Tooth Jewellery

Tooth Jewellery is the latest craze.

The latest fashion craze, this ready made tooth jewellery is available to everyone including the rich and famous. Fitting takes about 10 to 15 minutes is completely painless as there is no cutting of the tooth surface.

The jewellery is just cemented onto your tooth, the design can be changed several times if you want to change your smile, or even go back to your original smile.

Incision and Drainage

Incision and Drainage

Incision and drainage is a dental procedure that is required when a cavity or tooth infection spreads causing a dental abscess. Dental abscesses occur when bacteria from a cavity grows and extends into the mouth face jaw or throat. A dental abscess is generally quite painful and the pain tends to increase as the infection worsens. Pus builds up at the site of the infection causing gum inflammation and tenderness and if the abscess does not rupture and drain on its own it may have to be surgically drained in order to cure the infection.

Signs of an infection include redness swelling heat pain pus drainage and difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing. In cases of advanced infection as the infection spreads nausea vomiting diarrhea chills fever and sweats can occur.

Halitosis - Bad Breath

Halitosis Bad Breath

Halitosis is an oral health condition characterized by occasional or chronic bad breath. Common causes for occasional halitosis include smoking drinking alcohol and coffee and eating foods like garlic onions curries salamis and cheeses. Most halitosis originates as a result of sulfur gases produced by bacteria in the mouth. Gum disease is the most common reason for halitosis as the plaque that forms between the gum and the tooth is made up of bacteria food particles and dead gum cells. Colds and throat infections also cause bacteria growth as mucus serves as a breeding ground for bacteria.

As most halitosis originates in the mouth the primary cause is poor oral hygiene. Proper brushing of the teeth cheeks tongue and roof of the mouth along with flossing will remove bacteria plaque and food particles. Using a plastic tongue scraper will also help by scraping away bacteria that builds on the tongue.

Xerostomia

Xerostomia

Dry mouth occurs when a person’s mouth lacks sufficient saliva to keep it moist. We all get dry mouth at times but a person who experiences dry mouth all the time suffers from a condition called xerostomia. Saliva is more than just a mouth moisturizer—it also aids chewing swallowing and digestion controls the amount of bacteria and fungi in our mouths cleans the teeth and gums and protects them from decay. It also remineralizes the teeth by providing necessary doses of calcium and phosphate. Xerostomia then can affect a person’s diet nutritional health speech and sense of taste; lower a person’s ability to tolerate dental treatments especially those involving dental reconstruction; and leave a person more prone to dental caries or tooth structure decay.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom Teeth

Molars are the “chewing” or “grinding” teeth at the back of your mouth. Wisdom teeth are the third molars the very back teeth. There is one third molar in each of the four corners of the mouth. Wisdom teeth are the last of the permanent teeth to develop often not erupting until the late teens or early twenties. This delay means that by the time the wisdom teeth are ready to erupt there is often no room in the mouth left for them. For this reason wisdom teeth often become impacted. In dental terms the term impacted refers to teeth that have failed to fully erupt into their proper place in the mouth.

Unerupted Tooth

Unerupted Tooth

An unerupted or impacted tooth is a tooth that has formed but not emerged into the mouth. Teeth that fail to erupt can damage surrounding teeth gums and supporting bone and lead to the formation of tumours and cysts that can severly disrupt the jaw. Because of this risk unerupted teeth are often extracted.

Failure to erupt occurs most frequently among third molars better known as wisdom teeth. Third molars are last teeth to develop; thus by the time they are ready to erupt there is often no room for them in the jaw line and they remain beneath the gums. Cuspids the four pointy teeth surrounding your front teeth and bicuspids the teeth between your cuspids and molars are also known to become impacted.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers (also known as dental veneers or dental porcelain laminates) refer to a cosmetic dentistry operation in which a thin layer of porcelain is bonded to a natural tooth. In this procedure a half millimeter of enamel is removed from the front surface of the tooth. The tooth is then exposed to phosphoric acid in which after the resin cements a veneer is then applied to the tooth. This procedure is used to replace lost tooth structure straighten teeth change the color or shape of a tooth and/or close teeth spaces.

Pedodontics

Pedodontics

Pedodontics or Pediatric Dentistry refers to a branch of dentistry that specializes in dental care for children under the age of 16. Pediatric dentists require an extra two to three years of dental training that prepare them in meeting the unique dental needs of infant children and adolescent dental care. This also includes those with special health care needs.

Nightguard

Nightguard

A night guard is a plastic device that covers all of the upper or lower teeth. A night guard is used to prevent wear on the teeth caused by tooth grinding during sleep a medical condition known as Bruxism. Nightguards also help prevent TMJ and clenching disorders.

Root Canal Therapy

Root Canal Therapy

Root Canal Therapy or endotontic therapy refers to the specialized dental procedure of removing infected pulp from a tooth and filling it with an inert material. It is a method that prevents the further spread of infection and the possibility of that tooth falling out.

Root Canal Therapy is recommended in instances where an abscess (a pocket of pus that forms at the tip of the tooth’s root) becomes visible. This is a sign that there is damage to the tooth’s pulp. This infection is generally a result of a deep cavity or a cracked tooth in which the pulp has become exposed to bacteria. If the pulp is damaged beyond repair it essentially means that the tooth has died. Therefore root canal therapy is a way to avoid tooth extraction while repairing the esthetic look of the tooth through dental restorations such as a crown.

Restoration - TOOTH FILLING

Restoration

Restoration refers to the reproduction of a tooth through the use of metal and/or tooth-colored materials for teeth that have been damaged. There are a number of benefits for tooth restoration which include health advantages (the strengthening of affected teeth to prevent further tooth erosion the replacement of damaged and/or missing teeth to prevent the evolution of crooked teeth) and esthetic advantages (replacement of a damaged tooth with a more natural healthier looking tooth.)

Brushing Technique

Proper Brushing Technique

1. Tilt the brush at a 45° angle against the gumline and sweep or roll the brush away from the gumline.
2. Gently brush the outside inside and chewing surface of each tooth using short back-and-forth strokes.
3. Gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath

Extraction

A dental extraction 
(also referred to as exodontia) is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons, including tooth decay that has destroyed enough tooth structure to prevent restoration. Extractions of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth are routinely performed, as are extractions of some permanent teeth to make space for orthodontic treatment.

Apicoectomy

Apicoectomy

An apicoectomy is a surgical procedure that attempts to remove infection usually the result of a failed root canal surgery from the tip of the tooth root (apex) the are where nerves and blood vessels enter the tooth and travel through a canal inside the root and into the pulp chamber which is inside the crown or the part of the tooth visible in the mouth. During root-canal treatment the canals are cleaned and inflamed or infected nerve tissue is removed. Root-canal systems are very complicated with many small off-shooting branches. Sometimes even after root-canal treatment infected debris can remain in these branches and possibly prevent healing or cause re-infection later

Bruxism

Bruxism

Bruxism is the involuntary ”nervous” grinding of the teeth while a patient is asleep. Bruxism is the technical term for grinding and clenching that abrades teeth and may cause facial pain. People who grind and clench called bruxers unintentionally bite down too hard at inappropriate times such as in their sleep. In addition to grinding teeth bruxers also may bite their fingernails pencils and chew the inside of their cheek. Bruxism affects between 10-50% of the population and is a subconscious behavior so many people do not realize that they are doing it.

Calculus or Tartar

Calculus

Calculus is the hard residue ranging from yellow to brown forming on teeth when oral hygiene is incomplete or improper. Calculus is formed from Plaque (a soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth; composed largely of bacteria and food substances suspended in saliva) which can build up and become hard. This hard plaque is known as tartar or calculus. Brushing and flossing alone cannot remove calculus. A dentist or hygienist must remove it manually to stop the disease process.

Cyst

Cyst

A cyst is an abnormal closed cavity in the body lined by epithelium (membrane tissue) containing a liquid or semisolid material. There are several different types of cysts that are common in medical dentistry. The main types of cysts are outline below with their symptoms and treatments

Composite Filling

Composite Filling

A composite resin filling (also known as a white filling) is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide) and is a composite quartz resin that usually contains some sort of light sensitive agent.

Introduced in the 1960s dental composites were confined to the front teeth because they were not strong enough to withstand the pressure and wear generated by the back teeth. Since then composites have been significantly improved and can be successfully placed in the back teeth as well. Composites are not only used to restore decayed areas but are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth. A composite filling can be tinted to match any tooth color and it forms a natural bond with the existing tooth in a way that metal fillings cannot. The end result is nearly invisible fillings.

In order to bond a filling material to your tooth it is first necessary to remove decay prepare the tooth and then to condition the enamel and dentin. Once conditioned a thin resin is applied which bonds to the etched surface. Placement time depends on the size and location of the cavity and the larger the size the longer it will take. After placement composites are hardened by shining an intense light on them for a specified period of time usually around 40 seconds.

Composite fillings tend to be used as an alternative to metal or silver amalgam fillings and are used to treat decay on a portion of a tooth replace an old silver amalgam filling and to maintain a white smile.

Diastema

Diastema

Gaps between teeth can occur naturally or when teeth have been lost. The term Diastema is used to describe open spaces between the upper incisors (front teeth). A Diastema is created by an unequal relationship between the size of the teeth and the jaw. Occasionally the pulling action of a labial frenulum (tissue around the lip) can push the teeth apart creating a central Diastema.

Dental Implant

Dental Implant

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root surgically placed directly into the jawbone where a tooth is missing. Once the implant has healed a bridge or replacement tooth will be attached to the artificial root. Implants provide a good alternative to crowns and bridges due to the fact they are in no way attached to neighboring teeth and thus look and feel like natural teeth.

Dental Trauma

Dental Trauma

• Dental trauma is any injury to any part of the mouth such as the teeth lips gums tongue and jawbones. Sports car accidents physical fights hard foods and too-hot liquids are all potential causes of dental traumas. Broken or knocked-out teeth are the most common mouth injury. 

The symptoms of dental trauma depend on the type of injury. Soft tissue injuries such as cuts burns or bruises to the lips inner cheeks or tongue can result in pain redness swelling and possible bleeding. Broken teeth result in sharp edges that can potentially cut the soft tissue. Depending on the type of fracture broken teeth may also result in toothache. A tooth that has been knocked out or evulsed will leave a swollen painful and bloody socket. A broken jawbone can lead to malocclusion (improper fit of the upper and lower teeth) jaw pain and limited movement in the temporomandibular joint the joint that opens and closes the mouth.

  

Dental Crowns

Dental Crowns

 Dental crowns also known as dental caps cover damaged or discolored teeth. Crowns cover the entire tooth starting at the gum line. They are usually made of gold porcelain or a combination of both.

Dental Cleaning - Dental Scaling

Dental Cleaning

Dental cleaning means the professional the cleaning you can only receive from a dentist or dental hygienist. A routine dental cleaning should include scaling root planning and polishing. These three important steps are outlined in detail below.

Smoking: A Danger to Healthy Gums

Smoking: A Danger to Healthy Gums

You've probably seen the warning on cigarette packages: "Quitting smoking now greatly reduces serious risks to your health." What smoking-related diseases come to mind? Lung cancer, probably. Emphysema, maybe.

But did you know that half of periodontal (gum) disease in smokers is caused by smoking? Chronic (long-term) gum disease can lead to the loss of your teeth.

Dental Caries - TOOTH DECAY

DENTAL CARIES - TOOTH DECAY

Tooth decay is one of the most common of all disorders, second only to the common cold. It usually occurs in children and young adults but can affect any person. It is a common cause of tooth loss in younger people.

Parts of the Teeth

Teeth

A tooth is a bit like a tree — only part of it is visible, and the roots lie beneath the surface. The roots of your teeth extend into your gums and beyond into the jaw bones. Your tooth has many layers. The outer layer (enamel) is made of hard crystal. The next layer (dentin) is softer. The pulp in the middle of the tooth contains nerves that conduct sensations of hot, cold and pain. The pulp also contains blood vessels.

Teeth and Gums

Caring for Your Teeth and Gums:

With proper care, your teeth and gums can stay healthy throughout your life. The healthier your teeth and gums are, the less risk you have for tooth decay and gum disease.

How Should I Care for My Teeth and Gums?

There are five basic steps to caring for teeth and gums:

1.Brushing

2.Flossing

3.Eating right

4.Visiting the dentist

5.Rinsing