Part I
What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
What is Tooth Decay?
What is Endodontic (Root Canal) Treatment?
What are Crowns (Caps)?
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
How to Replace Missing Teeth?

Part II
What are Restorations (Fillings)?
What is bonding?
What are Third Molars (Wisdom Teeth)?
What is Orthodontics (Straightening of Teeth)?

Part III
Guide to Dental Nutrition
Care for Mouth After an Extraction
First Aid for Dental Problems
Sterilization Process

Periodontal (Gum) Gum Disease

1. If plaque is not removed, it will cause the gums to bleed, a condition called gingivitis. Unremoved plaque can develop into a hard substance called calculus (tartar).	2. As plaque and calculus builds up, the gum and bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw will be destroyed. This is irreversible.	3. Eventually, there will not be enough gum and bone remaining to hold the tooth in place, and the tooth will need to be removed.

• A professional dental cleaning is the only way to have calculus removed.
• This disease can be treated to prevent further bone loss. Consult you r dentist.
• Regular dental check-ups and cleanings and good home care will prevent this disease from occurring.  back to top
  

Tooth Decay

1. Acid from the plaque dissolves enamel causing a cavity which can spread to the dentin.	2. If left untreated, the cavity enlarges until it reaches the pulp, which becomes infected.	3. An abscess develops and now the tooth requires root canal treatment in order to be saved.

• Tooth decay (cavity or caries) can develop on any surface of any tooth.
• Cavities grow; they are much easier and less expensive to treat when they are small.
• Cavities may or may not cause discomfort; even though it doesn't hurt, the tooth is deteriorating.
• Tooth decay is checked for every 6-12 months by your dentist, usually with the help of dental x-rays.
• Tooth decay is treated by your dentist by cleaning out the cavity and placing a restoration (filling) in the tooth.   back to top
  

Endodontic (Root Canal) Treatment

1. An untreated cavity has infected the pulp and caused an abscess.	2. The pulp (nerve tissue) inside the tooth is cleaned out and medicated.	3. With the infection eliminated, the canals of the tooth are filled and sealed.

• A tooth that has had root canal treatment can usually be restored to last as long as any other tooth.
• After root canal treatment, the tooth should be restored. This is often done by using a crown (cap).
• With modern dentistry, most root canal treatments can be performed with no discomfort.
• The cost of a root canal and a restoration is usually less than the cost of removing that tooth and replacing it with an artificial one.   back to top
  
  
  

Crowns (Caps)

1. A tooth prior to a crown preparation.	2. The tooth is trimmed on all sides in preparation for a crown.	3. A finished crown fitted precisely to prepared tooth.

• The purpose of a crown is to protect and strengthen a brittle, weakened or badly broken tooth, i.e. a root canal tooth or a tooth with a very large filling.
• A crown may be made out of gold, a silver colored metal or white porcelain.
• A crown is similar to a thimble fitting over a finger and fits the tooth precisely.
• A crown is cemented to the prepared tooth.
• Porcelain crowns are often used for cosmetic reasons. If you feel you have a need, consult your dentist.   back to top

Why Replace Missing Teeth?

Normal arrangement of teeth immediately following the removal of one tooth.	With time, if even one tooth is missing, the space may cause: - teeth in front of space to drift back creating spaces in between front teeth. - teeth behind space to tilt forward. - tooth above space to erupt down.

Because the teeth drift out of position, several conditions may occur:

• severe occlusal (bite) problems that could lead to clicking of the jaw, headaches and jaw pain.
• hard to clean areas are created which will lead to tooth decay and gum disease. back to top

How to Replace Missing Teeth?

Fixed Bridge

• A fixed bridge is cemented in place over the teeth just like a single crown.
• They are not removable.
• As in a crown, a bridge can be made of white porcelain, gold, a silver colored metal, or a combination of these.
• A fixed bridge is the most realistic method of replacing teeth, both in appearance and chewing comfort.

  Removal Partial

• A removable partial is designed to be inserted and removed by the patient.
• It is held in place by metal clasps surrounding your natural teeth.
• It can be used in place of a fixed bridge or in cases where a fixed bridge cannot be used.
• Consult your dentist to help you decide whether the fixed bridge or removable partial is better for you.    back to top