FAQ

Q: What is a filling or cavity?

A:

When food debris or plaque accumulates on a tooth it could provide fuel for natural bacteria found in your mouth to start a cavity. This could be taken care of by removing all the decay and placing a filling in the tooth. There are different types of filling material, the traditional amalgams can still be used to restore a tooth but are not as esthetic. For people with current amalgams, the only reasons to change them would be if there was decay or if the filling is fractured. At Hancock Village Dental we are an amalgam free office and only offer esthetic white fillings also known as composites. They are similar in strength and longevity as amalgams and look nicer!

Q: What is a Root Canal?

A:

If decay reaches the nerve of the tooth, the nerve can become infected. At this point there are only two options for the tooth are a root canal or extraction. A root canal would save the tooth by opening up the canal and removing the nerve and blood supply from the tooth as well as cleaning any bacteria in the canal. A root canal is never considered complete until a crown is placed on top of the tooth to provide protection to the tooth from the stress of chewing.

Q: What is an implant?

A:

If you are missing a tooth or need to remove a tooth and want to replace the empty space a implant is a great option. An implant is placed into the bone and allowed to fuse to the bone for a period of time. Once the implant is fused to the bone the abutment and crown can be placed to give the natural appearance of the tooth once again. The abutment is a piece that goes into the implant and the crown sits on top of it, some are pre made and sometimes a custom made one is needed, it depends on a case to case basis.

Q: Where can I find more information about these procedures?

A:

Below you will find a wide array of interesting and educational links that we feel will benefit your understanding and knowledge of your dental health. If you have a suggestion for a link that you feel would be of interest, please feel free to email it to us so we can share it with all of our patients.

Dental Associations

Dental Education