s, technology was developed to bond to dentin and the materials were improved. While I was practicing, we had been placing these restorations since 1984. While it is true that in the 80\u2019s, these composite restorations were functionally inferior to the old silver amalgam restorations, that is no longer the case, provided that they are placed with proper technique by an experienced practitioner.<\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) Why do so few American dentists provide the composite fillings?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t You can still graduate from most American dental schools without doing any white composites on back teeth. The reason the dental schools give for not including these techniques in their curriculum is that they are too busy preparing students for the board examinations and have no space in their curriculum for topics that aren\u2019t required by those board examinations. So, in short, the answer is that the board exams don\u2019t require them, so dentists have to go out, often after graduation, and learn these techniques from seminars, and dentists who are equipped with only the essentials from dental school don\u2019t feel comfortable with the white fillings.<\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) I have had one of these white fillings and my tooth was really sensitive afterward. Why?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t Normally, the mercury-free fillings should have practically no sensitivity afterward \u2013 this is one of their chief advantages. There are several reasons they could be sensitive.<\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) Why does my dental insurance company pay so little on these mercury-free fillings?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t You need to understand that your insurance company is not a non-profit benevolent society. They are in business to make money. Composite is more expensive to place, and the policy of many insurance companies is to cover the cost of the least expensive treatment, as long as that treatment is reasonably appropriate according to their definition. I don\u2019t think they\u2019re being entirely unreasonable in this. My experience has been that most patients who want the nicer fillings are willing to pay the difference, and I think it\u2019s appropriate that they do. See our page of explanation of the costs of white fillings to learn more. You can also visit our page on the costs of cosmetic dentistry.<\/p>\n\t\t\tQ) What does a Dental Hygienist do?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t Dental hygienists are registered and certified health professionals who specialize in preventing oral health problems and diseases. They work with individual clients or communities to prevent tooth, gum and mouth diseases and injuries that can affect overall health.<\/p>\n Dental hygiene services are provided to individuals across the age spectrum. Dental hygienists work with patients ranging from parents in pre-natal classes to the elderly in long-term care centres. A work day could involve assessment, planning, implementing and evaluating oral health data and include:<\/p>\n The dental hygiene profession focuses on preventive health care. As a result, many dental hygienists deliver health promotion programs in their community to parent and special needs groups, schools, day cares and long-term seniors\u2019 care facilities. Among the programs provided are:<\/p>\n
\nRemember that it\u2019s as important to care for your remaining teeth as it is to replace the missing ones.\n\t\t\tQ) What cause teeth discoloratoin?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\n
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