Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures - Invisalign, Root Canals and Bonding

A bonding is a composite resin that is used as an alternative to amalgams and veneers. This is an excellent cosmetic option for those patients who do not want the look of silver in their mouths and do not want the expense of veneers. Bondings can be used on teeth that are decayed, cracked, or stained.

Procedure

The bonding procedure is usually completed in one visit. The first step is to remove the decayed or unsightly portion of the tooth. The tooth is then etched with a liquid or gel and a bonding agent is then applied. This will allow the composite resin to be placed in the prepared tooth. The resin is then trimmed and polished, leaving you with a beautifully sculpted, natural-looking restoration.

Bonding Durability

Although composite resins are cosmetically pleasing and easily placed, their durability is not as strong as other types of restorations. These resins typically last from 4-7 years before they begin to chip and wear away. When this happens, the restoration will need to be replaced. Invisalign is a great option to straighten your teeth without having to suffer the inconveniences that come from wearing braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear inserts that are custom made for you.

With no metal wires or bands to irritate your mouth, the Invisalign aligners are almost invisible and work to slowly move your teeth into a straighter smile. By changing aligners every two weeks and with regular progress checks, patients often see results as soon as 6 months to 1 year. You can remove the aligners to eat, brush and floss and treatment won't disrupt your lifestyle. In fact, most people won't even notice you're in treatment.

Root Canal, or endodontics, is the process of removing the nerves from the roots of a tooth. A root canal is often necessary to save an infected tooth. If an infected tooth is left alone for a long period of time, an abscess can form. An abscess will show up on an x-ray as a dark spot below the apex of the root. This is actually bone loss in the jaw. It is very important to catch this problem before it deteriorates too far.

Process

The first step of the procedure is to anesthetize the effected area. The next step is to open an access point through the top, or biting surface of the tooth. The doctor will then determine a working length of each canal. Each canal is then cleaned and shaped in preparation for the filling material. Once each canal is prepared, it is filled with an inert material called gutta percha. The canals are then sealed. The tooth is now ready for a restoration, which is usually a crown. This entire procedure is often completed in two visits.

Why do I need a root canal?

There are a number of reasons why one of your teeth may need a root canal. These include but are not limited to, a very deep cavity that extends into the nerve, a trauma to the tooth that exposes the nerve, or a crack in the tooth that extends into the nerve of the tooth.

Signs/Symptoms

- Moderate to severe lingering toothache pain when drinking hot or cold liquids or foods.

- Moderate to severe pain when biting on a tooth

- Sensitivity to tapping or pressure on the tooth

- Toothache that wakes you up in the middle of the night

- A pimple on your gum that may release pus or blood

- Radiating pain from one area of the mouth to another