Restaurative dentistry
Restaurative dentistry – filling therapy
There are many reasons why adult teeth may need restorative treatment. The most common reason is decay, followed by fractured teeth, and old restorations needing replacement. If we recommend that a tooth with a cavity be treated and more than a few weeks pass after the initial diagnosis, the cavity will almost always get bigger and can cause pain. Once this happens, it will likely require more extensive and expensive treatment. The tooth may even have to be removed and replaced with a false (or artificial) tooth. If you have a cavity and it needs a restoration, there are different kinds of materials that may be used to restore the functionality of the tooth. Please remember that a tooth may need treatment before it causes pain. If a tooth causes pain, it may be able to be saved, but the treatment time and cost typically increase due to the complexity of the necessary procedures.
In Estonia we do not use amalgam as filling material any longer.
As part of any visit to our clinic, we check all of your restorations such as crowns, fillings, bridges, veneers, etc. for any sign of decay or old age and we may recommend x-rays so that we can see inside and between your teeth. If we spot any cavities, we will recommend different options for restoring the tooth to full function. If the cavity is in the very early stages, we may decide to keep an eye on it and recommend a home fluoride rinse to help the tooth fight the cavity and possibly prevent the need for a restoration. Please look video:
Root canal treatment
Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp or so called tooth nerve becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes; deep decay due to bacteria, multiple dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, trauma to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain, and/or lead to an abscess.
Signs of pulp damage include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. Sometimes there are no symptoms. Please see video:
Periodontal treatment
Do your gums bleed while brushing? Are your gums red and irritated? Are you embarrassed about chronic bad breath?
Periodontal (gum) disease means your gums are infected with bacteria and if left untreated, can destroy the structures that support your teeth. Through specialized cleanings, cutting edge technologies like localized antibiotics, and periodic follow ups our experts can stop the progression of this disease.
What is the cause of periodontal disease and how it is treated? Please see video:
- Treatment plan
On the first dental visit, we listen to the patient’s concerns and needs, take a dental Xray and evaluate the oral condition of the patient.
Upon patient’s needs, we then develop a dental treatment plan.