Taking care of your mouth is essential for keeping it happy and healthy. Much of your oral care takes place at home. The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. These habits are essential for eliminating plaque and bacteria buildup from your teeth to prevent serious issues like cavities and gum disease. In addition to taking care of your mouth at home, maintaining your oral health also requires professional dental care. Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend – Thomas E. Wold, DMD is here to help.
Cavities are one of the most common dental issues there are, affecting the mouths of millions of individuals from children to seniors. When cavities develop, it is imperative that they be treated right away. Without treatment, cavities only continue to worsen, which can cause the tooth to weaken and put it at risk for root canal therapy. Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend – Thomas E. Wold, DMD can provide treatment for cavities with composite fillings.
Plaque and bacteria are two naturally occurring substances in your mouth. They both produce harmful acids. When left on the surfaces of your teeth, these acids can begin to erode your enamel. This is tooth decay. As the acids continue to eat away at your tooth enamel, these weak spots in your teeth eventually lead to the formation of small pits, or cavities. Without treatment, cavities only continue to grow larger and deeper, compromising the strength of the affected teeth and leaving them vulnerable to infections.
Fillings are common treatments for cavities. This particular treatment essentially fills the tooth, preventing bacteria from getting trapped and causing further damage. Traditionally, fillings have been performed using amalgam. This material is a mixture of metals that are suspended in mercury. Metals consist of tin, copper, nickel, and tin. Amalgam fillings are known for their incredible strength. They can withstand some of the strongest bite forces. However, their silver color and the materials used often cause concern.
Composite fillings provide an alternative to amalgam. These fillings are made up a mixture of fine glass, plastic, and other materials. Unlike amalgam, they do not contain any metals or any mercury. They are also tooth-colored and blend in perfectly with the color of your natural teeth. Because of this, they are perfect for treating cavities affecting front teeth.
The process for placing your composite filling is not unlike the process for placing an amalgam filling. We first begin by cleaning the tooth and drilling out the decay from the cavity. Next, an acid etch is applied to the cavity, which creates a rough texture that is designed to enhance the bond between the filling and your tooth. The acid is washed away, and your tooth is dried. We apply the composite material to the cavity, smooth it, and cure it with a specialized light. Once the filling has been cured, we finally polish it smooth, and you are provided with instant protection.
Composite fillings provide many benefits. These include:
| • | Natural appearance. The filling blends in with the color of your natural teeth. No one will notice the filling after it has been placed. This makes them ideal for treating cavities that are more visible when you smile. |
| • | Less tooth structure needs to be drilled away. This preserves more of your natural tooth structure. In some cases, we may not even need to administer a local anesthetic. |
| • | Fast treatment. Fillings only typically require about 30 minutes to complete. |
| • | Metal-free and mercury-free. These benefits can be especially important for those with metal allergies or those with concerns regarding metal and mercury use. |
Patients whose teeth are cracked, broken, or have deep cavities, need to have the function and health of their teeth restored. They can do this by getting dental crowns. A patient may receive a dental crown when a simple filling cannot resolve the issue. Further, those who have suffered prolonged and painful tooth damage affecting the pulp region may also require a dental crown after receiving a root canal procedure.
Our dentist in Bend, OR helps patients who have common and complex dental issues to rebuild their bite functionality, restore oral health, and improve the appearance of their smile. Visiting Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend will ensure you the opportunity to have your tooth decay, broken tooth, or pulp infection treated, and your tooth then protected with a dental crown.
Dental crowns are restorations that encase a tooth just like a cap, helping strengthen it and re-establish its function. A dental crown goes beyond cosmetic treatment to include rebuilding the tooth’s functionality and health. Our dentist can use a prosthetic crown to make your tooth stronger and protect it after a root canal. A crown may be utilized for other restorative treatments, such as covering a badly discolored or stained tooth to revamp its look.
Various issues necessitate that you get dental crowns, ranging from cavities to pulp infection, to broken or damaged teeth.
Once a tooth develops decay or a cavity and our dentist finds that a dental filling cannot work well to fix it, then a crown may be suggested. Decay may arise after the enamel erodes, giving way for bacteria to enter the interior of the tooth. After removing the decay, our dentist can cover the tooth using a crown cap.
When decay remains unchecked and paves the way for an infection, the pulp region may suffer. As such, we work to clear the infected pulp tissue, clean and sanitize the pulp chamber and the roots, and then place the dental crown.
A broken or damaged tooth can be restored with a crown. Our dentist fits the crown over the tooth to hold together any broken pieces and assist the tooth to recover. In the end, the strength and functionality of the tooth is reinstated. Further, the crown protects the tooth from additional damage.
If you need to fix tooth damage, straighten misshapen teeth, or strengthen a tooth after undergoing a root canal, then you may need to get a dental crown in Bend. It is a procedure that usually requires two visits.
At our dental clinic, we carefully fabricate the crown restoration utilizing fine layers of porcelain. We have a trained and dedicated team that will spend time with you to understand your needs and determine the right treatment plan. The treatment is quick and predictable. We have modern dental equipment and technologies, ensuring that proper assessment, diagnosis, and treatment are done efficiently. We also work to ensure quick recovery time.
Losing even just one tooth can have a significant impact on your life. There are many reasons why you might lose a tooth, including facial trauma, periodontal disease, and tooth decay. No matter how you lose your teeth, it’s important that they are replaced right away. Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend – Thomas E. Wold, DMD can help with a bridge.
Losing a tooth can have several significant effects, even if the tooth cannot be seen when you smile. Effects of tooth loss include:
| • | Difficulty chewing, which can impact your digestion and nutrition. |
| • | The development of a lisp or other speech-related issues. |
| • | An increased risk for cavities and periodontal disease. |
| • | An increased risk for tooth damage. |
| • | Shifting teeth. This alters your bite, impacting your smile and your oral health. It can also lead to issues like bruxism and TMJ disorder. |
A bridge is a traditional restoration that is commonly used to replace a missing tooth. There are a few different types of bridges available. The most common type, however, is the fixed bridge. This bridge, typically made from porcelain, consists of a pontic, or replacement, tooth that fills in the empty space your tooth has left behind. There are also two crowns, one on each side of the pontic tooth. The crowns fit over the adjacent healthy teeth, or abutment teeth, anchoring the bridge securely in place.
Placing your bridge typically takes two separate appointments to complete. The first appointment is designated for preparing the abutment teeth and taking the impressions needed to create your custom bridge. Preparing the abutment teeth requires that we remove a portion of the enamel from each one. This reduces the teeth in size so that the crowns will work properly over them, and your bridge will fit naturally into place. After preparing the teeth, which is done under local anesthetic, we take an impression of your mouth. The impression is sent to our dental lab and used to design and create your custom bridge. While you wait for your bridge to be completed, a temporary restoration is placed. This helps to protect the abutment teeth and restore functionality for your mouth. Your second appointment occurs when your bridge has been completed. We check it for fit and bite, and bond it into place on your abutment teeth.
With a bridge, you are provided many benefits. These include:
| • | Restoration of biting and chewing abilities. This restores your ability to properly, and thoroughly, chew your food so that your body can more easily digest what you eat. |
| • | Restoration of proper speech. |
| • | Improved oral health. Filling in the gap prevents food and debris from getting stuck. Your teeth are also easier to keep clean, reducing your risk for cavities and periodontal disease. |
| • | Improved smile quality. If the missing tooth is visible, replacing it helps to restore the quality of your smile and boost your confidence. |
| • | Keeping adjacent teeth in alignment. Filling in the gap prevents your adjacent teeth from shifting into the space left behind by your missing tooth. |
Your teeth are pretty incredible. They enable you to do some different things and are responsible for biting, chewing, speech, and a beautiful smile. Your teeth also play an integral role in the health of your jawbone. While your teeth are the strongest substance in your body, they can still be faced with serious issues that leave them susceptible to infections. If an infection does develop, it is imperative to seek treatment right away. Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend – Thomas E. Wold, DMD can help with root canal therapy.
From the outside, the teeth look fairly simple. However, what you see on the outside is just one layer. This layer, also called the enamel, is the strongest substance in your body. Below this layer is another hard layer, although it is not quite as hard as your enamel. This layer is called dentin, and it contains hollow channels that travel to the roots of your teeth, Below the dentin is a hollow chamber, which contains soft tissue known as pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels and nerves. The nerves aid in detecting temperatures.
While your enamel is incredibly hard, it is not indestructible. Your enamel can develop chips, cracks, or decay. These issues can worsen over time. As the damage worsens, the inner layers of your teeth may become exposed. Bacteria can enter into the inner layers of your teeth and take up residence in the channels and the pulp chamber. As they multiply, the bacteria begin to irritate the pulp, leading to inflammation. As the infection progresses, bacteria can start to spill out through the root of the tooth, leading to the formation of an abscess. This abscess is a sac that forms around the bacteria in an attempt to contain it. The longer it goes untreated, the larger it becomes. It may even eventually rupture, which can let bacteria travel into the bloodstream and throughout the body.
Significant tooth pain is one of the most obvious indications of a tooth infection. It is also one of the most common. However, infections can sometimes develop without pain. There are other symptoms that can indicate a tooth infection as well. These symptoms include:
| • | Jaw and facial swelling |
| • | Pain or sensitivity that lingers, even after the initial irritant is gone. |
| • | A chronic bad taste. |
| • | An abscess. |
| • | Bone loss. |
If you notice any symptoms of a tooth infection, it is imperative to schedule an appointment right away. We look over your teeth, checking for signs of damage and decay. Your gums are examined for redness and swelling. We also take dental X-rays, which will enable us to see the areas of your mouth below your gum line. We can detect root damage, bone loss, and abscesses. Once we diagnose your infection, we can then formulate an effective treatment plan to restore your oral health.
If you are diagnosed with a tooth infection, a root canal is required. This treatment is designed to eliminate the infection and restore your oral health. It is generally performed under a local anesthetic. An access hole is drilled in the top of the tooth. Small tools allow us to remove the pulp of the tooth and the nerve. Next, we shape the canals and clean the entire inside of the tooth. After disinfecting it, we place a filling inside the empty space, which seals the canals. Finally, a crown is placed on the tooth to provide it with protection and restore its strength.
Your teeth have many important responsibilities. If you suffer tooth loss, replacing those teeth is important for maintaining normal functioning of your mouth as well as your quality of life. Replacing missing teeth used to mean either a bridge or a denture. Today, you have more options. Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend – Thomas E. Wold, DMD can meet a variety of different tooth replacement needs with dental implants.
For many years, replacing missing teeth meant either a bridge or a denture. Dental implants are a modern solution for replacing missing teeth. The result of an accidental discovery in the 1950s, dental implants use small titanium posts that are surgically placed into your jawbone to provide support for your replacement teeth. Your bone fuses to the titanium as you heal, integrating the material into your jaw. This turns the posts into sturdy replacement roots that hold your new teeth, made from ceramic, securely in place.
Dental implants can be used to meet many different needs. We offer several different types of dental implants, including:
| • | Single tooth. A single tooth implant replaces an individual tooth. One post supports a single ceramic crown. |
| • | Multiple teeth. A multiple tooth implant, or implant supported bridge, replace two or more consecutive teeth. |
| • | Full arch restorations. A full arch restoration replaces an entire arch of teeth. Typically, this restoration requires the use of 6 to 8 implant posts to hold the arch in place. |
| • | All-on-4® Treatment Concept. All-on-4 is a full arch restoration that is used when your jawbone is too weak to support the usual number of implant posts. When the bone is too weak, the posts may fail. The failure of even one post could mean the failure of the entire restoration. With All-on-4, we use only 4 posts, which are placed to take advantage of your existing bone mass, maximizing bone fusion without the need for a bone graft. |
Surgery is required to place dental implants. This procedure is generally done under a local anesthetic and sedation, which ensure your comfort during treatment. We create incisions in your gums to gain access to your jawbone. Small holes are drilled into the bone, and the titanium posts are placed inside. Your gums are then sutured closed, and temporary teeth are set into place.
Healing from dental implant surgery can take several weeks to several months. During this time, your bone gradually fuses to the titanium posts, integrating them into your jaw. Several follow up visits during your recovery allow us to monitor your healing and make sure that there are no complications. Once you have fully healed, we then design and create your final dental restorations. When they are ready, the teeth are secured into place with small screws.
| • | Your ceramic crowns look exactly like your real teeth, perfectly restoring the quality of your smile and boosting your confidence. |
| • | Dental implants feel and function exactly like your natural teeth. You can bite and normally chew, which aids in improving digestion and nutrition. Your speech is also restored without the need to adjust how you speak to accommodate a foreign object. |
| • | Your teeth are held securely in place. They will not move around or fall out. |
| • | You can brush and floss your implants exactly like your natural teeth. |
| • | The posts restore stimulation to your jawbone, stopping and preventing bone loss in your jaw. |
Sinus cavities are air-filled pockets in your head that are lined with a thin layer of soft tissue called mucosa. There are several of these cavities located around your nose. The maxillary sinus cavities, which are the largest of these cavities, are located right behind your cheeks. The roots of some of your molars extend up toward the floors of these cavities, separated only by a layer of bone. If these teeth are lost, the layer of bone could become thin, making the placement of Dental Implants more difficult. Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend – Thomas E. Wold, DMD can increase the success of dental implants for these teeth with a sinus lift.
One of the roles of your teeth is to provide stimulation for your jawbone. This stimulation occurs every time you chew, and it tells your body to send the nutrients required to keep it strong and healthy. Following tooth loss, your jawbone loses some stimulation, which results in fewer nutrients being sent. Over time, the jaw begins to lose bone mass and weaken. It also begins to change shape, which alters your bite and can lead to issues such as bruxism and TMJ disorder.
Dental Implants are a popular treatment used to replace missing teeth. We surgically place small titanium posts into your jawbone. Your bone fuses to the posts, integrating them into your jaw, and enabling them to provide your new teeth with stability. When you do not have enough bone mass, however, your jawbone may not be able to fuse properly, which can result in loose implant posts and implant failure.
When you lose teeth in your upper jaw, particularly near the back of your mouth, you face an additional issue. The bone that separates your jaw from your maxillary sinus cavities becomes thin. Not only is it less able to fuse properly, but implants placed in this condition can also pierce your sinus cavities, leading to chronic sinus infections. It can also lead to the failure of your implant treatment.
Just because the bone is thin, this does not mean you cannot receive dental implants. To make implants possible in this region of your mouth, we may recommend a sinus lift. A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that is done to restore missing bone mass and create greater separation between the jawbone and your sinus cavities.
A sinus lift requires a surgical procedure and a bone graft. Surgery begins with small incisions in your gums, right near your premolars and molars. We then make incisions in your jawbone. Small tools are used to lift the floors of your sinus cavities, creating an empty space underneath. Bone grafting material is placed in this space. As you heal, your existing bone fuses to the graft, restoring strength and distance. Once you have fully healed, your implants can be placed in more successful treatment.
To perform a sinus lift, we need to also perform a bone graft. There are a few different types of bone grafts that may be performed, including:
| • | Autogenic. An autogenic graft uses bone mass taken from your own body. |
| • | Allogenic. An allogenic graft uses donor tissue from another human. |
| • | Xenogenic. A xenogenic graft uses bone mass from a non-human source. The bone is typically harvested from a cow. |
Periodontal disease is a condition that starts as the result of a bacterial infection in your mouth. It is more commonly known as gum disease. While a devastating oral health condition, it is barely noticeable when it first begins. When it first strikes, periodontal disease exhibits as red, swollen gums. As the condition continues to develop, the swollen tissue pulls away from your teeth, leading to the formation of periodontal pockets. These pockets trap bacteria and other debris, allowing the disease to worsen. Eventually, your gums recede, your teeth become loose, and you may even suffer tooth loss. Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend – Thomas E. Wold, DMD can help to stop the progression of periodontal disease, preventing more serious consequences, with periodontal therapy.
Periodontal therapy is a treatment for periodontal disease that involves a common treatment called scaling and root planing. With scaling and root planing, we deep clean all surfaces of your teeth, both above and below the gum line. Scaling is the cleaning of the visible surfaces of your teeth. We give special attention to, and just below, the gum line. We work carefully to remove all of the accumulation from your teeth, including plaque, bacteria, and other debris. We are even able to remove the most stubborn tartar or calcified plaque that cannot be removed no matter how much you brush.
Root planing involves cleaning the root surfaces of your teeth. We use specialized tools to smooth these surfaces, eliminating plaque, bacteria, and other toxins. With smooth surfaces, it becomes more difficult for new accumulation to form. After your teeth have been thoroughly cleaned, an antibacterial rinse is administered to help kill any lingering bacteria. We then schedule a follow up for 6 to 8 weeks later.
At your follow up an appointment, we check to make sure that your gums have begun to heal. In many cases, scaling and root planing provides the desired results. In some cases, however, a single treatment is not enough. In this case, you may be recommended for periodontal maintenance. Periodontal maintenance is a series of treatments that are spread out based upon your specific needs. During these appointments, we assess your teeth, checking for buildup, and examine your gums.
Your periodontal pockets are measured, and x-rays are taken. This is done to ensure that healing is occurring. After examining your mouth, we then clean your teeth. Depending upon your specific situation, you may require visits as frequently as every two months, while other patients may only require periodontal maintenance visits every six months.
Periodontal therapy can be an incredibly effective treatment for restoring your oral health following periodontal disease. However, without proper care, periodontal disease can develop again. It is essential that you take steps to prevent this. A good oral hygiene routine is imperative. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. In addition to these daily care habits, it is also necessary to have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined at least twice a year.
If you play sports, particularly contact sports, you know just how important it is to wear the protective gear. Shin guards, chest pads, and helmets are all integral for preventing serious issues. Taking care to protect your mouth is also essential. While a helmet can prevent many head injuries, they cannot always protect your mouth. Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend – Thomas E. Wold, DMD can help you to protect your teeth, your intraoral tissues, and your jawbone with a mouthguard.| • | Stock mouthguards. You can find stock mouthguards at just about any sporting goods store. While they are the most affordable option, these mouthguards are pre-molded. As a result, they may not fit correctly, which can increase your risk for injuries or interfere with proper breathing. |
| • | Boil and bite mouthguards. A boil and bite mouthguard is also widely available. This type of mouthguard is made from a special material that softens when boiled. You then bite into it to create a semi-custom fit. |
| • | Custom mouthguards. A custom mouthguard is one that we create here, right in our office. We take impressions of your mouth, which allow us to create a mouthguard that fits perfectly over your teeth. While it is the most expensive option, a custom mouthguard provides the best fit and uses the highest quality materials. |
| • | Protecting teeth from cracks, chips, and other serious damage. |
| • | Preventing tooth displacement and avulsion.\ |
| • | Protecting the jawbone from fractures and dislocation. |
| • | Protecting soft tissues from lacerations. |
| • | Reducing the risk of concussions. |
| • | Saving money. By preventing serious dental issues, you avoid the need for invasive dental treatments. This helps you to save a significant amount of money. |
Your teeth play many important roles in your mouth, from biting and chewing, to smiling, even providing you with a confident smile. Your teeth also play an integral role in the health of your jawbone. While your teeth are incredibly strong, physical damage and decay can compromise them. The ideal solution, when faced with significant damage, is to restore the affected teeth with either a filling or a crown. If the damage is too severe, this may not be possible though. In cases such as these, Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend – Thomas E. Wold, DMD can help with extraction.
When your teeth are damaged, it is imperative to seek treatment right away. Even damage that does not seem that significant at the time should be examined. Without treatment, tooth damage can worsen over time, weakening the affected teeth and leaving them susceptible to further damage and dangerous infections.
Typically, damaged teeth are treated with either fillings or crowns. These restorations are designed to restore the health of the affected teeth as well as their strength. However, there are certain situations in which teeth can be too severely damaged and therefore cannot be restored. In these cases, extractions become necessary. Common reasons for a tooth extraction include:
| • | Teeth that have fractures below the gum line. The fracture may start in the crown and travel down under the gums, or it may be completely below the gum line and invisible to the naked eye. |
| • | Severe tooth decay. |
| • | Split or shattered teeth. |
In some cases, you may require a tooth extraction for other reasons, when there is no damage to the teeth. These reasons include:
| • | Overcrowding. Overcrowding is treated with orthodontics. To create enough space and properly align the teeth, extracting one or more teeth is necessary. |
| • | Impacted wisdom teeth. Impacted teeth are those that cannot properly erupt through the gums. When your wisdom teeth are impacted, you may be faced with pain, infections, and possible tooth damage. Extracting these teeth is necessary for restoring your oral health and preventing serious issues. |
There are two types of extractions that may be performed, simple or surgical. During your appointment, we will assess the extent of the damage to determine that tooth extraction is necessary, and which type will be best.
A simple extraction is a straightforward process that is done under a local anesthetic. We use a tool called an elevator, which helps us to loosen your gums and the periodontal ligament from around the tooth. Next, the tooth is grasped with forceps. We use this tool to move the tooth back and forth gently but firmly to loosen the periodontal ligament further and widen the socket. We are then able to lift the tooth out of your mouth. If necessary, we can close the area with a stitch.
A surgical extraction is used in more complex situations. This procedure, like a simple extraction, is done under a local anesthetic. Sedation may also be provided to help further ensure your comfort. Incisions are made in your gums to expose the root of the affected tooth and surrounding bone. We then work to remove the tooth. This may require removing a portion of bone or breaking the tooth and removing it in sections. Once the tooth has been completely extracted, the area is cleaned, and your incisions are sutured closed.
