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Silvestri Dental & Associates
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Greetings!
Spring has Sprung at Silvestri Dental & Associates! The melting of the snow brings a renewed energy around our office. In the past months, Dr. Silvestri attended a cutting-edge implant course where he became familiarized with the latest dental implant placement techniques. Dr. Comfort traveled to Griffin, Georgia, where he attended a hands-on endodontic course. Both of these courses will allow for great services to our patients!
This months featured article is dedicated to endodontics, or as it's more commonly known, root canal therapy. Read the article and familiarize yourself with this often misunderstood procedure.
Keep reading and you can take a couple "bites" out of some great information on the importance of dental x-rays and also learn a little something about veneers (a great cosmetic service that our office provides!).
At the bottom of this newsletter you'll find a coupon for great savings on your next procedure in the office.
As always, we're grateful for your trust and loyalty. Remember, the highest compliment a patient can give is the referral of their friends and family. New patients are always welcome!
Sincerely,
Dr. Silvestri & Dr. Comfort
Silvestri Dental & Associates
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Get to Know Root Canals
 Underneath your tooth's outer enamel and within the dentin is an area of soft tissue called the pulp tissue. While a tooth's pulp tissue does contain nerve fibers, it is also composed of arteries, veins, lymph vessels, and connective tissue. Each tooth's nerve enters the tooth at the very tip of its roots. From there, the nerve runs through the center of the root in small "root canals." which join up with the tooth's pulp chamber. Root canals are very small, thin divisions that branch off from the top pulp chamber down to the tip of the root.
When the pulp becomes infected due to a deep cavity or fracture that allows bacteria to seep in, or injury due to trauma, it can die. Damaged or dead pulp causes increased blood flow and cellular activity, and pressure cannot be relieved from inside the tooth. Pain in the tooth is commonly felt when biting down, chewing on it and applying hot or cold foods and drinks.
Root canal therapy becomes necessary because the tooth will not heal by itself. Without treatment, the infection will spread, bone around the tooth will begin to degenerate and the tooth may be lost. Pain usually worsens until one is forced to seek emergency dental attention. The only alternative to root canal treatment is usually extraction of the tooth, which can cause surrounding teeth to shift, resulting in a bad bite. Though an extraction is cheaper, the space left behind will require an implant or bridge, which can be more expensive than root canal therapy. If you have the choice, it's always best to keep your own teeth!
A root canal is a procedure done to remove the damaged or dead pulp in the tooth by cleaning it out and reshaping the canal. The canal is then filled with a rubberlike substance to prevent recontamination of the tooth. The tooth is then definiteively sealed, most usually with a crown. This enables the patients to keep their own tooth.
Root canals can often be performed in the office of your general dentist. In some cases, the general dentist may make the decision to refer the patient to a root canal specialist, or endodontist.
Source: Academy of General Dentistry
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 Take a "Bite" of This!
Why Do I Need Dental X-Rays?
Radiographic, or X-ray, examinations provide your dentist with an important tool that shows the condition of your teeth, its roots, jaw placement and the overall composition of your facial bones. X-rays can help your dentist determine the presence or degree of periodontal (gum) disease, abscesses and many abnormal growths, such as cysts and tumors. X-rays also can show the exact location of impacted and unerupted teeth. They can pinpoint the location of cavities and other signs of disease that may not be possible to detect through a visual examination.
Your radiographic schedule is based on your dentist's assessment of your individual needs, including whether you're a new patient or a follow-up patient, adult or child. In most cases, new patients require a full set of mouth X-rays to evaluate oral health status, including any underlying signs of gum disease, and for future comparison. Follow-up patients may require X-rays to monitor their gum condition or their chance of tooth decay.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic (porcelain) or a composite resin material, which are bonded to the front of teeth. This procedure requires little or no anesthesia and can be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth. Veneers are placed to mask discolorations, to brighten teeth and to improve a smile.
Veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns in many situations. They provide a much more conservative approach to changing a tooth's color, size or shape. Veneers can mask undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline and damage due to an injury or as a result of a root-canal procedure. They are ideal for masking discolored fillings in front teeth. Patients with gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider veneers. Generally, veneers will last for many years, and the technique has shown remarkable longevity when properly performed.
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Silvestri Dental & Associates
501 Plaza Drive
Vestal, New York 13850
Silvestri Dental & Associates
607-797-5932
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