Periodontal disease: Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth.Periodontal disease is characterized by red,swollen.and bleeding gums. Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don't know it. This disease is the number one cause of tooth loss. Research suggest that there may be a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as stroke, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.Smoking increase the risk of periodontal disease.Symptoms of periodontal disease include: Bleeding gums,loose teeth,new spacing between teeth,persistent bad breath,receding gums, red and puffy gums, and tenderness and discomfort. http://www.ada.org/public/topics/periodontal_diseases.asp
What does getting a crown,bridge, or veneers involve? A crown procedure usually takes two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate impressions that will be used to create your custom crown. A mold will also be used to fabricate your temporary crown which will remain on your tooth for about two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory. While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by first removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once this is accomplished your temporary crown will be place. Your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite is accurate. you will be given instructions and encouraged to maintain regular dental checkups. http://www.ada.org/public/topics/crowns.asp
Root Canal Therapy: Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of the tooth is affected by decay or infection or sometimes trauma. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (living tissue inside the tooth),nerves, bacteria and decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special medicated materials which restore the tooth to it's full function. Having a root canal is a treatment of choice otherwise the tooth would have to be removed. Root canal therapy usually last a lifetime, although in rare occasions the tooth may have to be retreated due to new infection. After a root canal is done it is imperative that a crown is placed to protect the tooth from any breaking or fractures. You do not want to loose your investment that you made in the root canal process.http://www.ada.org/public/topics/root_canal.asp
Dentures and partial dentures: A denture is a removable dental appliance a replacement for missing teeth. They are made to resemble your natural teeth as closely as possible. A complete denture is needed when all teeth are missing and a partial denture is needed when a few teeth are missing. The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over several weeks. appointments will include several impressions and try ins to create a custom denture just for you. It does take time to become acclimated to new dentures. Think of it like a prosthetic leg. You can not just throw on the new leg and expect to be able to walk,hop, and skip. The same goes for your new dentures. The first couple of weeks will require you to eat soft foods. It is perfectly normal to experience some discomfort associated with your new denture such as sore spots. Your soft gums really were never intended to have hard plastic pushed and rubbed against them. Adjustments and toughening of the gum tissue will be necessary comfort can be achieved. http://www.ada.org/public/topics/dentures.asp