Dental Hygiene (Scale and Polish)

Regular plaque and tartar removal

An essential part of maintaining your teeth is the removal of plaque and tartar (dental calculus) on a regular basis. The frequency of your visits is based upon your individual needs and oral health- this can vary from 3,4,6 monthly appointments.

 

Dental fillings and restorations

Determining if you need a filling

One of the more common oral health issues discovered during scheduled cleanings and check-ups is decay.

Examination — Some discolored spots on your teeth could be only that –discolorations or could be tooth decay.

X-rays — X-rays can show decay developing in the enamel in between teeth, as well as in the dentin that lies under the enamel.

 

Decay is not the only reason you may need a filling. Other reasons include:

Cracked or broken teeth

Tooth grinding (bruxism)

Nail-biting

Using your teeth to open things

Brushing to hard etc.

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Root canal treatment

When the nerve in a tooth dies, the infected tissue must be removed by either extracting the tooth, or performing a root canal. Removing the infection from the tooth and filling the canal where the nerve was removed is called a root canal.

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Tooth Extractions

It may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

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The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

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To avoid these complications, in most cases Dr Rossouw will discuss alternatives to extractions as well replacement of the extracted tooth.

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Healing

After a tooth has been extracted, there will be a resulting hole in your jawbone where the tooth was. In time, this will smooth and fill in with bone. This process can take many weeks or months.

However, after 1-2 weeks you should no longer notice any inconvenience

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Implants

Replacing missing teeth – singles or multiples

Dental implants – a simple procedure that can boost your confidence and improve your looks.

With Implants missing teeth can easily and quickly be replaced. Implants look and work like your original teeth. When you lose a tooth your jawbone can shrink (this is referred to as ‘bone loss’) – making you look older. Along with your bone shrinking your gums also recede. Your opposing teeth (teeth next to and on top or bottom) are also affected. Dental implants help prevent this.

Implants are man-made replacements for the tooth roots that have been lost or removed. They behave like real roots – even bonding naturally with the jawbone. Implants are stable and secure, so you can comfortably eat all your favorite foods.

A new ceramic tooth is fixed on top of the implant to complete the restoration, this is called a crown.

Dental implants are long lasting. A solution for life!

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Dentures

A denture, or a complete denture, is an appliance that is inserted in the mouth that replaces natural teeth and provides support for the cheeks and lips.

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Dentures are beneficial in multiple ways:

Mastication – chewing ability is improved by replacing missing teeth with dentures.

• dentures not only restore a natural and attractive appearance to the teeth, but can also correct the collapsed exterior of lips and cheeks that occurs after losing teeth.

       Confidence – a healthy and beautiful-looking smile will help the patient feel more confident and attractive

• by replacing missing teeth, patients will be able to better pronounce certain words that require the use of teeth to speak.

Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated at different times. A conventional denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the tissues (gums) have healed. An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the tissues are allowed to heal under the denture.

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Removable Partial Denture

A removable partial denture is an artificial tooth appliance used to replace one or several missing teeth, and is attached to remaining teeth with metal clasps. These dentures are removable to allow for easy cleaning. The base of removable partial dentures is usually made of acrylic or metal. The gums are made from acrylic, and the artificial teeth are made from acrylic or porcelain.

Your dentures will be designed by Dr.Rossouw to best fit your specific needs. Because they require use of soft tissue and remaining teeth, a thorough examination will be performed to determine if dental work is needed prior to removable partial denture fitting.

Benefits of Removable Partial Dentures:

Protects the health of oral tissues, and prevent other teeth from drifting into gaps left by missing teeth. When teeth drift, they open spaces where food particles can become trapped, creating bacteria growth and gum disease.

Restores the comfort of normal chewing, eating, and speech once skewed by tooth loss.

            Improves your appearance and bolsters confidence lost when teeth were missing.

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