DR. RANDY RAETZ,D.D.S.
Rochester's understanding dentist

TEETH CLEANING . INVISIBLE BRACES
TEETH WHITENING . FILLINGS . CROWNS

Root Canals
If your tooth’s nerve chamber becomes infected by decay, root canal treatment is often the only way to save your tooth.  Inside your tooth’s hard outer enamel shell is a nourishing pulp network of bloods vessels, lymph vessels and nerves.  The root canals, which contain the pulp, extend to the bone.  Deep tooth decay, a deep dental restoration, or injury, can cause serious damage and infection to the pulp’s nerves and vessels.  Root canal or endodontic, treatment cleans out the infected pulp chamber and repairs the damage.

Some signs that a tooth may require root canal treatment:

Spontaneous pain or throbbing while biting

Sensitivity to hot and cold foods

Severe decay or an injury that creates an abscess (infection) in the bone  

The tooth is first anesthetized (“numbed up”).  An opening is then made through the crown of the tooth into the pulp.  The length of the root canals is determined.  Unhealthy pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped.  The canals are then filled and sealed.  A metal or resin post may be added for structural support or to help retain restorative materials.  The tooth is sealed with a temporary filling, with either a gold or porcelain crown required for further protection.

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DENTAL PROCEDURES

Invisible Braces (Invisalign)
Dr. Raetz is now certified to offer his patients Invisalign, the invisible way to straighten your teeth. For more information about this revolutionary process, please check out the Invisalign website.  Any questions you may have, please email Dr. Randy.

Crowns
When a tooth is fractured, has a large, old filling, or is severely damaged by decay, the placement of a crown, or cap may be recommended.  Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and can improve the appearance of your smile.  Types of crowns include the full porcelain crown, porcelain-fused-to-metal and the all-metal crown.

Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to the office.  Initially, decay is removed and the tooth is shaped.  An impression is taken, which is sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication of the permanent crown.  A temporary crown made of plastic is worn while the crown is being made.  In a subsequent visit, the temporary crown is removed and the final crown is seated, adjusted, and cemented into place.

Bridges
Few incidents have greater impact on dental health and personal appearance then tooth loss.  When one or more teeth are missing, the remaining teeth can drift out of position, which can lead to a change in the bite, loss of additional teeth, decay, and gum disease.

When tooth loss occurs, the placement of a bridge maybe recommended.  A bridge is one or more replacement teeth anchored by one or more crowns on each side.  Initially, teeth on each side of the space are prepared to receive crowns and an impression is made of the entire area.  This is sent out to a dental laboratory for fabrication of the permanent bridge.  A plastic temporary bridge is worn while the permanent bridge is being fabricated.