What is gum disease or periodontitis or periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is the inflammation and loss of both the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. It is treatable but permanent loss of gums and bone is difficult to replace. The sooner it is controlled, the better. What is root canal therapy or endodontics? Root Canal Therapy, or root filling, or endodontics is when the nerve, or “pulp” inside the tooth is permanently damaged by decay or trauma, and is removed; then the resulting hollow canal is first medicated and sterilised, and later filled and sealed. What are dental implants? A dental implant is a metal “root” usually made of titanium which is placed in the bone where teeth are missing. On to the implant a ceramic tooth made to match the existing teeth is attached. Some implants are made to allow a denture to “clip” on for firm support. Several teeth can be replaced using implants. Should I replace a missing tooth? Yes. The gap left between two teeth can cause those teeth to shift towards the space, opening contacts between