Veneers

Dental veneers are custom-fit shells of tooth-colored material that are applied to the front of the tooth to improve appearance. Veneers are used to fix teeth that are discolored, worn down, chipped, misaligned, or gapped.

What is it?

Dental veneers are placed over teeth to improve their appearance or protect them. The surfaces are made from porcelain or resin composite materials and are molded to fit the teeth they will cover. Many tooth conditions are corrected by dental veneers including discolored teeth, root canal treated teeth, worn teeth, chipped teeth, misaligned or uneven teeth, or gapped teeth.

What should I do to prepare?

There are no special preparations to be made for a dental veneer procedure.

What happens during the process?

The first step is for the patient and the dentist to plan the intended result of the dental veneer procedure will be. Then, the dentist must remove enamel to the same thickness as the dental veneer. The dentist proceeds to make an impression of the teeth and the veneers arrive in about 1-2 weeks. The veneers are temporarily placed on the teeth to examine fit and color. The teeth are cleaned, and the veneer is cemented on to the old tooth. The cement hardens whereby excess is removed.

What are the risks and potential complications?

Some complications and risks are associated with having dental veneers placed over teeth. The process is costly and is not reversible or repairable. There is also the possibility that the color of the veneer will not match exactly. Additionally, teeth with veneers can become sensitive due to the removal of enamel. Teeth with veneers can still decay, crack, or break.  There are no significant risks or complications directly related to the dental veneer procedure.

Disclaimer:

All GlobeHealer Site content, including graphics, images, logos, and text, among other materials on the site are for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should always contact your physician or qualified health provider for information regarding your health. Information on this site regarding the overview, diagnosis, and treatment of any kind should be looked at, in addition to the advice and information of your health care professional. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment or medical advice due to information found on the GlobeHealer site.

If there is even the possibility that you may have a medical emergency, seek treatment, call your doctor, or call your local emergency telephone number immediately. GlobeHealer does not endorse being the first line of communication in case of emergency and does not endorse any specific test, physician, facility, product, procedure, opinion, or other information that is or may be mentioned on this site or affiliated entities. Reliance of any and all information provided by GlobeHealer, its employees, affiliations, others appearing on the Site under the invitation of GlobeHealer, or visitors of the site is solely at your own risk and is not the responsibility of GlobeHealer.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral essential for the process of remineralization that strengthens the enamel layer on teeth and prevents decay. Dentists implement fluoride treatments through special toothpaste, mouth rinses, and dental visits to prevent demineralization of the teeth at a young age.

What is it?

Fluoride treatment is the process of applying fluoride directly onto teeth to prevent tooth decay. The application of fluoride speeds up remineralization of enamel while slowing down the demineralization of the enamel by protecting the teeth from acid attacks, plaque, bacteria, and sugars.

What should I do to prepare?

There is no preparation necessary, but eating before treatment should be considered. The patient is usually told not to drink during the 30 minutes period after the fluoride treatment.

What happens during the process?

There are multiple methods of conducting fluoride treatments. The average person consumes fluoride through a natural source such as water or food. Additionally, dentists use fluoride enriched toothpaste and mouthwashes as a supplementary source. Mouthwashes with even stronger concentrations of fluoride can be prescribed by dentists.

What are the risks and potential complications?

There is little to no risk with fluoride treatment. Fluoride is typically safe, but can be toxic at high doses depending on the patient’s weight.  Excess fluoride can cause fluorosis, which is staining of the teeth ranging from white specks to brown discoloration.

Disclaimer: 

All GlobeHealer Site content, including graphics, images, logos, and text, among other materials on the site are for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should always contact your physician or qualified health provider for information regarding your health. Information on this site regarding the overview, diagnosis, and treatment of any kind should be looked at, in addition to the advice and information of your health care professional. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment or medical advice due to information found on the GlobeHealer site. If there is even the possibility that you may have a medical emergency, seek treatment, call your doctor, or call your local emergency telephone number immediately. GlobeHealer does not endorse being the first line of communication in case of emergency and does not endorse any specific test, physician, facility, product, procedure, opinion, or other information that is or may be mentioned on this site or affiliated entities. Reliance of any and all information provided by GlobeHealer, its employees, affiliations, others appearing on the Site under the invitation of GlobeHealer, or visitors of the site is solely at your own risk and is not the responsibility of GlobeHealer.

The sealant is a thin coating applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent further tooth decay. The coating forms a protective shield over the enamel by bonding to the grooves in teeth.

What is it?

A thin plastic coating that helps prevent tooth decay. The sealant is typically painted on teeth and bonds into the grooves of the teeth to form a protective layer over the enamel.  Molars and back teeth are more vulnerable to wear and tear because of chewing and the mechanical breakdown of food, which makes the use of sealant much more prevalent on these teeth.

What should I do to prepare?

There are no special preparations required for this procedure. It is recommended to practice and maintain healthy oral hygiene habits.

What happens during the process?

The process is relatively short and takes only a few minutes to seal a tooth. The teeth are first cleaned and dried off thoroughly. Acid is then added to roughen up the chewing surfaces, which assists in binding. The teeth are rinsed off and dried again, and the sealant is painted onto the enamel. A curing light completes the process by hardening the sealant.

What are the risks and potential complications?

There are minimal risks and complications accompanying sealant procedures. Sealants protect dental decay for up to 10 years, but sealants can chip and crack over time.  Dentists can replace sealants, so it is suggested that they are checked during routine dental visits.

Disclaimer: 

All GlobeHealer Site content, including graphics, images, logos, and text, among other materials on the site are for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should always contact your physician or qualified health provider for information regarding your health. Information on this site regarding the overview, diagnosis, and treatment of any kind should be looked at, in addition to the advice and information of your health care professional. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment or medical advice due to information found on the GlobeHealer site.

If there is even the possibility that you may have a medical emergency, seek treatment, call your doctor, or call your local emergency telephone number immediately. GlobeHealer does not endorse being the first line of communication in case of emergency and does not endorse any specific test, physician, facility, product, procedure, opinion, or other information that is or may be mentioned on this site or affiliated entities. Reliance of any and all information provided by GlobeHealer, its employees, affiliations, others appearing on the Site under the invitation of GlobeHealer, or visitors of the site is solely at your own risk and is not the responsibility of GlobeHealer.

Dental scaling and polishing is the removal of plaque and tartar deposits built up on the teeth and the polishing of the smooth surfaces of the teeth. This procedure is conducted during routine cleaning (prophylaxis) at a visit to the dentist.

What is it?

Dental scaling and polishing are procedures that take place during a regular visit to the dentist for prophylaxis. Scaling is a non-surgical procedure of removing dental plaque and calculus on the teeth. A slow speed hand tool polishes teeth to make them shiny and smooth. These procedures are useful for anyone but particularly useful to those with periodontal disease.

What should I do to prepare?

There are no special preparations required for this procedure. It is recommended to practice and maintain healthy oral hygiene habits.

What happens during the process?

During dental scaling and polishing, there are a few different instruments used for various purposes. Often, ultrasonic devices produce ticklish vibrations that will be used first to loosen large tartar deposits.Then, hand instruments are used to remove smaller tartar deposits by scraping with moderate pressure. Finally, polishing is done at a slow pace with a soft, motorized tool and a special toothpaste.

What are the risks and potential complications?

Despite the importance of scaling and polishing for the health of one’s teeth, there are several known risks or effects to be aware of from this procedure. These risks include having gum recession, swollen gums, tooth sensitivity, root cavity, root bleeding, tender gums, and eating restrictions. These effects are due to the need for removal of deposits on the teeth, which may require a lot of scraping.  The procedure itself does not pose much risk and is beneficial to have performed to prevent worse effects from occurring.

Disclaimer:

All GlobeHealer Site content, including graphics, images, logos, and text, among other materials on the site are for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should always contact your physician or qualified health provider for information regarding your health. Information on this site regarding the overview, diagnosis, and treatment of any kind should be looked at, in addition to the advice and information of your health care professional. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment or medical advice due to information found on the GlobeHealer site.

If there is even the possibility that you may have a medical emergency, seek treatment, call your doctor, or call your local emergency telephone number immediately. GlobeHealer does not endorse being the first line of communication in case of emergency and does not endorse any specific test, physician, facility, product, procedure, opinion, or other information that is or may be mentioned on this site or affiliated entities. Reliance of any and all information provided by GlobeHealer, its employees, affiliations, others appearing on the Site under the invitation of GlobeHealer, or visitors of the site is solely at your own risk and is not the responsibility of GlobeHealer.

A root canal repairs a badly decayed or infected tooth. When a cavity develops in the center of the tooth, the nerve and pulp must be removed, and the inside of the tooth must be cleaned and sealed. Without this procedure, surrounding tissue can become infected and lead to the formation of abscesses.

What is it?

Root canal therapy is conducted if the pulp of the tooth becomes heavily infected. In this case, both the pulp and the nerve require removal and the interior of the tooth is cleaned and sealed to prevent further infection and damage.

What should I do to prepare?

There are no special preparations required for root canal therapies. It is recommended to practice and maintain healthy oral hygiene habits.

What happens during the process?

A local anesthetic is applied near the tooth of interest. A rubber dam is then placed around the tooth to keep it dry from saliva. A hole is drilled into the tooth, and the pulp (bacteria and debris as well) is removed using root canal files. Multiple files of increasing diameter are placed into the access hole and are pushed down to the very bottom of the tooth to scrub the entirety of the root canal. The debris is then flushed out using water or sodium hypochlorite. The cavity is then restored using a sealer paste, called gutta-percha, to fill the canal. Further restoration can be completed with a filling and potentially a crown if the tooth has a large filling.

What are the risks and potential complications?

New infections may arise due to complications, which include, unexpected root canals in the tooth with one or more uncleaned in the cleaning process, cracks in the root of a tooth, an ineffective restoration, and breakdown of the sealing material which can also lead to infection.

Disclaimer:

All GlobeHealer Site content, including graphics, images, logos, and text, among other materials on the site are for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should always contact your physician or qualified health provider for information regarding your health. Information on this site regarding the overview, diagnosis, and treatment of any kind should be looked at, in addition to the advice and information of your health care professional. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment or medical advice due to information found on the GlobeHealer site.

If there is even the possibility that you may have a medical emergency, seek treatment, call your doctor, or call your local emergency telephone number immediately. GlobeHealer does not endorse being the first line of communication in case of emergency and does not endorse any specific test, physician, facility, product, procedure, opinion, or other information that is or may be mentioned on this site or affiliated entities. Reliance of any and all information provided by GlobeHealer, its employees, affiliations, others appearing on the Site under the invitation of GlobeHealer, or visitors of the site is solely at your own risk and is not the responsibility of GlobeHealer.

Prophylaxis is a dental procedure that involves thorough cleaning the teeth to slow the onset of periodontal disease and gingivitis. Prophylaxis can be performed during a general dentist visit or under general anesthesia if severe periodontal disease is suspected.

What is it?

Prophylaxis, or teeth cleaning, is a non-invasive dental procedure that involves thoroughly cleaning the teeth at a dental visit. The cleaning involves removing hardened tartar deposits that are unable to be removed during routine cleaning. Prophylaxis is not necessarily needed for people with any particular condition, but may be more important for those with periodontal disease, tooth decay, or plaque deposits.

What should I do to prepare?

There are no special preparations necessary for dental prophylaxis. However, it is important to maintain routine hygiene.

What happens during the process?

Prophylaxis is usually incorporated into a regular dental hygienist visit and lasts for about an hour. Prophylaxis includes brushing, flossing, and scrubbing teeth. Brushing helps prevent buildup of plaque on teeth. Flossing is used to prevent plaque and bacteria buildup in between teeth. Scrubbing or even scraping teeth is used to remove buildup that cannot be removed by brushing or flossing.

What are the risks and potential complications?

The most common complications with prophylaxis are related to vigorous teeth cleaning that results in damage to the gums. This damage can also lead to enamel problems, gingivitis, and bleeding gums.

Disclaimer: 

All GlobeHealer Site content, including graphics, images, logos, and text, among other materials on the site are for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should always contact your physician or qualified health provider for information regarding your health. Information on this site regarding the overview, diagnosis, and treatment of any kind should be looked at, in addition to the advice and information of your health care professional. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment or medical advice due to information found on the GlobeHealer site.

If there is even the possibility that you may have a medical emergency, seek treatment, call your doctor, or call your local emergency telephone number immediately. GlobeHealer does not endorse being the first line of communication in case of emergency and does not endorse any specific test, physician, facility, product, procedure, opinion, or other information that is or may be mentioned on this site or affiliated entities. Reliance of any and all information provided by GlobeHealer, its employees, affiliations, others appearing on the Site under the invitation of GlobeHealer, or visitors of the site is solely at your own risk and is not the responsibility of GlobeHealer.

Bleaching is a tooth whitening process where hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide bleaches are used to break stains into smaller pieces. This process disperses color concentration and results in whiter teeth. However, bleaching may not work on teeth discolored by injuries or medications.

What is it?

Bleaching of the teeth is a common technique performed either in a dentist’s office or at home to whiten teeth using peroxide bleaching agents. Depending on where the procedure is performed, and the peroxide concentration of the agent, teeth whiteness and the speed of the procedure can vary.

What should I do to prepare?

If teeth are sensitive, it is recommended to use a desensitizing toothpaste several weeks before bleaching.

What happens during the process?

Dentists use whitening agents of higher peroxide concentration, thus shortening the time of the procedure. The agent is placed on the patient’s teeth, and often heat, and light are used to speed up the process. At home, there are multiple options to bleach teeth. These options include tooth whitening strips and gels, a tray-based bleaching system where a tray similar to a mouth guard is filled with peroxide agents and placed over the teeth for several hours a day, and whitening toothpastes.

What are the risks and potential complications?

There are a few risks and complications associated with teeth bleaching. If a stronger solution with a higher peroxide concentration is placed on the teeth for too long, the tooth may become dehydrated which heightens tooth sensitivity.

Disclaimer:

All GlobeHealer Site content, including graphics, images, logos, and text, among other materials on the site are for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should always contact your physician or qualified health provider for information regarding your health. Information on this site regarding the overview, diagnosis, and treatment of any kind should be looked at, in addition to the advice and information of your health care professional. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment or medical advice due to information found on the GlobeHealer site.

If there is even the possibility that you may have a medical emergency, seek treatment, call your doctor, or call your local emergency telephone number immediately. GlobeHealer does not endorse being the first line of communication in case of emergency and does not endorse any specific test, physician, facility, product, procedure, opinion, or other information that is or may be mentioned on this site or affiliated entities. Reliance of any and all information provided by GlobeHealer, its employees, affiliations, others appearing on the Site under the invitation of GlobeHealer, or visitors of the site is solely at your own risk and is not the responsibility of GlobeHealer.