General Dentistry
Composite Fillings
A filling is an alternative way to restore a tooth once it has been damaged by decay. A filling can bring the tooth back to its normal function and shape once completed by the dentist. The doctor will remove the decay from the tooth, cleanse the area and then fill the decay-free space with composite material. Cleaning out the infected spaces will prevent further damage to the tooth. The materials used can include porcelain, a composite resin or an amalgam, which is an alloy of silver, copper, tin, mercury and zinc.
With all the different filling material available, it is crucial to discuss treatment options with your dentist. Dr. Skowronski has the knowledge and expertise to determine what type of filling or composite material will be right for you.
Conventional and Claspless Partials
A partial denture consists of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base. There is metal framework that anchors the partial to the patient's natural teeth. A permanent or fixed bridge replaces one or more teeth by placing crowns on either side of the space and cementing the artificial teeth to those crowns. A partial denture is very useful and not only fills space but prevents the other teeth from changing position as well.
While conventional partials have a small clasp that connects it to a tooth in the mouth, a claspless partial can be utilized and attached with a precision attachment to a crown. This is an alternative treatment method that can be rid of the appearance of the small metal clasp.
Complete and Implant supported Dentures
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth. There are two types of dentures available for patients: a complete or partial denture. Complete dentures are used when all teeth are nonexistent, while partial dentures can utilize some of the patient's natural existing teeth. Complete dentures are categorized as either conventional or immediate. A conventional denture can be place in the mouth roughly 12 weeks after all teeth extractions are complete and gum tissue begins to heal. Immediate dentures are made in advanced and are positioned as soon as the teeth are extracted. The upside to this is that the patient does not have to be without teeth during his or her healing process. However, it is important to note that bones and gums shrink over time, and an immediate denture does require more adjustments to fit properly in the mouth, as opposed to a conventional denture.
Another type of denture treatment option is to have the denture supported by implants. Once the implants are placed into the jaw, they serve as an anchor for the denture, making it more secure and comfortable.
Root Canal
A root canal is a treatment used to repair a tooth that is badly infected by decay. During the procedure, the dentist will remove the nerve and pulp of the tooth, clean the inside of it and, finally, seal it. Without treatment, the tissue that is near the tooth could become infected, resulting in the formation of an abscess, swelling that could spread to the face, head or neck or bone loss near the tip of the root. A tooth's nerve is not important to the tooth's overall health after the tooth has emerged though the gums. It provides sensory functions such as hot and cold sensation. The absence of a nerve will not limit the tooth's daily function.
Prevention is essential in order to avoid root canals. Seeing your dentist twice a year for cleanings, as well as flossing and brushing daily, will most likely lessen your chances of needing a root canal. There are signs and symptoms that a root canal may be needed: a toothache occurs upon eating, there is sensitivity to hot or cold, the tooth appears to have a darker color than others in the mouth, any type of swelling. There is always a chance that the patient could present without any symptoms as well. It is always best to never ignore how your body feels!