White (Composite) Fillings
Until recently, dentists filled and sealed cavities exclusively using a silver and mercury amalgam. Unfortunately, these fillings (or restorations) weaken teeth due to the large amount of the original tooth that has to be removed. Modern dentistry has increasingly turned to composite fillings as a strong, safe and more natural looking alternative. Composite fillings utilize a soft white plastic substance that includes a hardening agent.

Pros and Cons of Composite Fillings
The major advantage of these fillings is that they come in a range of shades that closely match the color of an individual's tooth. Due to the increased strength of modern composite material, they can now also be used in the back teeth. Unfortunately, composite fillings are twice as expensive as traditional restorations.

The Filling Procedures
During your initial visit to the dentist, he or she begins by anesthetizing the tooth and removing any remaining filling and / or decay. Once the tooth has been prepared, the dentist places the composite into the tooth, where it binds to the original surface. The process is typically performed in several layers, each layer being cured or hardened through exposure to a hardening light.

ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
In the past, injured or diseased teeth frequently had to be removed. Today, they often can be saved through endodontic treatment. Also known as a root canal treatment ,this procedure may be performed by a general dentist. More than one office visit usually is required.

PULP PARTICULARS
A root canal treatment generally involves the removal and replacement of a tooth’s pulp. The pulp is soft tissue containing blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues.

The pulp is found in a canal that runs through the center of the hard tissue on the inside of the tooth (dentin).
The pulp extends from the pulp chamber in the crown down through the root canal to the tip of the root in the jaw bone.
A tooth has only one pulp chamber but may have more than one root and several root canals.
If pulp becomes damaged through injury or disease and cannot repair itself, bacteria and their products can leak into the pulp and cause the pulp to die.
İf a root canal procedure is not performed,an abscess can form at the tip of the root and cause considerable pain. Even if there is no pain, bone anchoring the tooth in the jaw can be damaged. Without treatment, the tooth may have to be extracted.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Here is what you can expect when you Schedule a root canal treatment.

On the initial visit:
Local anestheticusually is given, to maintain patient comfort. The affected tooth is isolated from saliva. An opening is made through the crown of the tooth. The pulp is removed,and then the root is cleaned and shaped. Medication may be added to pulp chamber and root canals to help eliminate bacteria. A temporary filling is placed in the crown opening to keep saliva out. Antibiotics may be prescribed if an infection is present and has spread beyond the end of the root(s)

On the next visit:
The temporary filling is removed. The root canal is filled and permanently sealed( a metal or plastic may be placed in the root canal for structural support.) If needed a crown can be placed on the tooth. Crowns are made from a variety of materials,depending on the location of the tooth, the color of the tooth and the amount of natural tooth remaining. Discuss with your dentist which option is best for you.

THE REST IS UP TO YOU
In the past, injured or diseased teeth frequently had to be removed. Today, they often can be saved through endodontic treatment. Also known as a root canal treatment ,this procedure may be performed by a general dentist. More than one office visit usually is required.