Dental Department Service At Carewell Hospital

Root Canal

             A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.

"Root canal" is the term used to describe the natural cavity within the center of the tooth. The pulp or pulp chamber is the soft area within the root canal. The tooth's nerve lies within the root canal .

             A tooth's nerve is not vitally important to a tooth's health and function after the tooth has emerged through the gums. Its only function is sensory -- to provide the sensation of hot or cold. The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the day-to-day functioning of the tooth.

What is Scaling ?

             Dental scaling is routinely performed to help patients with gum disease and excessive plaque buildup. While a standard cleaning will address the surface of the tooth, scaling goes much deeper. If your dentist suggests dental scaling and root planing for your teeth, it’s helpful to know what this means so you can prepare for what’s ahead.

Understanding Scaling

             Scaling is a common dental procedure for patients with gum disease. This is a type of dental cleaning that reaches below the gumline to remove plaque buildup. The process of scaling and root planing the teeth is often referred to as a deep cleaning. This treatment goes beyond the general cleaning that you receive with your regular checkup and annual visit. 

When is Dental scaling Necessary ?

             Everyone experiences some form of plaque buildup. The saliva, bacteria, and proteins in your mouth form a thin layer that covers your teeth at almost all times. When you eat, tiny particles, acids, and sugars from the food stick to this film, creating a buildup on the teeth known as plaque. The bacteria that lives in this plaque can cause gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings will help remove the plaque and prevent more serious problems.

What is complete dentures ?

             A Complete Denture is a removable prosthesis that replaces all teeth within an arch, thus some patients have only an upper denture, some only a lower and some have both upper and lower complete dentures. 

Advantages of Complete Dentures

· Least costly treatment for replacing all teeth in an entire arch

· Esthetically pleasing

· Shortest treatment time from start to finish

Types of Complete Dentures

Conventional Dentures

             This style of Complete Denture involves having all of the teeth removed for at least 8 weeks prior to beginning fabrication of the denture. This allows the tissues to heal from the extractions so that the denture will fit accurately and the tissue underneath the denture is no longer healing and changing shape.

Immediate Dentures

             This style of Complete Denture involves extracting all of the teeth behind the canines (eye teeth) and allowing the tissue to heal for 8 weeks. Thus, the patient can still smile during the healing phase. The denture is then fabricated. Once completed, the patient is scheduled to have the remaining teeth extracted and the denture delivered on the same day. This means that the patient is never without front teeth.

Over-Dentures

              Over-Dentures utilize either existing teeth or dental implants to rest a denture over to aid in retention and stability. There are many different ways design over-dentures. Many are fabricated to literally "snap" into place. Refer to the "'Snap-In' Dentures" page of this website for more information.

Tooth Removal

        You may need to have your tooth removed (extracted) if it’s damaged or decayed and can’t be repaired.

If your tooth is broken or decayed, your dentist may be able to repair it with a filling or crown. But if it can’t be repaired, your dentist may suggest the best option is to take your tooth out instead. They’ll discuss the treatment options available to you.

If you decide to have your tooth removed, your dentist will usually remove it in your dental surgery. But sometimes an oral surgeon will carry out the procedure in hospital. You can usually go home on the same day as the procedure.

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