Fillings are needed to rebuild teeth after cavities are removed, to fix small chips in teeth, or to replace old defective fillings. Untreated tooth cavities (decay) spread with time, and need to be removed before they reach too close to the nerve, to prevent the need of a root canal.

Teeth are kept alive by a healthy nerve (pulp) core deep inside them, all the way down to the root tips. When this nerve tissue becomes inflamed due to deep decay or trauma/accident to the tooth, it can die, and an endodontic treatment (root canal) is needed. A root canal refers to reaching inside the tooth’s roots to remove the inflamed or dead pulp and clean out the infection. This helps you keep your tooth instead of removing it.

Without endodontic treatment, the infection in the tooth pulp can result in an abscess, which can damage the jawbone beneath, and can affect other healthy teeth. If a tooth is causing you pain, has become extra-sensitive to heat and cold, appears discolored, or the gums around it feel tender and swollen, then you may need a root canal.

A crown is a tooth-shaped cap permanently cemented over a tooth to restore its strength, shape, size, and esthetic appearance. It covers the visible portion of the tooth above and right to the gum line. Crowns hold weak, broken or cracked teeth together to avoid further fracture. They’re also used to support large fillings, attach a bridge, cover discolored or deformed teeth, and are placed over dental implants. Crowns are long-lasting if cared for with good oral hygiene. Avoid biting your nails, chewing ice, or grinding your teeth to prevent damaging them.

Without endodontic treatment, the infection in the tooth pulp can result in an abscess, which can damage the jawbone beneath, and can affect other healthy teeth. If a tooth is causing you pain, has become extra-sensitive to heat and cold, appears discolored, or the gums around it feel tender and swollen, then you may need a root canal.

Many people grind their teeth in their sleep without being aware of it, putting their teeth at risk of damage. Wearing a mouthguard at night protects them from trauma and lowers the risk of other problems such as tooth wear, tooth cracks or jaw issues.

There are different types of mouthguards available. Over-the-counter mouthguards are a quick and cheap solution. Custom mouthguards are made specifically for your tooth shape by your dentist at Brockport Dental and a specialized lab. This type of mouthguard offers the best, most comfortable fit and is generally more durable than the off-the-shelf type.

Without endodontic treatment, the infection in the tooth pulp can result in an abscess, which can damage the jawbone beneath, and can affect other healthy teeth. If a tooth is causing you pain, has become extra-sensitive to heat and cold, appears discolored, or the gums around it feel tender and swollen, then you may need a root canal.

Gum disease (called periodontitis in later stages) can lead to complete tooth loss by affecting the bone supporting the teeth. It has also been linked to other health problems, such as heart disease, osteoporosis, stroke, and complications with diabetes. Because symptoms are initially mild, many people don’t realize they have gum disease, which can allow the condition to worsen. You may have an increased risk for gum disease if you smoke, have diabetes, take certain medications, endure excessive stress, or don’t maintain proper oral hygiene.

If caught in the early stages, your gum disease (periodontitis) can be stabilized with proper treatment. Periodontal treatment is different from the regular cleanings we provide for healthy teeth. To begin, we will scale the teeth to remove plaque and calculus (tartar), and plane (scrape) the roots to smoothen them. We may prescribe antibiotics to help clear up any infection or inflammation.

Advanced cases of gum disease may require surgical intervention, for which we will refer you to our periodontist.