WHAT IS NITROUS OXIDE SEDATION?

The use of nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, in dentistry has revolutionized the way patients view dental visits. Patients who once were afraid or anxious about even the most routine dental procedures, now visit the dentist with confidence. Sedation is typically administered to healthy individuals who need help relaxing or managing treatment anxiety. Reasons for needing sedation may include lengthy procedure times, dental phobias, or fear caused by negative experiences in the past.

Should I choose sedation dentistry?

Only you and your dentist can determine if sedation is right for you. Because sedation covers a spectrum of treatments, you will need to consult with your dentist to discuss whether light, moderate or deep sedation best meets your needs. Your eligibility for sedation will depend on your age, health, and any other medications you may be taking.

What should I expect if I am sedated for my dental procedure?

When nitrous oxide is administered for a dental procedure, you will be instructed to inhale the gas at the beginning of your appointment. Since it does not relieve pain, an anesthetic is also administered. Additional nitrous can be administered throughout your procedure to keep you in a state of euphoria. At the conclusion of your treatment, you’ll be given oxygen to help ‘snap’ you out of your sedated state.

Are there any precautions I need to take after being sedated?

Upon having nitrous oxide sedation, you should be able to return to driving and regular daily activities.

WHAT ARE WHITE COMPOSITE FILLINGS?

Composite fillings, also known as tooth-coloured fillings, are dental restorations designed to be undetectable and natural in appearance. They blend well with the teeth and appear more natural than amalgam (silver) fillings, which are darker and more easily seen by other people. Composite fillings are made of ceramic and plastic compounds that chemically bond to the teeth. They can be used to fill in decayed areas of the teeth, as well as to help repair chipped or broken teeth. Most dentists use composite restorations to treat the teeth closest to the front of the mouth, as they are more noticeable when patients smile. However, advancements in dental technology and the composition of composite fillings have made it possible for dentists to also use tooth-coloured fillings on molars, which receive more wear than other teeth.

What is a cavity? Dental Fillings in Newmarket

Cavities are what you get from tooth decay — damage to the tooth. Tooth decay can affect both the outer coating of a tooth (called enamel) and the inner layer (called dentin).

What causes tooth decay?

When foods with carbohydrates like bread, cereal, milk, soda, fruit, cake, or candy stay on your teeth. The bacteria in your mouth turn them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris, and your saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel, creating holes called cavities.

Am I a candidate for tooth-coloured fillings?

If you have a cavity, broken tooth, or a deteriorated filling, you may be a candidate for a tooth-coloured filling. Schedule a dental consultation to find out if composites are right for you.

What should I expect if my dentist decides a composite filling is right for me?

During your visit, your gums and teeth will be anesthetized with a local anesthetic near the site of the filling. Once the area is numb, the decayed or damaged portion of your teeth will be removed to make room for the new tooth-coloured filling. A resin will be placed over the area and cured with a hand-held light for less than a minute. The new filling will then be shaped and polished before the procedure is complete.

What type of post-treatment care is required after getting a composite filling?

Composite fillings are light cured and you should be able to return to normal activity and oral care immediately after your visit. It’s normal for treated teeth to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold in the days following treatment, but sensitivity that persists beyond a week should be reported to your dentist.

WHAT IS ROOT CANAL THERAPY?

Root canals are valuable dental procedures used to treat and preserve teeth with badly infected roots. The pulp is the live portion of the tooth that extends into the root and contains nerve endings and tissues. When it becomes infected, patients can experience pain, swelling and even total tooth loss unless treated. Root canals remove the damaged parts of the tooth and infected root. In some cases, an antibiotic is prescribed to help prevent further infection within the tooth. The organic portion of the tooth that remains may be restored using a crown that provides a natural appearance and normal tooth function. Many patients associate root canals with pain and discomfort, but local anesthetics and advancements in modern dentistry have made root canals highly tolerable procedures, that are often no less comfortable than getting a standard filling. A crown will be placed on top of the tooth to protect the tooth, restoring it back to its full function.

Am I a candidate for a root canal?

You could be a candidate for a root canal if decay or damage has allowed bacteria to infect the pulp inside your tooth. A root canal could also be the right treatment for you if you prefer to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible instead of extracting both the healthy and diseased portions of your tooth.

What should I expect during my root canal treatment?

If you decide to undergo a root canal, the first step in your procedure will involve a local anesthetic. Once your tooth root is numb, the diseased portion of your tooth pulp will be removed and potentially treated for bacterial infection. The tooth will then be sealed and filled before being restored with a crown.

What type of post-treatment care is required after a root canal?

It is normal for teeth to become inflamed after a root canal, potentially causing sensitivity for the first several days following treatment. However, normal brushing and flossing habits can be resumed immediately after treatment and restoration is complete.

WHAT IS A BRIDGE?

A porcelain bridge is an effective and permanent way to replace missing teeth. A dental bridge consists of at least two crowns (called “retainer crowns”), one on each side of the empty space, connected by a pontic, which replaces the missing tooth. A bridge takes two visits to complete. The first involves preparation of the teeth that will serve as supports for the bridge. They are each reduced in size to make room for the retainer crowns, an impression is taken so the laboratory can fabricate a bridge, and a temporary bridge is placed until the final bridge is ready. The lab fabricates your bridge to look and feel like natural teeth and blend seamlessly with your dentition. At the second visit, the temporary bridge is removed and the permanent bridge is cemented in place.

Is a bridge right for me?

If your tooth is missing, but its former position is surrounded by other tooth structures, a bridge may be the solution for you. Schedule an office consultation to determine whether you could benefit from a dental bridge.

What should I expect when I have my bridge placed?

If you are a candidate for a bridge, your teeth will be reduced to ensure a proper fit. An impression will then be taken of your bite and used to fabricate a mold for the bridge. If you are choosing porcelain prosthesis, its colour will be matched to the natural shade of your other teeth. If a dental lab is making your bridge, you may be fitted with temporary crowns until the permanent one is ready for placement.

Do I need to follow any post-treatment care guidelines?

Your teeth will need time to heal following the bridge placement process, so it is normal for you to experience some sensitivity – especially to hot and cold. Additionally, you may experience soreness in the gums surrounding your restorations, though this is usually manageable with ibuprofen and should subside within a few days.

WHAT IS A CROWN?

To fix a tooth with substantial decay may require greater strength than that provided by a regular filling. In such cases, a porcelain crown might be the best restoration choice. Crowns are also effective treatments for cracked or fractured teeth, and are required after completion of root canals on back teeth. A crown takes two visits to complete. The first involves preparation of the tooth to make room for the crown, an impression of the prepared tooth so the laboratory can fabricate the crown, and a temporary crown to protect the tooth until the final crown is ready. The lab crafts your crown to look and feel like a natural tooth and blend seamlessly with your dentition. At the second visit, this temporary crown is replaced with the permanent crown.

Is a crown right for me?

If you have a tooth that is damaged or decayed, but still intact, a dental crown may be right for you. Schedule an office consultation to determine whether you could benefit from a dental crown.

What should I expect when I have my crown placed?

If you are a candidate for a crown, your teeth will be reduced to ensure a proper fit. An impression will then be taken of your bite and used to fabricate a mold for the crown. If you are choosing porcelain prosthesis, its colour will be matched to the natural shade of your other teeth. If a dental lab is making your crown, you may be fitted with a temporary crown until the permanent one is ready for placement.

Do I need to follow any post-treatment care guidelines?

Your teeth will need time to heal following the crown placement process, so it is normal for you to experience some sensitivity – especially to hot and cold. Additionally, you may experience soreness in the gums surrounding your crown, though this is usually manageable with ibuprofen and should subside within a few days.