How Long Should a Root Canal Treatment Last?

Root canal treatment is also known as endodontic treatment and is a great way to save a badly infected tooth. Quite often treatment will preserve the natural tooth for decades or even for life, but everybody is slightly different and the success of a root canal can be affected by various factors. These factors can include the following:

It’s been found that having root canal treatment earlier rather than later can help prolong the life of the tooth. For example, having root canal treatment before the infection can spread from the tooth into the surrounding bone will be more effective.
Success can also be down to the time taken to complete treatment. Once the root canal has been cleaned out it is often temporarily filled to make sure the bacteria have been eliminated, before being permanently restored with either a filling or a crown. It’s important to ensure you return to your dentist for follow-up treatments in a timely manner so the tooth can be permanently filled or crowned as soon as possible.
Some teeth are easier to treat than others. The front teeth only have one root canal whereas back teeth have several. It can often be trickier to treat back teeth and to gain access to all the root canals so they can be thoroughly cleaned out.

Front teeth can sometimes be restored with a filling, but back teeth are generally restored with a crown. This is because the back teeth are subjected to much heavier forces during chewing, and teeth that have had root canal treatment can become more brittle over time, increasing the risk of fractures. Protecting the tooth with a crown helps ensure this will not happen.

Most people who have root canal treatment will find it extremely successful, and the tooth will be problem free for many years to come.

Root canal dentist in Marlton New Jersey

Different Types of Dental X-Rays

Your dentist will want to take regular dental x-rays of your mouth, as these are used to show areas that are hidden from view. Dental x-rays help your dentist assess the condition of restorations such as crowns and bridges, and to check that any fillings are not leaking. They are able to show any tooth decay in between the teeth, and can be invaluable in diagnosing infections.

Some types of x-rays are more specialized and show the mouth in great detail, and these types of x-rays can be used to plan surgical procedures. Dental x-rays can be intraoral, meaning they are taken from inside the mouth, or they can be extraoral, meaning they are taken from outside the mouth. We have listed some of the most common types of dental x-rays below.

Intraoral Dental X-rays
Bite Wing X-Rays. These are taken to show the upper and lower teeth in one region of the mouth, right from the crown down to the level of the bone surrounding the tooth. They are useful for detecting tooth decay in between the teeth, for showing signs of gum disease, and for identifying crowns or fillings that are not fitting correctly.

Periapical X-Rays. These show the whole tooth, right from the crown of the tooth down to the tip of the roots. Each periapical x-ray will show all the teeth in one particular part of the mouth, and these are used to show if there are any abnormalities in the root of the tooth, and in the surrounding bone.

Extraoral Dental X-Rays
Panoramic X-Rays. These show the entire mouth, including all the upper and lower teeth in one single image. Panoramic x-rays are useful for showing teeth that might be impacted, or which are fully or partially emerged, and are also used to help diagnose tumors.

CT Scans. These show the mouth as a 3-D image, and are used to show fractures in the facial bones and to identify other problems such as tumors. They are commonly used for planning dental implant placement, or tricky tooth extractions.

Family and general dentist in Marlton NJ

Finding a Doctor for Dental Implants

There are few things worse than going through life with holes in your mouth due to missing teeth. Traditionally, the only solution dentists offered was dentures. There is a newer technology available that has given hope to many people wanting to permanently restore their smiles in a natural-looking way.

Dental implants are surgically placed into your jaw bone. These durable titanium rods eventually fuse with your bone, literally becoming a permanent part of your body. Once the implants have healed, replacement teeth are placed on top to complete the restoration. The end result are teeth that look and feel like real ones. Implants do not have the problems often associated with dentures such as shifting, loosening, or affecting speech or diet.

If you are thinking about dental implants, it is important to find a dentist who is trained and experienced in this procedure. Not every dentist is skilled in implants, so do your research to find a suitable dentist who you trust. First, ask your general dentist for recommendations. Also ask friends, family, and coworkers for suggestions for dentists they know of who are qualified in dental implants.

Do your own research on the internet or phone book to find reputable dentists in your area. Then call or go by the dental offices. A visit to a dentist is always a good idea so that you can see first-hand what the office is like, meet the staff, learn about the dentist’s credentials, and see how the office is run. You not only want a dentist who is trained to perform implants, but also runs a caring and efficient office.

Once you find a dentist you are considering for your implants, make an appointment for a consultation. Ask all of the questions you might have, ask to see photographs, and get all of the details you need about treatment, costs, and recovery. If you are uncomfortable with any aspect of what you find out at your consultation, continue interviewing other dentists until you find the right one to meet your dental implant needs.

Dental implants dentist in Marlton New Jersey.

When Veneers Aren’t the Best Choice

Dental veneers provide a great way to easily and quickly improve your smile. They are a natural looking restoration that others probably won’t even know you have. People will just notice your beautiful, radiant, bright smile!

When you have unsightly stains, chips, gaps, or other cosmetic problems, veneers can hide all those imperfections and give you the smile you’ve always wanted. These thin porcelain shells are permanently attached directly to the fronts of your teeth. They offer a simple and painless way to transform your smile.

However, veneers are not the best solution for everyone. They are a good choice for patients with healthy teeth. Even though you might have aesthetic problems, your teeth must be healthy. Your dentist will need to treat and repair your dental issues before being able to attach veneers. You must have enough healthy tooth enamel for the veneers to be securely bonded to your teeth.

Keep in mind that veneers are meant to be a permanent restoration. Your teeth will be prepared and then the veneers will be bonded onto your teeth, so they cannot be removed. Once you’ve gotten veneers, there is no changing your mind. If you are not up for a permanent transformation to your smile, then veneers are not for you.

With proper care and checkups, dental veneers may last up to ten years before they might need to be replaced. If you have habits like chewing ice or knawing on pencils, veneers may not be a good choice. Although they are considered long-lasting, veneers can break when subjected to harsh use. They can be damaged just like your natural teeth. Another habit that may harm veneers is teeth grinding. Talk with your dentist about habits you have and make sure you have a thorough examination before deciding to get veneers.

Dr. Bullock is a family and cosmetic dentist in Marlton NJ.

The 411 on Zoom! Whitening

An awesome smile adds up to your confidence! As time passes by, your teeth lose their natural sheen and whiteness. This can be due to various dietary components that stain the teeth. To give your teeth a refreshing whiteness, try the revolutionary product Zoom! Whitening. Your teeth can get lighter up to 10 shades.

Will Zoom! Whitening work for me?
If you wish to have a spotless sparkle on your pearly whites, you should try Zoom! Whitening. You will see your stains disappear magically. If your stains were caused due to some internal problem like stains due to certain drugs or fluorosis due to excess of fluoride in drinking water, you may not be able to achieve the expected results.

What is Zoom! Whitening?
Zoom! Whitening is a revolution in the field of cosmetic dentistry and it consists of a whitening gel along with an ultraviolet light. This unique combination works on your teeth and gives you the 1000-watt smile that you had always dreamt of.

How much time does Zoom! Whitening take?
The whole procedure is completed within a single appointment. Initially, your lips and gums are covered to protect them from the bleaching solution. After that, the dentist will coat the teeth with the bleaching solution and the solution is activated with the help of a special light. The same procedure is carried out for three times, taking 20 minutes each time.

How long will the results last?
For long-lasting effects avoid foods and beverages that can tarnish your teeth. Proper oral hygiene maintenance and regular dental checkups are important as well. For occasional touch-ups, you may be provided with special take-home trays by few dentists. These steps will help you enjoy your brilliant smile for a longer time period.

Zoom teeth whitening dentist in Marlton New Jersey

Porcelain Dental Crowns

If you have missing, stained, or broken teeth, you can get them easily replaced with the help of dental crowns. A dental crown wraps the part of a tooth that can be seen in the mouth. It is fixed on the tooth after the application of a layer of dental cement. A crown fortifies the tooth and restores the looks and the functionality of a natural tooth. It is made out of materials like metal and zirconia. Porcelain is one of the most common materials used.

The uses of a crown vary from restoration of a broken or a grossly decayed tooth to reinforcement of a weak tooth. It can be used to cap a tooth with a very bulky filling, conceal crooked or tinted teeth, or for an aesthetic up-gradation. Crowns are used in conjunction with other components for installation of dental bridges and dental implants.

What are the reasons behind the popularity of porcelain crowns?

One of the prime reasons is that porcelain crown mimics the natural tooth quite closely and makes it difficult to distinguish between original and artificial tooth.
Porcelain crowns have a great esthetic appeal so they are an ideal option for restoration of decayed or damaged front teeth.
They are a safer option for those who are allergic to metal.
They can be used in people who have the habit of grinding or clenching their teeth.
Crowns are an essential component in the functioning of dental implants and bridges. They hold the dentures in position.
They allow the correct contact of upper and lower teeth thereby give a correct bite.
Unlike metal-fused crowns, porcelain crowns do not display any dark line at the gum margins.

Dental office in Marlton NJ

Enhance Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry

Everybody likes to wear his best looks because it gives him confidence to face the world. Cosmetic dentistry is all about enhancing your smile by correcting any defects and beautifully modifying what you have. Listed below are the various means of enhancing your smile –

Teeth Whitening
With growing age and consumption of some foods and beverages, your smile may become dull and may lose its natural luster. Teeth whitening is the process by which your stains disappear and you get a young-looking persona. It is recommended to go for professional teeth whitening carried out by dental experts. Few dental offices may even provide you with take-home kits.

Bonding
If you have minor defects like small gapped, chipped or cracked teeth, dental bonding is often a good option. For this, your dentist will apply a tooth-colored resin in layers and set it with a special curing light. Dental bonding repairs your teeth and makes your smile lively.

Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are extremely thin dental porcelain casings that conceal tooth defects. Known for their durability and stain resistance, veneers can work wonders in your personality.

Composite Fillings
If there is a cavity, your dentist will drill out the decay and do a filling. Earlier, silver amalgam fillings were the material of choice. Now, dentists go for composite fillings as they are esthetic, strong and durable.

Smile Makeover
At times, you may want to make your smile more presentable and attractive. You may even desire for a new and trendy look. Smile makeovers can bring that miraculous change! A thorough check-up with a comprehensive treatment plan are key elements of smile makeover.

Dr. Bullock is a cosmetic dentist in Marlton New Jersey

Are Dental Implants an option for Lost Teeth

A single missing tooth can make a big difference in your life. Failure in replacing a lost tooth causes loss of bone and the migration of the remaining teeth into the space created by the lost tooth. You may develop an improper bite that can lead to severe problems like TMJ pain. Some individuals develop difficulty in eating and speech.

Dental implants restore the dental health of patients so that they enjoy a fuller life. They are made out of titanium and simulate tooth roots. They are surgically inserted into the jaw and capped. The numerous advantages of dental implants are restoration of function, prevention of bone loss, and a great substitute of bridges or dentures.

Implants – Can I have them?
Your dentist will check your oral cavity thoroughly and then decide if you are fit for dental implants or not. Quality and quantity of jaw bone must be adequate.How is an implant placed?Firstly, a titanium screw will be surgically inserted into the bone of the missing tooth. A period of two to three months is allowed for the complete healing and the fusion of implant to the bone. Only after that a crown is placed.

Will my new teeth look natural?
Of course. Dental implants are similar to natural teeth in almost all aspects. The perfect fit of the implant ensures absolute comfort to the patient.

How do I care for my dental implants?
Take care of implants just like your natural teeth. Brush at least twice daily, floss at least once daily, and go for routine dental checkups without fail. This way your gorgeous smile will stay gorgeous always!

Dental implants dentist in Marlton NJ

Temporary Veneers: A Stepping Stone

Once you’ve decided to get dental veneers, there is a lot of focus on the end result of a beautiful smile. However, you must remember that there is a time period of about two weeks between teeth preparation and application of your final veneers. Let’s learn what to expect during the transition period while wearing temporary veneers.

Many dentists create wax mock-ups of your mouth to help make temporary veneers. This means that a mold of your teeth is used to make a model of your new smile. This provides you with an opportunity to check out your veneers before the permanent ones are placed in your mouth. Wearing the temporary veneers allows you to see how they feel and what the bite is like. The great benefit is that if you dislike how they look or feel, you can ask for adjustments before getting your final porcelain veneers.

There are a few things to watch for with temporary veneers:

Because temporary veneers do not leave gaps between your teeth, to avoid breakage you shouldn’t floss while wearing them.
These veneers may be thicker than your natural teeth, so altered speech or chewing discomfort may result until you get used to them.
Sensitivity to cold, heat, air, or sweets can occur.
Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods because they can harm your temporary veneers.
Foods with color additives may stain your teeth.
Temporary veneers are made of different material than porcelain, so the color won’t be the same. The temporary ones will probably not look as natural as your permanent ones.

If one of your temporary veneers falls off, see your dentist right away to get it reapplied. It protects your natural tooth and helps prevent sensitivity, so you will want to have it replaced immediately. When you’re wearing temporary veneers, keep in mind that they are a stepping stone to your final smile. If you have concerns, voice them to your dentist so that changes might be made before the final product.

Dentist Marlton, NJ offering porcelain veneers.

Cosmetic Dental Procedures Summarized

Years of wear and tear on your teeth are not always kind to your smile, so that’s when cosmetic dentistry can save the day. This branch of dentistry provides a way to overcome problems with your smile that you dislike, giving you a look that you’ve always wanted. There are a variety of treatments available through cosmetic dentists.

Teeth whitening
A very popular cosmetic technique is teeth whitening or bleaching. Whitening stained teeth may be quickly accomplished using highly concentrated products at your dentist’s office, or at home with customized methods available under your dentist’s supervision. Either way, teeth whitening can boost your self-esteem and noticeably improve your smile.

Bonding
A simple and fast way to restore chipped, broken, stained, or decayed teeth is bonding. In a single trip to the dentist, tooth-colored composite resin material is placed on your damaged teeth and shaped to look natural and appealing. Even gaps between your teeth can be filled.

Veneers
Thin porcelain shells adhered to the fronts of your teeth are called veneers. They hide imperfections like chipped, crooked, stained, or uneven teeth. The process takes two to three visits to your dentist because the veneers are created in a separate dental lab. They are durable and stain resistant.

Inlays and onlays
Used for large cavities or cracks in your teeth, inlays and onlays are created in a dental lab and then glued to your teeth. This allows them to fit perfectly with no rough edges, and they match your natural teeth.

Composite fillings
Minor problems like chips all the way up to more serious issues like worn molars can be repaired with composite resin fillings. This organic material is used to restore decayed teeth or reshape damaged teeth, providing a natural and attractive appearance.

Cosmetic dentist in South Jersey