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Comprehensive General Dentistry
Comprehensive General Dentistry - Root Canals
Root canals are tiny passageways that branch off from beneath the top of the tooth,
coursing their way vertically downward, until they reach the tip of the root.
All teeth have between one and four root canals.
Many tooth problems involve infections that spread to the pulp, which is the inner chamber
of the tooth containing blood vessels, nerves and other tissues. When the infection
becomes worse, it can begin affecting the roots. A traumatic injury to a tooth can also
compromise the pulp, leading to similar problems.
A diseased inner tooth brings a host of problems; pain and sensitivity are some of the
first indications of a problem; but inside, a spreading infection can cause small pockets
of pus to develop, leading to an abscess.
Root canal therapy is a remarkable treatment with a very high rate of success, and
involves removing the diseased tissue, halting the spread of infection and restoring the
healthy portion of the tooth. In fact, root canal therapy is designed to save a problem
tooth; before the procedure was developed and gained acceptance, the only alternative for
treating a diseased tooth was extraction.
Procedure
Root canal therapy usually entails one to three visits. During the first visit, a small
hole is drilled through the top of the tooth and into the inner chamber. Diseased tissue
is removed, the inner chamber cleansed and disinfected, and the tiny canals reshaped. The
cleansed chamber and canals are filled with an elastic material and medication designed to
prevent infection. If necessary, the drilled hole is temporarily filled until a permanent
seal is made with a crown.
Most patients who have root canal experience little or no discomfort or pain, and enjoy a
restored tooth that can last almost as long as its healthy original.
Comprehensive General Dentistry - Corrective Periodontal Treatment
If you were diagnosed with periodontal disease, you are not alone. Many others have the
same problem. Periodontal treatment is the first step in preventing tooth loss. The word
periodontal means "around the tooth." Healthy gum tissue fits like a cuff around each
tooth. Where the gum line meets the tooth, it forms a slight v-shaped crevice called a
sulcus. In healthy teeth, this space is usually three millimeters or less.
Periodontal diseases are infections that affect the tissues and bone that support teeth.
As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket that is greater than three
millimeters. Generally, the more severe the disease, the greater the pocket depth and
bone loss. The enlarged pockets allow harmful bacteria to grow and make it difficult to
practice effective oral hygiene. Left untreated, periodontal diseases may eventually lead
to tooth loss and increase the risk of heart disease and systemic infections.
X-rays and a good dental examination are needed in order to recognize periodontal disease.
However, periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease.
If the disease is caught very early (gingivitis), and bone destruction has not occurred,
you may simply be given corrective periodontal scaling and instructions on improving your
daily oral hygiene.
Even with these measures, some patients develop more severe periodontal disease that must
be treated. The first step usually involves a special cleaning, called scaling and root
planning. This procedure removes plaque and tartar deposits on the tooth and root
surfaces. This helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink, which makes it more
difficult for plaque to accumulate along the root surfaces. This is sometimes referred to
as "deep cleaning" and may take more than one visit. We may recommend medications to help
control infection and pain, or to aid healing.
Comprehensive General Dentistry - Fillings
There are alternative, natural-looking materials to conventional silver-colored fillings -
materials made from porcelain and composite resins, which are colored to match natural
tooth enamel. Unfortunately, few materials can match the strength and durability of dental
amalgam and such, may need more frequent replacement. Common amalgam alternatives include:
Ionomers
Like composite resins, these materials are tooth-colored. Ionomers are made from a
combination of various materials, including ground glass and acrylic resins. Ionomers are
typically used for fillings near the gum line or tooth root, where biting pressure is not
a factor. They are more fragile than dental amalgam, however. A small amount of fluoride
is released by these compounds in order to facilitate strengthened enamel in the affected
area.
Porcelain (ceramic)
This material is usually a combination of porcelain, glass powder and ceramic. Candidates
for porcelain fillings are typically crowns, veneers and onlays and inlays. Unlike
ionomers, porcelain fillings are more durable but can become fractured if exposed to
prolonged biting pressures.
Comprehensive General Dentistry - Preventative Professional Cleanings and Scalings
Some cases of acute periodontal (gum) disease that do not respond to more conventional
treatment and self-care such as flossing may require a special kind of cleaning called
scaling and root planing.
The procedure begins with administration of a local anesthetic to reduce any discomfort.
Then, a small instrument called a "scaler," or an ultrasonic cleaner, is used to clean
beneath your gum line to remove plaque and tartar.
The root surfaces on the tooth are then planed and smoothed. This lets the gum tissue heal
and reattach itself to the tooth.
Cosmetic Dentistry - Testimonials
"Dr. Drake and Oksana Rock! Thank You!"
Rick K., Ormond Beach, FL
"Dr. Costello and Melinda: You two took such great care of my employee! She looks
wonderful and also is so happy she went to your office!"
Jude R., Ormond Beach, FL
"Thank you Dr. Drake, if it wasn't for you I wouldn't have a smile, I appreciate your
willingness to work with me. To me this experience was life-changing. I can finally smile
again."
John P., Daytona Beach, FL
"Dr. Costello filled a cavity for me almost 2 years ago and saved me from having to get a
root canal. When I was away and visited another dentist last year the doctor insisted on
knowing the name of the dentist who filled that particular cavity because he was so
impressed with Dr. Costello's work."
Monica M., Ormond Beach, FL
"No words can express my gratitude. Dr. Drake: you and Mindy have made my holidays
memorable. Thank you so much for repairing my implant bridge without major surgery. I have
nothing but high regard for the entire staff and all you wonderful Doctors. I have been a
patient of Dr. Kraski for over 50 years. He and I are semi-retired. Can't think of a
greater replacement than Dr. Drake."
Veronica B., Ormond Beach
I had a great experience. Dr. Drake is a good and informational dentist. I will be back to
see him and I am very happy I came here.
Tom Y., Sanford, FL
An emergency really became a pleasant experience in the hands of Drs. Drake and Kraski and
their wonderful assistants, Mindy and Melinda.
Alba B., Daytona Beach, FL
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