A discipline in dentistry that deals with maintaining the health of the living tissues inside a tooth (pulp), and preventing infection of the surrounding tissues, which is commonly referred to as “Root Canal Treatment” (RCT). The aim of Root Canal Treatment is to eliminate the damaged pulp as well as the bacteria that are causing the infection, and restore the tooth to a pleasing appearance and functional state. It involves removing inflamed or dead nerves and blood vessels from the centre of your tooth, which is accomplished by creating an access through the top of your tooth to the root canals and removing the dead tissue. The empty root canal system is then cleaned, shaped and filled with special materials, and finally a permanent seal is put over the top of your tooth. The procedure may be carried out over one or two visits to your dentist.

Why is root canal treatment needed?

Your teeth have a core of blood vessels and nerves at their centre; referred to as the pulp occupying a space called the root canal. The number of root canals varies depending on the location of the tooth (far back) in your mouth. Front teeth often have just one root canal, while back teeth may have three or more. If your tooth is injured or has severe decay, the pulp can be damaged and the blood vessels may die. This results in a “dead” tooth which is likely to get infected because it is no longer protected by your immune system. Tooth sensitivity to hot / cold food and drinks may be warning signs of tooth decay, and warrant a visit to your dentist to evaluate the cause of discomfort and administration of preventive measures.

There are a number of ways that a tooth’s pulp can be damaged. These include:

• decay
• injury
• Sometimes gum disease

All of the above mentioned conditions can lead to bacterial infection, causing blood vessels and nerves to die. Without treatment, a collection of pus (abscess) can form at the root tip, causing pain and swelling and even damage to the bone around your tooth. Failure to treat the infected tooth may exasperate the damage and lead to the extraction (removal) of the tooth (extracted).

Root Canal Treatment (RCT) is needed to remove the damaged tissue, disinfect the root canal system and restore the tooth to function. Certain teeth may have complex anatomy or may be part of a bridge and require careful treatment. However, current modern day endodontic practices, such as the use of a microscope which allows for greater visual access, enables for the completion of such cases to a high standard.

Occasionally RCT is undertaken in a previously root filled tooth in which the treatment is inadequate or has failed. The outcome for such cases can be very favourable and result in complete resolution and healing of large infections.

Endodontics? Same as above Procedure

At Sunrise Dental Clinic, your dentist will take an X-ray image of your tooth and employ some specific cold and hot test to identify your individual dental requirements and decide if a Root Canal Treatment is required. The X-ray image will reveal the extent of the decay (if any) and presence of any abscess as well as number of roots attached to your tooth has spread, if there is an abscess and how many roots your tooth has.

If you have a dead tooth or one with severely damaged pulp, root canal treatment may be the only treatment option. Your dentist will discuss the X-ray results and treatment option to help you make the right decision to restore the health of your tooth.

If you do need to have root canal therapy, your dentist will give you a local anaesthetic, which will block all sensation within the treatment area whilst you stay awake during the procedure. It may not be necessary to have an anaesthetic if your tooth is dead but your dentist will discuss this with you before starting the procedure.

During the procedure, your tooth will be separated from the rest of your mouth using a thin sheet of rubber called a “rubber dam”. This keeps your tooth dry and protects your airway. It also allows effective cleaning of the root canal system and prevents recontamination.. Your dentist will first make a hole in the top of your tooth through which the dead or diseased pulp is removed. The empty pulp cavity is then cleaned and your dentist may also put in some medication to treat the bacterial infection. If more than one visit is required to treat the affected tooth, your dentist will put a temporary filling on your tooth to keep it sealed until your next visit (However, your dentist may decide to fill the cavity immediately if the root canal infection hasn’t caused you any serious problems). If you have had a temporary filling, your dentist will remove this during your subsequent visit and then fill the root canals with a suitable material. This is likely to be a putty-like substance. A permanent filling or crown is then placed over the top of the tooth to protect your filled root canal and the vulnerable tooth structure. Your dentist will help you chose between a gold or porcelain crown. If your dentist thinks it’s necessary, he or she may also place a metal or plastic rod inside the canal to help support the crown.

What other treatments are common in Endodontics

Traumatic injuries

The management of accidental traumatic injuries, particularly in children, is an important aspect of endodontic practice. The front teeth (incisors) are often involved and sustain fractures or chipped crowns. Such teeth require careful monitoring to ensure that the teeth remain healthy and develop naturally. A decision may have to be made to perform Root Canal Treatment to avoid pulp death and infection. Such teeth can be restored to normal appearance and function.

Bleaching

Endodontically involved or treated teeth may discolour over time. Where appropriate, bleaching of the tooth can restore the tooth to its original colour and normal appearance.

Tooth whitening is the process of removing stains and discolouration from teeth and improving their colour through a bleaching process to make them look “whiter”. For heavily stained teeth, a procedure as simple as a scale and polish from a dental hygienist can significantly improve their appearance, so the teeth look whiter and healthier.

Most cosmetic dental practices offer a combination of immediate teeth whitening and professional take-home tooth-whitening kits with custom-made trays. Both procedures are based on a bleaching process that uses a peroxide-based compound of varying strength.

Special protection during whitening

Your dentist at Sunrise Dental Clinic takes special care to isolates your gums and lips with a protective material in order to avoid any potential damage or burning of your soft tissue. Home whitening kits usually have a lower concentration of peroxide.

Home teeth-whitening kits

Take-home whitening kits provide more permanent results over a longer time scale, whereas zoom whitening offers immediate results. A combination of the two provides a better solution to both immediate and long-term whitening needs.

Zoom Whitening

Zoom teeth whitening is the fastest and most efficient way to whiten your teeth. Our teeth are made of a porous material, which will naturally stain over the course of the years and will suffer from some level of discoloration depending on your eating,/ drinking habits, as well as age and teeth quality. Coloured food and drinks such as Red wine, cranberry juices, cherries, and especially coffee or tea playi a major role in teeth staining. Smoking cigarettes will permanently stain the teeth into an ugly yellow, greyish shade. Extensive medication such as some antibiotics will also cause teeth discoloration. Having a blemished, tainted, dull smile is no reason to feel self conscious; it can be quickly fixed by asking your dentist at Sunrise Dental Clinic about zoom teeth whitening procedure.

Scientific research has proved that the Zoom teeth whitening technique performed by dentists is actually safe and very effective. The zoom whitening gel and special light does not affect the quality of teeth or their hardness. Discuss the potential of zoom whitening procedure on your teeth with your dentist at Sunrise Dental Clinic, and have your teeth look whiter, healthier and beautiful.

Dental implantology is an amazing technology for tooth replacement. A Dental implant artificially replaces the tooth root to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth. Dental implants can also help with the retention of dentures maintain the patient’s oral structure.

Dental Implant Placement

Dental implants replace tooth roots with titanium which are placed into the jawbone. The process of receiving implants is generally comfortable and the implants literally become attached to the jawbone with a great deal of retention. In most cases, they are as comfortable and solid as your own teeth.

In the past, the only options to replace teeth were to place a bridge or a denture. Bridges involve cutting down and destroying good teeth to replace the missing one. Removable dentures affect your speech, trap food when eating and are stored in water at night. In today’s lifestyle-focused society, dental implants are the best option in almost every case. They feel, look and chew like your own teeth!

The initial phase of dental implants is to have the implants placed into the jawbone. In many cases, the implants may be restored with a crown, bridge or overdenture on the day of the implant placement. In other cases, the implants require several months of healing before they are restored. During this time, any patient who has worn dentures previously can continue to do so. Generally the procedure lasts anywhere from four to six months for the implants to become completely secure. At that time, the final prosthesis, such as highly-retained dentures, crowns or bridges, will be placed.

Regardless of which option you choose, the retention of your prosthesis will be strong and secure, and your dental health may be significantly improved. Dental implants can improve the quality of your life and are considered the “standard of care.” Best of all, you can be more confident and comfortable when you are eating and smiling. Traditionally, an implant is placed by a different doctor than the one who completes the denture or crown. Here at Sunrise Dental Clinic, Dr. Li practices both portions of dental implantology which provides a more well-rounded insight into the two phases of implant dentistry.

Important reasons to replace missing teeth:

• Self-confident: Having your entire teeth can make you more confident. No more worry about people noticing your missing teeth.
• When teeth are lost, the area of the jawbone that held those teeth starts to erode. Over time, you can lose so much bone that you will need a bone graft to build up your jawbone before your dentist can place implants or make a denture that fits properly.
• Overall health: Tooth loss affects how well you chew and what foods you can eat. People who have missing teeth have poor nutrition, which affects the overall health.
• The loss of teeth can change your bite, the way your teeth come together. Changes in your bite can lead to problems with your jaw jointt.
• Speech: Losing teeth can lead to changes in your speech, which again affects your self-confidence.

Benefits of implants:

• Feel very natural – Feel very natural: because implants are imbedded in your bone, they feel more like your natural teeth than bridges or dentures. .
• Convenience - No need to worry about denture adhesives or having your dentures slip, click or fall out when you speak or eat.
• Nutrition - you will be able to chew better with implants. Chewing can be difficult with regular dentures, especially ones that don’t fit perfectly. A regular upper denture also covers your palate, which can reduce your sense of taste.
• Self-esteem -because implants are so much like your natural teeth, you will think about them less. Your self-esteem and confidence will be improved because you will not have to worry about denture problems or people noticing that you have missing teeth. Regular dentures also can affect your speech, which can make you less self-confident when talking with others.

Ask your dentist at Sunrise Dental Clinic about Dental Implants.

The branch of dentistry that deals with the preservation of healthy teeth and gums by the prevention of dental caries and oral disease is called Preventive Dentistry, which is the science of the care required to prevent diseases of the teeth and supporting structures. Preventive dentistry means a healthy smile for life.

Preventive Dentistry includes:

* Proper nutrition and dietary habits
* Brushing and flossing
* Fluoride treatment
* Regular dental check-ups
* General oral hygiene
* Assessing risk for developing cavities
* Evaluating oral growth and development
* Oral health education
* Protection against injuries
* Management of oral habits
* Guidance of erupting teeth
* Sealants

We at Sunrise Dental Clinic practice preventive dentistry with a passion to manage and maintain that beautiful smile. In addition to families’ regular dental visits, preventive dentistry for children is very important and requires parental involvement with daily oral care at home.

Why is preventive dentistry important?

Adults and children with a healthy mouth have a better chance of general health. Oral conditions can interfere with eating and adequate nutritional intake, speaking, self-esteem, and daily activities. Severe decay can affect growth and development. Adults and children with dental pain may be unable to concentrate in their respective work and school. In addition, a healthy mouth is more attractive, giving you confidence in your appearance. Most importantly, preventive dentistry can result in less extensive — and less expensive — treatment for you and your family.

When one must start preventive dentistry

Preventive dentistry begins with the first tooth. Daily cleaning of the teeth should begin as soon as the first tooth erupts. Visit your family dentist at the eruption of the first tooth or no later than 12 months of age to establish a dental plan. Early visits to your dentist are the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health and a great smile. The earlier you visit your dentist, the better the chance of preventing dental diseases which helps you build a cavity-free smile.

Parent’s role in preventive dentistry

After a thorough oral examination and assessing your child’s risk for developing cavities, dentists at Sunrise Dental Clinic will design a personalized preventive program of home care for your children. The program includes brushing and flossing instructions, diet counselling and, if necessary, fluoride recommendations. By following these directions, you can help give your children a lifetime of healthy habits and beautiful smiles for life.

How dentists at Sunrise Dental Clinic can help prevent dental problems

Tooth cleaning and polishing and fluoride treatments are very basic parts of your prevention program. However, there is much more. For example, your dentist can apply sealants to protect your teeth from tooth decay, help you select a mouth guard to prevent work or sports injuries to the face and teeth, and provide early diagnosis and care of orthodontic problems. Your dentist is uniquely trained to develop a combination of office and home preventive care to ensure you and your family a happy smile.

Our aim is to make the experience of visiting your dentist at Sunrise Dental
Clinic relaxed and enjoyable for both you and your child.

At Sunrise Dental Clinic we are concerned about children’s dental health. We want children to have a positive first experience of visiting their dentist, which will influence the way they care about their teeth and the way they feel about going to the dentist throughout their life. As long term oral health is determined in childhood, we also want to offer parents all the information they need to ensure that they can work with their children so that they enjoy the best possible oral health into adulthood. We have set ourselves the highest standards so that our young patients receive the latest treatment methods in an exciting, fun and trusting atmosphere.

We promise to take the needs, fears and wishes of our very young patients and their carers seriously. We will offer the best possible dental treatment in a child-friendly atmosphere that aims to make a visit to the dentist an exciting and interesting experience.

At Sunrise Dental Clinic you are assured that a child’s first and subsequent visits to us are positive, fun and not something to be anxious or worried about. A first visit to our Clinic focuses on the child getting to know us. It will include information about risk factors for dental disease, eating habits and general oral healthcare. It may be necessary at this stage to take x-rays. From there we develop an individual treatment plan best suited to the child and family’s needs.

We provide services for children with healthy teeth as well as those who have dental problems. The general trend towards aesthetics and preventive care is important as the best looking teeth are those that are absolutely clean and healthy.

Your child’s first visit to the dentist

It is recommended that children should go to the dentist with their parents as soon as possible. Visit your family dentist at the eruption of the first tooth or no later than 12 months of age to establish a relationship with the dental office. Your subsequent visits will be as recommended by your dentist. This early child / dentist interaction allows the child to get used to the noises, smells and office surroundings and prepare them for future visits. The earlier these visits begin, the more relaxed the children will be.

How should I clean my child’s teeth?

Cleaning your child’s teeth must be part of their daily hygiene routine. You may find it easier to stand or sit behind your child, cradling their chin in your hand so you can reach their top and bottom teeth more easily. When the first teeth start to come through, try using a children’s toothbrush with a small smear of toothpaste. It is important to supervise your child’s brushing until they are at least seven. Once all the teeth have come through, use a small-headed soft toothbrush in small circular movements and try to concentrate on one section at a time. Don’t forget to brush gently behind the teeth and onto the gums. If possible make tooth brushing a routine preferably in the morning, and last thing before your child goes to bed. Remember to encourage your child, as praise will often get results!

What causes children to have toothache?

Toothache is painful and upsetting, especially in children, which is generally caused by tooth decay. This is due to too much sugar or acid in the diet. Teething is another problem which starts at around 6 months and can continue as all the adult teeth start to come through. If your child needs a pain relief, make sure you choose a sugar-free medicine and also remember to check with the doctor or pharmacist that you are being prescribed sugar-free medication at all times. If the pain continues then contact your dentist or call a dentist at Sunrise Dental Clinic, for concerns and questions and request for an appointment.

How to prevent tooth decay in children?

The main cause of tooth decay is not just the amount of sugar or acid in the diet, but how often it is eaten or drunk. The more often your child has sugary or acidic foods or drinks, the more likely they are to have decay. It is therefore important to keep sugary and acidic foods to mealtimes only. If you want to give your child a snack, try to stick to cheese, vegetables and fruit, but not dried fruit.

It is also worth remembering that some processed baby foods contain quite a lot of sugar. Try checking the list of ingredients: the higher up the list sugar is, the more there is in the product. Sometimes, these are shown as fructose, glucose, lactose or sucrose.

Thorough brushing for two minutes, twice a day, particularly last thing at night, will help to prevent tooth decay in children.