Initial Exam / Checkup: The initial dental exam consists of 4 parts:

  1. The measurement of the thickness of the gum tissue checking for periodontal disease.
  2. Checking the soft tissue in the mouth, head, and neck for any color or shape changes.
  3. Check the teeth for new problems (i.e. missing teeth) and recurring problems with all fillings, crowns, implants.
  4. If needed, taking a full mouth set of x-rays usually consisting of 18 X-rays on adults and 12 – 14 on children.

Cleanings: The initial exam is followed by a cleaning which normally consists of scaling the teeth to remove tartar and then polishing the teeth with a type of paste.  The paste usually contains pumice.

Additional cleanings may be more involved if periodontal disease is detected either clinically or on the X-rays.

Sealants: Sealants are placed on newly erupted teeth, usually permanent molars in children 6 – 16 years old.

Crowns: Crowns are placed if there is not enough tooth structure remaining to support a filling.  They will protect the remaining tooth structure.

Crowns can be constructed of all metal, a combination of metal and tooth colored material, or all white material.  A metal crown can be precious (all gold), semi-precious (part gold), or non-precious (no gold).

Crowns take 2 appointments:

  1. The first appointment takes approximately 1 hour during which the tooth is prepared, an impression is taken, and a temporary crown is placed.
  2. The second appointment takes approximately 30 minutes during with the permanent crown is placed.

Fillings: Fillings are placed when adequate tooth structure is left after all decay is removed. A filling is either silver (amalgen) or white (quartz like).

Both are normally placed after local anesthetic is given.  If decay is extensive a liner or base is placed before the filling.

Root Canal: When a nerve dies in a tooth, it may become infected or abscessed.  When this happens, a root canal is required.  The root canal procedure requires 3 appointments: 1 hour, 40 minutes, 1 hour respectively… and local anesthetic is used if necessary.

After the root canal is complete, a post is inserted in the canal and a filling/crown is placed over the post.  If the tooth is left uncrowned there is a risk of fracture and possible loss of the tooth.

Bleaching: Bleaching is done by the patient at their convenience using bleaching trays.  The patient places bleach in the trays on a daily basis, wearing them for 30 minutes each day for 10 days strait.  During the bleaching process, it is recommended the patient avoid foods that stain (red wine, coffee, tea, etc.).

Cosmetic Bonding: Usually takes one appointment unless there are several teeth that need worked.  Cosmetic bonding is done to change the color of teeth, reshape teeth, lengthen teeth, or fill in gaps between teeth.  It is also done to repair chipped or broken teeth as a temporary measure until the damaged tooth can be fully covered with a crown.

TMJ Appliances / Night Guard: It typically takes 2 appointments plus adjustments to complete the appliance which is made from acrylic, and worn while sleeping.

It is usually needed when 1 or all of the following occur:

  1. Excessive wear on teeth resulting from night grinding.
  2. Waking up with a head or neck ache.
  3. Jaw muscle spasms (cramp in jaw muscle) with normal chewing.
  4. Clicking or popping in jaw joint, especially while eating.

Snore Guard: Consist of 2 appointments and possibly 1-3 adjustments following.  At the first appointment impressions of the upper and lower teeth are taken.  The acrylic appliance is then delivered at the second appointment.  Subsequent adjustments may be necessary for fine tuning the appliance.

The appliance consists of 2 trays covering the upper and lower teeth.  These trays are connected to each other to help open the throat and reduce the snoring.  Effectiveness varies patient to patient.

Implant: Implants are used to replace a missing tooth.  After a metal post is placed in the bone by an oral surgeon, the dentist places an abutment in the post which he then covers with a crown.  The whole process takes 3 – 5 months.

Bridge: A bridge replaces a missing tooth.  The tooth in front and the tooth behind the missing tooth are crowned and a false tooth is attached to these 2 teeth.  All 3 are connetcted and this unit is permanently cemented.

Partial Dentures: It takes 4 appointments plus adjustments to complete a set partial dentures.  Partial dentures are made of a combination of metal and acrylic and must be removed daily to clean.

Dentures: It takes 5 appointments plus adjustments to complete a full set up dentures.  Full dentures on the other hand are 100% acrylic.  For more detailed information on dentures, partial dentures, denture relines, and denture repairs, please visit my denture site… http://www.DenturesChicago.com