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

Restorations (Fillings)

One surface silver filling (amalgam).	Two surface amalgam replacing decay on the surface of a tooth adjacent to another tooth.	When teeth are badly broken down, pins may be used to help anchor the silver filling. Many of these teeth, in addition to this filling, will need to be fully protected with a crown.

Cavity in between front teeth.	Cavity is restored with a white resin filling that matches the natural tooth color

• The price of a filling is determined by a number of factors, including the size and the number of surfaces restored.  back to top

Bonding

• Bonding is the process of adhering a synthetic tooth colored resin to your teeth for restorative and/or cosmetic purposes.
• It is the same procedure that is used in placing many tooth colored restorations.
• Bonding can be used to restore decayed or chipped teeth, resurface poorly stained teeth, or close spaces between teeth as shown below.

before	after

• Bonding sometimes can be used to replace a missing tooth with a Maryland bridge. This is a replacement tooth with small hidden metal attachments that are bonded to the inside surfaces of the adjacent teeth. Your dentist can advise you if a Maryland bridge would be a good substitute in your case over a fixed bridge.
• Advantages of Bonding:
  - It can usually be done without anesthetic.
  - Little or no tooth reduction is needed.
  - In cases where bonding is an alternative it will usually be less expensive than a crown or a bridge.
  - It is a relatively new cosmetic service modern dentistry has available.   back to top

• 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

Third Molars (Wisdom Teeth)

• Third molars (usually 4 of them) develop in the back 4 corners of the mouth.
• Wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17 to 21. If there is enough room in the mouth, these teeth will erupt into a normal position.
• Some wisdom teeth come in only part way, and yet some never do erupt. These teeth are called impacted wisdom teeth.
• Possible problems associated with an impacted wisdom tooth are: decay in the wisdom tooth, decay in the adjacent tooth, infection and swelling, cyst formation, and possible crowding of teeth.
• Many people do not have enough room for their wisdom teeth and eventually have them extracted. If your dentist recommends it, then it would be good "preventive medicine" to have them removed before complications occur.
• Many wisdom teeth can be extracted in the office or your dentist may elect to refer you to an oral surgeon.    back to top

Orthodontics (Straightening of Teeth)

1. Normal jaw position and normal bite	2. Normal jaws but crowded teeth.	3. Receded lower jaw and buck teeth appearance.	4. Protruded lower jaw and bulldog appearance.

• Malocclusion (improper bite) means the teeth are not meeting correctly or the jaw is in an abnormal position (pictures 2,3 &4).
• Premature loss of baby teeth is one of the leading causes of some malocclusions.
• Problems associated with malocclusion:
  - Crooked teeth are harder to clean causing tooth decay and gum disease.
  - Inability to chew all foods effectively can lead to an improper diet.
  - Strain on the jaw joints and facial muscles can cause such problems as joint pain, headaches, tension and even arthritis.
  - Deformities of the face and teeth can lead to emotional problems.
• Malocclusions can be diagnosed by your dentist during a regular check up appointment. If you suspect a problem consult your dentist who may treat the malocclusion or choose to refer you to a specialist (orthodontist).   back to top