Most people are overwhelmed and a bit intimidated by the thought of going to the dentist. Whether it is due to the lengthy period of time since their last dental exam or anxiety about the condition of their teeth and gums, information about common dental procedures can quell the butterflies and make your next experience at the dentist go more smoothly.
Dr. Omar Sabbaghhas been practicing family dentistry for over 16 years and is credentialed to answer any questions you may have about common dental procedures and advanced restorative dentistry. Here on this page Dr. Omar Sabbagh discusses some of the most common dental procedures that he provides at his office. They include fillings and repairs, root canals (endodontics), crowns (caps), bridges and implants, extractions and teeth whitening
Dental Procedures
Fillings and Repairs – Restorative materials are used to repair teeth, which have been compromised due to tooth decay (cavities) or trauma. Your dentist may use several methods to determine if you have tooth decay such as cavity detecting dye, x-rays and laser fluorescence cavity detection aids. Tooth trauma can be caused by cracked or broken teeth, teeth that are worn from unusual use such as nail biting, tooth grinding (bruxism) and using your teeth to open things. Different materials can be used to repair teeth, the most common being composite fillings made from a tooth-colored resin which looks and feels like natural teeth. Ask your dentist what material is best for you and your specific needs.
Root Canals (Endodontics)– Root canal treatment is the removal of the tooth’s pulp – a small, thread-like tissue in the center of the tooth. The remaining space is cleaned, shaped and filled once the damaged, diseased or dead pulp is removed. According to Dr. Omar Sabbagh , the pulp of the tooth contains nerves, arteries, veins and lymph tissue. By the time decay advances near or into the pulp, the tooth is at a high risk of infection and usually begins to ache.
The procedure seals off the root canal. Root canal treatment at Dr. Omar Sabbagh area practice have saved many teeth that would have otherwise been extracted.The most common causes of pulp damage resulting in root canal treatment are cracked teeth, a deep cavity or injury to the tooth. If left untreated or infected, dead tooth pulp can create a buildup of pus at the root tip in the jawbone, forming an abscess. An abscess can be very dangerous and can destroy the bone surrounding the tooth and cause pain.rnrn
Dental Crowns (Caps) – Crowns are dental restorations that protect damaged, cracked or broken teeth. Dental crowns – often referred to as caps – sit over the entire part of the tooth that lies above the gum line and are made from porcelain, metal or a combination of materials. Dental crowns are used at Dr. Omar Sabbagh office to cover cracked, severely damaged and stained or chipped teeth to hold dental bridges in place. They are placed over the visible part of the tooth to add strength and improve appearance.rnrn
Bridges and implants are two ways of replacing a missing tooth or teeth. A bridge, also known as a fixed removable denture, is made to replace one or more missing teeth.
According to Dr. Omar Sabbagh there are several different types of dental bridges.The most common bridge is a fixed bridge, which consists of a false tooth with crowns attached to either side. The bridge is used to fill the gap left by a missing tooth. Bridges can be supported in any of two ways: by natural teeth or implants.
Dental implants are metal posts or frames surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath your gums to act as an anchor for replacement teeth. Located near San Diego State Dr. Omar Sabbagh Dental Care is equipped with state-of-the-art tools to ensure your dental implants are of the highest quality. Dental implants replicate the entire tooth, including the crown and the root. Bone loss is kept to a minimum and healthy teeth are preserved so patients can enjoy increased stability and confidence in eating and speaking.
Teeth Whitening – Teeth naturally darken with age, however staining may be caused by various foods and beverages such as coffee, black tea, berries, smoking cigarettes, trauma to a tooth and some drugs such as tetracycline. Teeth whitening is the process of whitening teeth using a peroxide-based material. It is one of the most effective cosmetic dental procedures in improving stained and discolored teeth. Currently, teeth whitening is one of Dr. Omar Sabbagh most popular cosmetic dental procedures. Omar Sabbagh Dental Care offers in-office and at-home whitening.
Dr. Omar Sabbagh Dental Care offers comprehensive dental care services, including cosmetic dentistry, advanced restorative dentistry and general dentistry. If you have questions about dental procedures, please call or email us
According to Dr. Omar Sabbagh there are several different types of dental bridges.The most common bridge is a fixed bridge, which consists of a false tooth with crowns attached to either side. The bridge is used to fill the gap left by a missing tooth. Bridges can be supported in any of two ways: by natural teeth or implants.
Extractions A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. There are many reasons for extracting a permanent tooth, the most common being a broken tooth or a tooth damaged by severe decay. Usually, your dentist will try to use other methods such as fixing the tooth with a filling, crown or other dental treatment, leaving extraction as a final option.
Some people have extra teeth that block other teeth from coming in and therefore, need to have extractions. People getting braces may need teeth extracted to make more room for the teeth being moved into place. Wisdom teeth are often extracted either before or after they come in. This procedure is often done when an individual is in their late teens or early 20’s. In some cases wisdom teeth are pulled later in life or not at all. Wisdom teeth often get stuck in the jaw (impacted) and do not come in. Whatever your particular case may be, it is in your best interest to schedule an appointment with your dentist to decide what your best options are.
Lumineers are unique in that they are ultra-thin (approximately 0.2 mm) and highly translucent, allowing them to replicate the natural appearance of enamel. While traditional veneers are much thicker, requiring the grinding down of your original tooth structure, Lumineers are so thin that little to no tooth reduction is necessary. Additionally, the durability of Lumineers allows them to resist wear and remain resilient to last over 20 years.
Crowns – A crown may be recommended for a tooth that has been weakened by decay, fracture or failure of a large, previous restoration. The advantages of a crown are derived from its desirable physical properties. A crown can provide the strength necessary to withstand chewing forces. A crown can return the tooth to its original and more natural size.rnrn
Fixed Bridge – When a tooth or teeth are lost and not replaced, your teeth can drift from their proper position. This drifting can cause many undesirable consequences such as jaw pain and headaches from malocclusion (a bad bite alignment). Drifting of teeth can make certain areas more susceptible to decay. Problems with the supporting structures of your teeth of your (gum and bone) can arise from the shifting of teeth as they try to fill a vacant area. In order to prevent the drifting of teeth, a fixed bridge may be recommended. This will return your masticatory (chewing) system to a full complement of teeth. The teeth can support each other and function beautifully together..