Bleaching

Bleaching

Bleaching of teeth is a procedure which is useful in lightening discolorations which have accumulated on the tooth surface over a period of time. This process causes the whitening of teeth with the help of a mild bleaching solution. This method is ideal for stains caused by age or food.

What causes staining of teeth?

The most common causes include aging, consumption of staining substances (coffee, tea, colas, tobacco, betel nut etc.), and old discolored fillings in the teeth. During tooth formation, consumption of the antibiotic tetracycline or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration.

How is bleaching done?

Bleaching is performed by two separate methods.

1. One is the In-office bleaching and the other is a commercially available tray system.
2. With the in-office bleaching technique, a bleaching gel is applied over the teeth and a special light is used to activate the bleaching gel so as to begin the whitening process. The facility for this method is available only in the dental clinic.
3. In tray bleaching system, trays are usually provided along with the commercial teeth whitening pack. These trays are designed so as to cover the tooth surface when placed in to the mouth .The bleaching gel is carried to the tooth surface with the help of these trays. The trays are usually worn for a few hours every day for a period of 7 to 10 days. Although slower, the results achieved are usually comparable to the in-office bleaching.
4. For the maximum whitening, a combination of the two techniques is recommended.

Cavity Fillings

Cavity Fillings

Cavity fillings are biocompatible material used for filling up the cavities, which are intentionally cut on the infected part of the tooth surface. These cavities are prepared in a scientific and a principled manner in order to achieve a strong and a long lasting filling.

The main idea of preparing a cavity is to remove the infected position of the tooth so as to prevent the further spread of decay and hence the ultimate loss of the tooth.

The cavities are prepared using high speed drilling equipment, which is controlled by the dentist. Patient may not have any discomfort initially but as the drill bit move closer to the center of the tooth (where the nerves are located), the patient begins to experience sensitivity. This can be avoided if tooth is anesthetized, which of course means having to take an injection

If the cavity prepared is very deep, a layer of medicated cement is used to line the floor of the cavity to help in healing of the tissue.

In case of metal based filling material a base is given. This base is nothing but a thick coat of cement lining the floor of the cavity. The base not only adds to the strength of the over lying filling but also insulates the tooth from sharp variation in temperature, caused by the increased thermal conductivity of the metal filling.

The term cement, which is frequently used, is a mix of a chemical powder and liquid. This mix, which is initially soft, turns hard over a period of time resembling the common cement used for construction

For cavity preparation, which is not very deep, a cement base may not be required.

Scaling

Scaling

Scaling is the process by which plaque and other deposits are removed from the tooth surface, both above and below the gum margin. The primary aim of scaling is to restore the gingival health by completely removing from the tooth surface elements that provoke inflammation and further destruction of the gum. Scaling is normally done without any anesthesia but if there is pain or discomfort local anesthesia can be applied over the area of proposed treatment.

Scaling can be done in two ways:

Scaling using special hand instruments, which are designed for the purpose.

Ultra sonic hand scaling equipment which uses which use vibratory forces to dislodge the hard deposits and stains present on the tooth surface.

The ultra sonic method of scaling is more commonly used among the two. For patients with mild deposits on the tooth surface, a single appointment is usually enough. But for patients with thick, tenacious deposits and stains more than two appointments may be required to perform scaling on all the teeth present.

Deposits on the root of the tooth, makes the root surface rough and irregular, which latter become the breeding grounds for bacteria. The procedure, which smoothens the root surface, is known a root planning and is usually carried out with scaling.

Following scaling and root planning the patient may experience mild pain or sensitivity for a day or two, which can be controlled by taking some pain relievers.

A commitment to maintaining good dental health is essential to the successful treatment of periodontal disease. The outcome of this treatment is very much dependent on how well the patient maintains a regular schedule of brushing and flossing

Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Treatment

What is a Root Canal?

To know about a root canal we have to understand the basic structure of the tooth.

The portion of the tooth seen in the oral cavity is called the crown of the tooth and portion which is anchored within the jaw bone is called the root. Depending on the size location and function a tooth may have one or more roots. The tooth has this inner core of soft tissue called pulp. The pulp comprises of all the nerves and blood vessels, which keep the tooth alive. In the crown, the pulp is present within a chamber called pulp chamber and it extends into the root via a narrow tapering canal called root canal. The blood vessels and nerves, which travel through this canal, leave the tooth through a small opening present in the lower end of the tooth ultimately joining with the other major blood vessels and nerves running within the jawbone.

How does the pulp get infected?

Sometimes the pulp inside your tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This can be caused by deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, a crack or chip in the tooth, or a blow to the tooth .The most common cause is tooth decay.

What happens when a pulp gets infected?

Tooth decay if left untreated spreads into the substance of the tooth ultimately infecting the pulp. Once the pulp becomes infected with more bacteria than it can handle, it begins to degenerate. As with any infection there is formation of pus, which tends to get accumulated at the tip of the roots within the jawbone, forming a "pus-pocket" called an abscess. This abscess not only causes pain and swelling but also affects the jawbone.