Procedures

Root Canal Therapy | Crowns and Bridges | Sedation Dentistry

Highland Dental is pleased to provide many of the restoration procedures dentistry has to offer. We are committed to keeping you pain free with a healthy smile. Some of the procedures offered include: cleanings, root canal therapy, crowns and bridges as well as sedation dentistry.

Crowns and Bridges

Bridges
A dental bridge is a device used to fill the space where a tooth has fallen out or been removed. A typical dental bridge consists of a pontic (a filler tooth) that is attached to two surrounding crowns (abutments). Once complete, this bridge structure is bonded into the mouth. Without the use of a bridge, spaces in the mouth from missing teeth can cause multiple teeth to shift, lead to occlusion (biting) and/or jaw problems, and may spur periodontal disease. Dental bridges safeguard the integrity of existing teeth and help maintain a healthy, vibrant smile.

Crowns
When a tooth is cracked, decayed, or damaged, a dental crown may need to be fitted onto the tooth. A dental crown is a permanent covering that fits over the original tooth. Crowns can be made of porcelain, gold and other metals, acrylic resin, or an amalgam (a mix) of these materials. Porcelain crowns typically have the most realistic appearance, although they tend to be less durable than other materials. Dental crowns can whiten, reshape, and realign existing teeth, adding to a healthy and vibrant smile.

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Root Canal Therapy

One of the most common approaches to saving teeth is called Root Canal Therapy or in dental terminology, Endodontic Treatment. Years ago, diseased or damaged teeth were removed. Today, modern dental techniques are able to save your teeth.

Root canal therapy is generally necessary when the pulp, which contains the nerves and blood supply of the tooth, is diseased or damaged. The disease or damage may be caused by a number of situations.

What is involved in root canal therapy?
The first step taken will be to remove the pulp tissue and carefully clean the pulp chamber and root canals. This is done through a small opening in the crown of the tooth. Once the tooth has been cleaned, medicine is then placed in the tooth and it is temporarily sealed. However, if severe infection is present, the tooth may be left open for a few days to promote drainage.

When the tooth is free of infection, the inside of the tooth and canals will be filled with gutta-percha, a rubber-like material, to prevent bacteria from entering the tooth. Once this is completed, the tooth should be restored and strengthened with a crown.

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Sedation Dentistry

Oral Conscious Sedation Dentistry
Many dentists will prescribe a sedative drug to be taken by mouth prior to the planned treatment. If the individual has an even greater degree of dental anxiety, the doctor may prescribe an oral conscious sedative to be taken at home one hour prior to going to sleep on the evening before the appointment.

Nitrous Oxide
The use of inhalation conscious sedation has been a mainstay of sedation techniques in dentistry for generations and still represents the most frequently employed technique. Nitrous oxide-oxygen is used by more than 35% of all U.S. dentists. An advantage of this technique of inhalation conscious sedation is that most people receiving it recover promptly and may be permitted to leave the dental office unescorted and resume normal activities immediately. Inhalation conscious sedation is most effective with mild to moderate degrees of dental anxiety.

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