We all know that good oral hygiene keeps your teeth looking clean and shiny, but did you know that it's also essential to your overall health? Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems, such as gum disease, infection, heart disease, stroke, and even diabetes.
That's why dentists recommend that teeth be cleaned professionally twice a year. Teeth cleaning is the removal of dental plaque and tartar in order to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. The average dental cleaning is a routine procedure that is rarely painful and takes 30–45 minutes.
At Fredericksburg Dental Center, we specialize in and frequently perform a variety of dental cleaning procedures, from scaling to whitening, so you can rest assured that yours will be performed by a skilled and experienced medical professional.
Root Canal Treatment
Your teeth contain several layers: the outer protective enamel, a secondary layer of sensitive dentin, and an inner pulp that contains components commonly referred to as the “nerve” of the tooth.
A deep cavity, traumatic injury, or tooth fracture can make the canal susceptible to bacterial infection, which can kill the pulp, stimulate increased blood flow, and create pressure within the tooth. If you see a dentist in the earliest stages of this condition, the tooth may be saved with a root canal.
Will root canal therapy hurt?
Not with today's advanced analgesics and technology. In fact, the entire process can be so comfortable that many patients doze off.
Oftentimes, root canal therapy can be completed in a single appointment. We simply clean out the diseased canal, fill it with a biologically-inert substance, seal it from further infection, and you're on your way.
While some patients experience post-procedural soreness or slight tissue inflammation, these are controllable with over-the-counter analgesics.
Follow-up care involves thorough home hygiene and regular dental visits for cleanings and checkups.
Crown and Bridgework
Dental Crown and Bridgework is When one or more teeth are missing in a row, Dr.Sonia may recommend crown and bridge system to restore a strong, complete bite. You may have heard a crown and bridge system referred to as simply a bridge or bridgework. These three terms refer to the same replacement teeth fixture (prosthetic). A bridge is a fixed prosthetic, which means it cannot be removed by the patient.
How is a bridge placed?
Dr.Sonia will prepare the teeth on either side of your missing teeth so that they can hold crowns. The crowns will anchor the bridge in place. Your custom bridge will contain one or more teeth in a row. If the last tooth on either arch is missing, a cantilever bridge can be secured by only one crown.
Once your teeth are prepared, we'll take an impression for our dental lab. A ceramist will fabricate your bridge according to the impression and Dr.Sonia instructions. To complete your smile between visits, Dr.----- can place a temporary bridge. You'll return to our dental office for permanent placement of your bridge.
What will happen if I don't get a bridge?
If missing teeth are not replaced, remaining teeth can shift out of place. This can lead to problems with occlusion (how upper and lower teeth fit together), which can in turn lead to TMJ dysfunction and/or bruxism (teeth grinding). Furthermore, missing teeth can alter speech and chewing ability. If teeth are missing in the front of the mouth, a patient may suffer from decreased self- confidence, as well. You should love your smile. Schedule a consultation with us by calling our office today. We provide excellent cosmetic dentistry and aesthetic restorative dentistry to discerning patients in threa and beyond. With the latest technology, clinical mastery, and compassionate care, Dr.Sonia will create uniquely stunning smile just for you.