All posts by SD Team

Best Way to Whiten Your Teeth

General Dentistry,

Many of us are aware of the term ‘teeth whitening’ – The Cosmetic smile enhancing procedure aimed at making your teeth whiter, brighter and several shades more beautiful. But, what we lack is the knowledge about the most appropriate methods to achieve that dazzling smile. To meet the requirement of the highly demanded procedure, a plethora of options are presently available. However, choosing the safest and the most efficient ones can be a daunting task. So to make your selection easier, we present here a list of the suitable methods for whitening your teeth and end with the most powerful method available presently. But first, let us begin at the basics.

When do you require Teeth Whitening?

A teeth whitening procedure always targets the stains and discolourations of a tooth. So if you have yellowish blotches on your teeth or stains due to any one of the following reasons, book your appointment for a whitening procedure to enhance that smile:

– Generally, our modern food preferences might be at fault. Intake of dark tinted drinks such as tea, coffee, wine or cola is known to stain the teeth.

– Habits like smoking or tobacco chewing or plaque and tartar accumulation can tarnish those pearly-whites

– Chances are that those stains or blotches may be due to some Internal Causative Factor or Aging.

What are the Ways to Whiten your teeth?

Teeth whitening options can vary between our everyday Over-The-Counter smile brightening options and a professional In-office teeth bleaching appointment.

Commercially Available Choices:

Whitening strips and gels: These are readily available in nearby pharmacies and supermarkets. While the gels are peroxide-based and applied with a small brush directly onto the teeth, the strips are thin bands that are placed over the entire jaw. These gels and strips are safe and provide moderate, superficial results within a few days. The outcome can last for about 4 months.

Whitening Toothpaste: These toothpastes effectively remove surface stains due to their abrasive or polishing content. However, they do not bleach your teeth, and therefore their effect is limited to a few improved shades.

In-office professional Bleaching:

Philips DASH Teeth Whitening

An easy-to-use teeth whitening technique that does not involve the use of any kind of light. It delivers superior results on extrinsic stains, giving you a bright smile within 60 minutes.

LASER Assisted Teeth Whitening

Incorporating LASERS into a conventional whitening procedure means instant results with the promise of a safer, non-irritating, and painless process. The materials are specially bioengineered and provide no damage to either your tooth or the surrounding gums.

The Best way to whiten your teeth- PHILIPS ZOOM Whitening

PHILIPS ZOOM is the latest advancement and most in-demand whitening procedure all over the globe. The process is known to remove the toughest of discolouration from both the outer and inner layer of the tooth, hence providing visibly brighter teeth in just one 45-minutes sitting. It uses the Zoom Advanced Power Chairside Lamp that hastens the whitening process to transform stained teeth into attractive whites. The machine uses a 25 percent hydrogen peroxide whitening agent, which breaks down to release oxygen particles. They brighten the stained particles but leaves the structure of the tooth unchanged.

In a Nutshell

Among a lot of available options, professional teeth whitening gives superior and swift results. You can get an esthetically pleasing and spot-free smile without any drawbacks or side effects. The most popular method among the professional ones remains the ZOOM Teeth Whitening procedure. The procedure warrants you a confident smile that you always dreamt of, devoid of any harm to your teeth or gums. The technique undoubtedly is super-fast and effective.

Is there any other alternative to dental braces?

General Dentistry, , ,

For many of us to have perfectly aligned, bright teeth are our topmost dental concern. The transformation from crooked protruded teeth to straight teeth and a beautiful smile often involves dental braces as the most obvious option. However, some of us might not be ideal candidates for braces, while others do not like the look full-braces give. To aid your decision-making, this article lists some of the most popular alternatives to traditional metallic braces.

Need for Braces

Before we dive head-first into the sea of orthodontic appliances and devices, we should know what situations can be resolved by these fixtures. Conventional braces aid to correct:

  • Crooked, crowded teeth
  • Deep bites, open bites
  • Malocclusions
  • Poor oral hygiene from improperly cleaned, misaligned teeth
  • Gap between teeth

When Braces are not the Ideal Solution

Sometimes braces might not be the most suitable remedy for your dental concern. Even your orthodontist may advise against them and suggest an alternative. These scenarios include:

  • You find the look of metallic braces unmotivating.
  • You have minor crowding or space issue.
  • You have a minimal bite alignment problem.
  • Braces for the long-term are too heavy on your pocket.

Alternatives to Braces

Invisalign

Invisalign is the latest and most sought-after alternative to braces, world over. These are a set of customised, clear, plastic aligners that fit over all your teeth. They are changed now and then as the treatment progresses. Since they are virtually invisible, patients are very comfortable wearing them for most of the day (approx. 20 hours). These aligners are fabricated after making accurate 3D analysis and recording your measurements from a digital Scanner. Each aligner will gradually adjust your teeth to complete the treatment in as early as six months. The fact that these aligners are removable and transparent makes them a popular choice among young students and working adults.

Veneers

Ceramic Veneer is another effective alternative over braces. These are thin-shelled porcelain made from materials that have high-grade strength and translucency. These veneers can quickly cover up minor gaps, cracked, chipped or slightly crooked teeth to reveal perfectly aligned and natural-looking teeth. The ability of these veneers to provide immediate and permanent results makes them an ideal choice for mildly misshapen or gapped teeth.

Ceramic braces

Ceramic braces have the same function and structure as metallic ones but their clear or tooth-coloured appearance provides them superiority over the traditional braces. The brackets and the wires are made from clear plastic and are not visible until a close distance. These provide good alternatives for individuals who have to go for treatment that only conventional braces can provide but they are uncertain about the metallic look.

Lingual braces

Lingual Braces will perform the same function as traditional braces nonetheless, the difference lies in their placement. These braces are positioned at the back of your teeth against the front, making them virtually invisible. These braces will require fewer wire adjustments but can cause some difficulty while cleaning.

Retainers

These are removable dental devices with the primary function of maintaining the teeth at their corrected position after the treatment is complete. These, however, can be used to correct slightly crooked teeth or minor overcrowding. Hence for minor tooth movement or small adjustments, they are an ideal alternative to full-fledged braces.

The Outlook

Presently, Traditional Metallic braces are not the only solution to attain straight, aligned teeth. There are abundant options and alternatives, best advised by your orthodontist. However, given that 25% of braces are worn by the adult population, the orthodontic concerns should be addressed as early as possible to prevent more serious outcomes.

Tips about Getting the Right Dental Implants

Implants dentistry, , , ,

Dental Implants are the most effective solution to a missing tooth concern. They can cover up gaps caused by tooth loss due to decay, gum disease or any traumatic injury. The mode of treatment is so popular that many varieties of Implants are presently available in the market, each suitable for a particular scenario. Therefore to settle down on a single Implant type can sometimes be a daunting task. Although, your dental Implant specialist will guide you towards the perfect Implants for your case. The following few pointers will aid to narrow down your list.
Getting the right material

Zirconia

irconium is the latest advancement for Implant material. It is a ceramic Implant, completely devoid of any metal and hence, suitable for individuals with titanium allergy. An all-ceramic Implant means that the esthetics would be superior with no metallic margins at your gum-line. It is a single-piece assembly with the crown attached to the abutment and the screw.

Titanium

Titanium is the most commonly employed Implant material by various dentists. Its versatility and longevity is the key to this preference. The material is highly compatible with both bone and tissue and has a minimal thermal conductivity which prevents any thermal shocks or irritation. Titanium is light in weight and offers high flexibility. It is available as a three-piece assembly.
Know the Major types of Implant

The Implant type can vary according to your oral condition:

Single Tooth Implants

These Implants are best-suited for those who have small, single-spaced gaps. Go for these if you have one or a few missing teeth due to decay or trauma. The single tooth Implant will seamlessly fill the gap and create a natural look with appropriately functioning teeth.

Multiple Implants

A large gap caused by several missing teeth will require multiple Implants to adequately fill in the gap and restore the functions.

Two-stage Implants

This most routinely followed technique, involves placement of the Implants within the jawbones on a single appointment. It is then followed by another appointment 2-3 months later to attach an abutment and a crown.

Single-stage Implants

In this alternative type, the Implant healing cap remains visible to allow the attachment of the abutment and the temporary restoration.

Special purpose Implants

Besides the above-mentioned types, some Implants are made to cater for certain specific scenarios:

Mini Implants: These Implants have a narrow diameter and are used for small spaces such as one left by a lateral incisor. These are also placed to support and stabilise a denture or a bridge. The process will be carried out in the most minimally invasive way and the healing would be quick.

Zygomatic Implants: Zygomatic Implants are extra-long and are placed inside your cheekbones. These Implants come to aid when the bone of your upper jaw is not sufficient to hold a conventional Implant. The support from cheekbones will help to anchor the prosthesis, rehabilitating the entire upper jaw as early as 48 hours.

All 0n 4 Implants: These 4 Implants are placed in each jaw in a least-invasive method, followed by loading of a complete set of teeth over them. Immediate restoration of function and esthetics is possible in less than 72 hours.

Keyhole Implants: It is a minimally invasive process that positions an Implant within your jaw in 30 minutes. The procedure won’t require any sutures and is performed after 3D digital planning. It ensures there is no trauma to surrounding tissues and nerves, also allowing a chance to preview the results before the surgical process begins.

Visit the specialist

Lastly, but the most essential step towards getting those ideal Implants is to consult the right Implantologist. Visiting the Implant specialist will help you opt for the Implants most suitable for your scenario. The specialist will not only help you choose but will also place the Implant using the most accurate technique to give you a lifelong and safe prosthesis.

Concluding Thought

Today’s dental Implants can yield superior results and last a lifetime if properly positioned in the mouth, with subsequent good oral care measures. These are virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding teeth and you can gain back your confident smile with a set of a fully functional prostheses. Modern-day Implant procedures assure you minimally invasive techniques and fast healing, such that you can expect complete results in the shortest duration possible. Your Dental Implant expert will help you choose the best Implant type among the above, for your specific needs.

Cosmetic Dentistry can keep Your Smile Alive and Healthy

cosmetic dentistry, , , , ,

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dental sciences that is fast becoming the most popular form of dental treatment. After all, we all desire that picture-perfect smile with dazzling white, sturdy teeth. Now, thanks to technological advancements, we can say goodbye to those bulky metal crowns, unappealing smiles and social awkwardness. Read on to know more about how Cosmetic Dentistry is transforming millions of lives every day.


Types of Cosmetic Dental procedures

A variety of procedures are included under cosmetic dentistry to give you that complete smile makeover. The procedure and the treatment plan is modified and tweaked according to each patient’s specific need. Nonetheless, the results are always worth the production and process.

Teeth Whitening

Who isn’t a fan of a bright, million-dollar smile? Plethoras of teeth whitening solutions are available in the market, from whitening pastes and gels to self-apply whitening strips. However, the most dramatic change is visible after a professional, in-office tooth whitening procedure performed by a dental expert. Results are noticeable after a single visit of forty-five minutes. It is the most sought-after cosmetic dental procedure to attain instant sparkling clean teeth from yellowish discoloured ones. High-standard technologies like Light-activated Phillip’s ZOOM whitening or LASER-Assisted teeth whitening are employed to ensure a comfortable experience without any side effects.

Veneers and Lumineers

A popular choice with ones looking for correcting the shape, size or alignment of their teeth, dental veneers helps to achieve the perfect smile. Advanced 3D Smile designing software is used to correctly analyze the teeth and plan the treatment process. Defects ranging from mild tooth fractures to worn out or crooked teeth can be corrected to attain a natural-looking result. Highly advanced CAD/CAM CEREC Systems are used to deliver the highest quality of Veneers on the same appointment.

Lumineers, on the other hand, are an extremely thin variation of veneers that do not require any modification of the tooth before bonding them. The process follows the lines of Non-invasive, no-drill dentistry for smile enhancement. Highly translucent and top-notch materials are used to mill out the final product that provides unmatched aesthetic and dental functions.

Gummy Smile Correction/Gum reshaping

Sometimes the smile may seem unappealing due to over-exposed gums, giving a low or uneven gum line. The teeth in such scenarios seem too short or improperly shaped. Gum reshaping involves the use of advanced LASER technology to gently remove the overgrown gum and effectively lengthen the tooth height. It gives a perfect proportion between the gums and teeth. This International standard technology takes minimal time and provides suture-free results. The process is performed to suit a single tooth or several teeth in a row to expose a beautiful, broad smile.

3D smile Designing

Now you can have a smile suited to your face as well as your personality! The 3D Digital Smile Designing aids to redesign your complete smile in the most appealing form. This futuristic tool helps to accurately analyze and identify the perfect smile for your face. The technology aids in custom-fabricating veneers, Lumineers, crowns, and bridges to deliver the most attractive smile in proportion to your face and personality.

In a Nutshell

Cosmetic Dentistry is a technically advanced dental branch that provides precise and superior outcomes based on individual needs. It is a sure-shot way to enhance one’s look and regain that confident smile. The procedures surely bring about a tremendous change in your smile, creating a whole new you.

Root Canal Therapy in Modern Dentistry

General Dentistry, , , , , ,

In similarity with any other field, technological advancements in dentistry have brought the benefits of ease, comfort and perfection to the dental treatment process. Modern-day dental remedies are quick, economical, painless as well as esthetically pleasing. Such breakthrough advancements have also changed the outlook towards Root Canal Therapies. These are the routinely performed dental procedures aimed at removing the infected tissue from a tooth followed by careful and complete sealing of the tooth canals. Endodontic practices and root canal treatments have been through a complete transformation in the last few decades, thanks to the upgraded techniques and tools. Here is the position of RCTs in present-day dentistry.

When is the need for Root Canal Therapy?

Root Canal Therapies are the basis of saving an infected, damaged or traumatic tooth. You may require to undergo an RCT if you have any one of the following concerns:

Long-standing tooth decay and pain
Caries infection-causing sharp pain
Broken or chipped tooth
A tooth with an infection in the surrounding (Periapical) region

Modern-day revamp of the RCTs

Highly advanced tools and materials nowadays allow a more predictable, safe and optimal outcome to Root Canal Therapy. Present below are some of the new-age RCT aids and their precise role in leading to flawless and efficient Root Canal Treatment.

Operating Microscopes:

Enhanced Visualisation comes as the most beneficial option for a successful RCT. Dental Operating Microscopes are powerful tool to supplement your dental surgeon’s skills. They provide magnification and superior illumination that helps to locate all tooth structures, canals and even any micro-fracture present in the tooth wall.

Nickel-titanium Instruments:

These tools provide improved root canal treatments, owing to their high flexibility and unique tapering design. The result is convenient and improved tooth canal shaping and minimum procedural errors.

Dental Endoscopes:

These miniature cameras provide in-depth clarity and impeccable detailing on the operating field. Additionally, visualising your infected tooth on a plasma screen allows you a greater understanding of the need and process of an RCT treatment.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography:

It is a revolutionary diagnostic tool for endodontic therapy. It provides visualisation of the defect in a 3D format, helping with diagnosis, treatment planning and evaluation of progress. This leads to accurate diagnosis and enhanced patient care.

Electronic Apex Locators:

These cutting-edge tools offer precise and reliable readings of the length of your root canal. Their use not only makes the process more predictable and swift but also minimises the exposure to x-rays for repeated radiographs.
Single-Sitting RCTs: Present-day advancements offer superior precision and control over the RCT procedure. It enables a dentist to complete the RCT in a single appointment using highly specialised equipment that makes the process very simple, painless and rapid.

In a Nutshell

Dental technologies and materials have advanced by leaps and bounds. A Modern-day RCT is unlike those performed years ago. Today your dentist employs new-age tools and techniques to ensure that you get a painless, fast and life-long dental solution. Getting a Root Canal Therapy is now an extremely effective and comfortable treatment solution to those jaw—numbing toothaches. You can have your strong, healthy and beautiful smile back within no time and in perfect ease.

Invisalign and Straight Teeth Are Not Just For Celebrities

cosmetic dentistry, , ,

Have you ever looked across celebrity photos and wondered the secret behind / drooled over their perfectly straight, aligned and beautiful teeth? Many celebrities are known to have undergone extensive orthodontic treatment before their rise to fame; while others choose a more convenient, smarter and modern route of invisible braces. Invisalign- a revolution in the world of orthodontic treatment is a new favourite among global celebrities. However, the versatile aligners can also work wonders for our everyday Joe. Invisalign can correct a range of orthodontic cases and are available at easy funding options. Let’s take a deeper look at these aligners.

Applicability for all age groups

Invisalign has proven to give effective results for all age groups- from young children to adults. The aligners are made from clear-set, BPA-free, food-grade plastic that works powerfully yet discretely to yield dramatic outputs in the shortest possible time.

For Young Children

  • Digital Hassel-free Impressions means more acceptance and comfort for the child.
  • The optional blue indicator dot on the aligner helps to motivate the kid to stay on the treatment track.
  • Invisalign is made from SmartTrack material. It ensures comfort and minimal pain when compared with conventional braces.
  • InvisalignFirst can shape simply too complex smiles in small-growing children and teens from crowding, spacing to small dental arches.

For Teens

  • The Aligners are highly convenient and easily removable while eating, playing sports, or on any occasion.
  • Discrete, clear aligners are virtually invisible, making them hard to detect.
  • Invisalign is customised to each individual with 3D Visual Interface, giving a perfect, snug fit.
  • The Outcome Simulator Tool allows mapping the entire path to your new smile-from the tiniest shift of the first aligner to the picture-perfect smile.
  • Long-lasting clear Retainers safeguard the perfectly aligned teeth.

For Adults

  • Highly advanced technology yielding fastest results
  • Affordable Payment solutions make it easier to pay for the young working adult.
  • iTero Element allows easy pre-hand visualisation of your transformed smile using 3D images.
  • Gentle forces from SmartForce Attachments accelerate the treatment process.
  • A Vast Range of abnormalities can be treated faster and more discretely than braces.

Personalised Treatment Plans

From 3D Scanning of your teeth to preview of the expected change, Invisalign is a highly customisable solution that will allow you the freedom to fine-tune each tooth shift after a one-on-one discussion with your dentist. The aligners are a proven remedy for several orthodontic problems:

• Open-bite
• Cross-bite,
• Spaced or gapped teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Issues of baby and permanent teeth

Multiple Payment options

With Invisalign, a multitude of budget-friendly payment options are available that makes the treatment affordable and accessible to all:

Flexible Savings Account(FSA):
Many multi-national employers offer a flexible savings account wherein, you can pay for your medical or dental costs from the account, with a monthly deduction from your paycheck.

Insurance Coverage:
Many Insurance companies these days cover Dental treatments, including Invisalign. The insurance may pay for a certain percentage of your treatment, or it may pay up to a certain money limit. Ask your insurance agent for more details.

Flexible and Affordable payment plans:
Many doctors offer flexible and affordable payment plans, which allow you to make small payments through the course of your Invisalign treatment rather than all at once. Consult your Invisalign-trained doctor for his payment policy.

The Outlook

Invisalign is a new-age orthodontic aligner with proven results. It has inspired millions to consider this option as a medium to achieve the smile they have always desired. Straight and perfectly aligned teeth are no longer a monopoly of celebrities with Invisalign treatment becoming accessible and affordable for the common individual. You no longer have to live with a smile that you do not admire, get a smile-makeover with Invisa

Tooth Whitening and Tooth Sensitivity

General Dentistry, , , , ,

We all have come across instances when we happen to accidentally look in a mirror at a public place and notice the yellowish tinge of our teeth; or occasions when we end up discouraged by comparing our discoloured teeth with those of a front-page celebrity. Don’t we?

What we fail to understand is that these yellowish splotches on our teeth may be present due to varied reasons and, areas remediable as our everyday caries. Discoloured teeth can be a cause of our contemporary habits such as smoking, or tobacco chewing; due to plaque accumulation or having dark-tinted drinks including coffee, tea, wine or cola. It might even be due to ageing or some internal causative factors.

Because of these widespread causes stained, discoloured teeth are very common and hence the market is filled with multiple treatment options. One may choose to give those household tooth whitening quick fixes a try, or use those Over-the-counter teeth whitening strips and gels that are readily available these days. However, the most effective and prescribed method remains professional teeth whitening procedures performed by a trained dentist.

Teeth Whitening Procedures and its variations

If you have healthy, unrestored but yellowish teeth, you are an ideal candidate for an In-Office teeth whitening procedure. Most of the techniques involved use a bleaching agent on your teeth such as Hydrogen Peroxide, for a period ranging anywhere between 25-60 minutes. The results are dramatically whiter teeth in just a single sitting.

With teeth whitening procedures emerging as the most sought after cosmetic dental procedure many high standard technologies have come up to ease the process and provide esthetically superior results. Know more about the most popular ones below:

Philips DASH Teeth Whitening

An easy to use teeth whitening technique that does not involve the use of any kind of light. It delivers superior results on extrinsic stains, giving you a dazzling smile within 60 minutes.

LASER Assisted Teeth Whitening

Incorporating LASERS into a conventional whitening procedure means instant results with the promise of a safer, non-irritating and painless process. The materials are specially bioengineered and provide no damage to either your tooth or the surrounding gums.

ZOOM Teeth Whitening

It is the latest advancement and most in-demand whitening procedure all over the globe. It uses the Zoom Advanced Power Chairside Lamp that hastens the whitening process to transform stained teeth into attractive pearly whites.

Tooth Sensitivity associated with whitening procedures:

Teeth that show discomfort to water or even a whiff of air, are most commonly noticed after whitening procedures. This potential side effect is due to the use of a bleaching agent as an active ingredient, which is known to cause teeth sensitivity in some people post-whitening procedures. However, the effect is usually short-lived and goes away with time. The discomfort does not create any permanent damage to the tooth structure.

How to Deal with Tooth Sensitivity?

Here are some ways to protect those stunning bright teeth after the whitening procedure:

Stay away from temperature variations: Avoid drinking Hot beverages or cold drinks as these would elicit a strong sensitivity reaction. Stick to room temperature food items after a whitening session. No ice cream after this one!

Talk to your Dentist:

Most of the sensitivity issues begin at your gumline, hence informing your dental professional about your prior gum disease is very essential to prevent discomfort later on. The gums should be well-healed before the whitening session begins.

Get those Cavities Filled:

If you have any carious tooth your dentist will advise you to get them filled before initiating the whitening process as these may result in painful sensitivity and hinder your daily chores.

Takeaway

Professional whitening procedures are the way to go if you dream of a bright, blemish-free smile. Most modern-day, technology-backed procedures hardly invoke any side effects as the light-driven is well controlled and does not without unnecessarily harming your gums or tooth structure. So leave your apprehensions at bay and get an appointment to attain that million-dollar smile and pearly white confidence that comes with it.

Tooth Crown – Is This Treatment for you?

General Dentistry, ,

It is very common to find one’s tooth damaged. This may occur due to decay, trauma or own habits such as clenching. Earlier the only solution to a badly damaged tooth was to get it extracted. But with advancing times come better technologies and better remedies. Now, not only you can save a damaged tooth but also get it treated with such high-end tools that one can hardly differentiate between a natural tooth and a prosthesis. One such popular treatment option is a tooth crown. These are tooth-shaped ‘caps’ that are customized according to each patient’s size and requirements. They are placed over a damaged tooth, an Implant post or cover-up a gap due to a missing tooth, as a part of a dental bridge.

A dental crown is seated over the visible portion of your tooth with the aid of dental cement and they serve to protect or restore the physical appearance and function of your teeth. They are made of a material such as metals, resins or porcelain.

Who Requires a Dental Crown?

You are a suitable candidate for a Crown placement procedure if:

  • You have a cracked, chipped or severely abraded tooth.
  • You have a large cavity such that the tooth is weak even after a filling.
  • Your tooth has undergone a root canal treatment procedure which can render a tooth more fragile.
  • You are missing a tooth, as a part of a dental bridge.
  • Your tooth is serving to hold and support a dental bridge in place.
  • You are getting a Dental Implant placed.
  • Your tooth is misshapen or badly discoloured.

Special Types of Crowns

¾ crowns and Onlays: If you still have some solid and supportive tooth structure remaining your dentist will recommend you these crowns as a more conservative treatment choice. Onlays and ¾ crowns will not cover your entire tooth as a conventional crown does, instead only the affected portion will be treated and crowned.

Temporary Crowns: As the name suggests, these crowns are used for only a short duration. They are employed to cover your prepared tooth while a permanent crown is being made. Such temporary crowns are placed using an easily removable adhesive on the first of the two scheduled appointments for crown placement.

Same-Day Dental Crowns: Your whole smile can be redesigned within an hour, using next-generation technology to design and produce customized Crowns. These crowns are delivered on the same day with unmatched quality, ensuring that the patient receives the fastest and best treatment available.

Alternatives to Dental Crowns

If you or your Dentist feels that the Dental crowns are not the appropriate treatment option for your case, then you may opt for any of the following therapeutics:

Dental Implants: These are the best options for those that have lost single or multiple teeth with a resulting gap in their mouth. These should also be considered if the decay to the tooth is extensive and a filling or an RCT won’t cut the mark.

Dental Fillings: These can be preferred if the damage due to decay is not severe and some tooth structure can be salvaged to support a filling.

Veneers: Dental Veneers can be a suitable choice if the tooth is discoloured, chipped or has other cosmetic concerns.

To Wrap

You may have a couple of choices when it comes to dental treatments, but it will ultimately boil down to your functional and esthetic requirements. You should have a detailed and uninhibited conversation with your dentist with regards to your requirement and dental needs.

Types of Tooth Cracks and Their Treatment

cosmetic dentistry, , , , ,

A crack in the tooth can be an unwelcome and sometimes painful experience. Our tooth may crack due to a physical injury, or chewing down hard food substances; It may even fracture due to our deleterious habits such as night clenching and grinding or just simply from ageing or a previous Root canal treatment. Worried about a similar crack in your tooth? We have got you covered below on all the necessary information.

Types of Tooth Cracks

Craze Lines:

These tiny hairlines, or more specifically, micro-fractures that can be commonly seen in adult front teeth. These cracks are present only in the first layer of teeth and usually do not produce any pain or an aesthetic problem. Prognosis is very good, provided parafunctional habits (bruxism, clenching) and excessive forces while chewing are avoided.

Fractured Cusp:

When a portion of our tooth’s chewing surface breaks off, oftentimes around a dental filling, it is called a fractured cusp. These cracked segments may completely separate at the time of the trauma but the damage does not extend up to the innermost soft tissue (pulp) and hence does not cause much pain. However, you may experience some sensitivity or pain while chewing down your food, depending upon the depth of the crack. Overall, this tooth has a good prognosis.

Cracked Tooth:

Such a tooth will have a crack-line extending vertically from the chewing surface towards the root of the tooth. Prompt diagnosis is essential to save the tooth before the crack gradually spreads and opens up under biting forces.

However, the crack may sometimes extend beyond the gum-line, involving the tooth root. In such scenarios, the tooth will have to be extracted due to a questionable prognosis. Having said that one need not very about functional or aesthetic loss as the gap can be covered up with a safe, painless and precise dental Implant placement procedure that will last you a lifetime.

Split Tooth:

This is a scenario where the crack has propagated beyond the gum-line to the extent that two distinct split fragments of the tooth can be noticed. If the crack-line is extensive it is unlikely that the entire tooth can be saved. However, depending upon the position and involvement of the crack some portion of the tooth might be recoverable after an endodontic treatment by your dental professional.

Vertical Root Fracture:

Such a fracture begins in the lower portion of the tooth, below the gum-line and travels upwards. These fractures are mostly symptomless, hence may go unnoticed until discovered during a routine check-up. There are chances that the fracture may ultimately lead to infection of the surrounding gum or bone, thereby causing great discomfort.

Diagnosing a Cracked Tooth:

Your dental specialist may use a variety of tests to confirm the crack in your tooth:

• Your dental history and thorough clinical examination of the oral cavity
• run a pointed tool called dental explorer on the tooth surface to ‘catch’ any crack
• Use a dental dye to make the crack more visible
• Perform a bite test that involves biting down on an apparatus with the tooth in question
• Fibre optic Transilluminstion: transmitting a narrow and focused beam of light through the tooth to detect any cracks or fractures

Treatment of Tooth Cracks:

Depending upon the type and extent of tooth crack the treatment may vary such as:

No Treatment: If the tooth in question has hair-thin craze lines and they do not present any esthetic concern, your dentist will suggest no remedy other than avoiding biting down on hard foodstuffs and taking good care of your teeth

Bonding: When the tooth is only slightly chipped such that its physical appearance is the only concern then your cosmetic dentist will repair and shape it with a tooth-coloured material that exactly simulates your adjacent natural tooth in colour, shape and function.

Dental Crown: Sometimes a tooth may have a fractured cusp or a broken segment. In this scenario a Dental crown is recommended that encases the broken tooth like a cap and restores its functionality and appearance.

Endodontic Treatment: In cases when the fracture line extends below the gum-line and the tooth elicits symptoms of pain and sensitivity a Root Canal Treatment is a good option to save the tooth.

The Bottom Line

Ending up with a cracked tooth may not be as catastrophic as it appears. Several advanced procedures are available to save that chomping apparatus and that beautiful smile.

However, it should be noted that while cracked bone might heal completely, a cracked tooth will never have a hundred per cent resolution. Thereby, good oral hygiene, avoiding hard foodstuffs, or wearing a nightguard to prevent bruxism, may go a long way in saving the tooth and protecting that smile, after a dental treatment of the crack.