What Is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery is needed when it becomes necessary to extract a tooth, or teeth. Tooth extraction is obviously an irreversible procedure that should only be used as a last resort to maintain sound oral health. Potential reasons for an extraction would be to remove a tooth that cannot be restored through a filling or a crown, or to remove an impacted (unerupted) tooth, usually a third molar (wisdom tooth) before it causes damage to the adjacent teeth. In most cases, local anesthetic is all that is needed to numb the area. IV sedation is available for cases involving high anxiety.

What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root Canal Therapy is needed once decay has advanced to the nerve chamber. When this occurs, it can result in pain and swelling. The treatment for this is for the dentist to remove the infected pulp (nerve) from the canals. The damaged nerve tissue is removed, the canals are cleaned and sterilized and are filled with a rubber like material and a filling is placed. Teeth that have been treated with root canal therapy often become slightly more brittle over time, therefore a crown will typically be recommended to protect the tooth from fracturing in the future.

What is Root Planing & Scaling?
Root Planing and Scaling is performed when there are heavy deposits of bactiera under the gum. Although gums may "look" normal in appearance, an examination by a dentist may reveal a loosening of the gum from the tooth with hard deposits forming in this space. These deposits contain bacteria, which cause the bone to degenerate. The objective of Root Planing is to prevent any further bone loss. With this type of therapeutic procedure, the hygienist will scale the teeth to remove plaque and calculus below the gum line. This is typically done under local anesthetic. The next step is to plane the root surfaces. A freshened or smooth surface is less likely to form new deposits, and smoothing the root surfaces allows the gums to heal and encourages reattachment of the gum tissue to the tooth. Irrigation may be required to help control the growth of bacteria below the gum line. This bacteria creates harmful toxins, which destroy the bone (periodontitis). After completion of this procedure, follow up care as well as more frequent cleanings will be required to monitor the condition of your gums and to ensure that your periodontal disease remains under control.

How is Root Planing & Scaling different from an adult prophy (Cleaning)?
Root Planing and Scaling is a therapeutic procedure whereas an adult prophy is a preventative procedure. An adult prophy is a type of cleaning for someone who has healthy gums. It involves light scaling of the teeth above the gum line as well as a polishing.

How can lost and missing teeth be replaced?
Missing and lost teeth can be replaced in several ways. Missing teeth can be replaced with a partial denture which hooks to remaining teeth to stay in place, and needs to be removed nightly. Many patients prefer a fixed appliance that is permanently cemented in place. Fixed appliances consist of bridges and dental implants. Bridges are supported and cemented to the teeth on either side of the lost tooth (teeth) with crowns. Implants are surgically placed into the bone, and after a 3-6 month healing phase, a crown is cemented over a post that has been added. Implants are among the most esthetic option for tooth replacement, but good oral hygiene must be practiced to preserve the implant. Your dentist will inform you of which options are best for you to replace your missing teeth.