Maintaining good oral health and a stunning smile starts with regular examinations by our dentist. That is why we offer general dentistry services, including routine examinations, root canals, wisdom teeth removal, and sedation dentistry, at our practice.

Root Canals

Root canals are recommended for saving badly damaged or painful teeth. Root canals require one appointment to remove diseased or necrotic tissue from the nerve canal of a tooth.

The most common reasons for a diseased nerve are deep, untreated cavities or traumatic injuries or damage to teeth. Symptoms can include sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting, or even facial swelling. Modern delivery techniques for local anesthetic now make root canals comfortable procedures. It is better to save your teeth with root canals rather than to have them removed and replaced with more expensive bridgework.

After root canals, porcelain crowns are placed over the tooth to strengthen its structure and improve appearance. In some cases, root canals may cause some minor swelling and discomfort, but these symptoms are easily controlled with over-the-counter medications. You will need a follow-up exam so we can monitor your progress.

Although root canals have traditionally had a bad reputation, they are predictable and uneventful in over 95 percent of cases. If you think you may need a root canal, contact Marlborough Dental Centre immediately to schedule an exam.

Wisdom Teeth

Here at our practice, we believe that early detection and early removal of wisdom teeth are normally the best and safest treatment options.

The term " wisdom teeth" refers to the last or third molars that grow in the back of the mouth. If there is enough space for the wisdom teeth, they will usually erupt in the late teen years. It is important to determine at a young age if there is enough room to fit the wisdom teeth in the mouth. This can be determined by utilizing a special X-ray called a panoramic radiograph.

Commonly, there is insufficient arch length to accommodate wisdom teeth. Left alone, these teeth can become impacted or "stuck." It is NOT a good idea to wait until discomfort arises before investigating for the presence of wisdom teeth. The difficulty and risk involved in removing wisdom teeth increases with age.

As a patient ages, the roots of the wisdom teeth grow longer and the jawbone becomes harder. It is prudent to remove wisdom teeth at a young age when the process is easiest and has the least amount of risk.

The nerve that provides feeling to the lower lip passes in close proximity to the lower wisdom teeth. If the roots are allowed to grow, the risk of nerve damage can increase. The upper wisdom teeth sit very close to the maxillary sinus and can involve the sinus spaces if left too long.

If you want to schedule an examination of your wisdom teeth, contact us today.

Sedation Dentistry

If the very thought of going to the dentist makes you feel weak in the knees, sedation dentistry may be perfect for you! We offer sedation dentistry so anxious patients can have dental work done while they relax or sleep.

With sedation dentistry, you are given a small pill to take an hour before your dental appointment. For your safety, we ask that you have someone drive you to our office because you will feel very drowsy. When you arrive, we will escort you to your personal room, and you will be placed on a monitor so we can track your pulse and vital signs. With sedation dentistry, you will be in a deeply relaxed state, but you will be responsive.

Often, sedation dentistry allows the dentist to complete treatments that usually take several appointments in just one visit. Various procedures can be performed with sedation dentistry including porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, dental implants, dental bridges, and root canals.

If you have been avoiding necessary dental care because of fear or anxiety, sedation dentistry may be right for you. Contact our practice today to learn more.

Examinations

Regular examinations, or check-ups are necessary - even if you consistently brush and floss your teeth. Potential problems are just not apparent with a self-examination in your bathroom mirror. Your dentist is trained to diagnose and detect potential problems and recommend the appropriate treatment. Regular exams ensure problems are caught when they need a "little fix," instead of waiting until it hurts and a more costly solution is required. We recommend an exam every six months - especially for children.

To help you see and understand the condition of your teeth, our clinic has an intra-oral camera. It takes pictures of your teeth from inside your mouth. The pictures are displayed on a computer monitor while we discuss our findings with you in detail. We also print copies of the pictures for you to keep, and we will send copies to your insurance company to assist in the processing of the claim form.

Everyone has concerns about radiation from x-rays and questions whether they really need to be done every six months. Definitely these are necessary if you are at high risk for cavities. Advances in technology have led to the development of digital x-rays. Digital x-rays emit up to 90 percent less radiation than conventional x-rays and are even more accurate! Instead of waiting for the film to develop, the x-rays appear on a computer monitor. In keeping with our goal of providing the best possible treatment for our patients, our office uses digital x-ray technology.

We recommend regular professional cleaning of your teeth to remove any buildup of plaque and tartar that cannot be removed by brushing or flossing alone. Generally, patients find it convenient to schedule their cleaning in conjunction with an exam. Not only will your teeth look and feel better, their health and function will be maintained as well.

When you come for your exam please tell us about any changes in your mouth, your overall health, or any concerns you may have. We will share our findings in detail and discuss the various treatment options and costs beforehand, enabling you to make an informed decision. Together, we are partners in maintaining your good dental health.

If you would like to learn more about root canals, wisdom teeth, or sedation dentistry, or if you would like to schedule an examination, contact Marlborough Dental Centre today.