What are dental sealants and why would my child benefit from them?
Sealants are a thin plastic coating applied to the biting surface of back teeth to help prevent tooth decay. Without sealants, plaque remains in the pits and grooves of "hard to reach" teeth and eventually cause a cavity. Sealants cannot be seen when you talk or smile.
What is a crown and why do I need it?
A crown is a "cap" that covers a tooth and can bring back the natural shape, size, and chewing function of a compromised tooth. A crown is necessary when a tooth has a large filling and not enough tooth structure to effectively support it, to protect a compromised tooth (such as a tooth which has had a root canal) from breaking, or to restore a broken tooth.
What is a root canal and why do I need it?
During a root canal, we remove all of the decay and the nerve of the tooth. It is replaced with filler in the root of the tooth, and then is supported with a permanent filling material. Patients need root canals when they let a cavity get so deep that it infects the nerve of the tooth or if a tooth is broken and the pulp, or nerve, of the tooth is exposed. Once the nerve tissue is exposed to bacteria, it must be removed or it can cause an abscess and is usually very painful.
Why are my teeth worth saving?
When faced with a diseased tooth, most patients automatically think it has to be removed. With the procedures available now, this is no longer the only option. Even though this may seem like a quick, inexpensive option, actually, it is more expensive and time consuming in the long run. A missing tooth may cause drifting of other teeth and other future dental problems.
Emergency Questions
I have a dental emergency and the office is closed, what should I do?
If you are having a dental emergency outside of business hours you may contact our office at 530-661-9276 for after hour instructions. Please note that if you are experiencing large amounts of swelling or bleeding that will not stop you may need to visit the emergency room.
I have a temporary crown that has broken or come off, what should I do?
If your temporary crown breaks or comes off preserve it as best as you can and contact our office. If you are unable to make an appointment to have us re-cement this temporary crown you may use a small amount of a denture adhesive to hold it on until you can make it in.