Dental Treatments
Get Emergency Dental Care in Courtenay
At Acreview Dental Clinic, we know how important it is that you have comprehensive dental services. Whether you need prosthodontic surgery or emergency dental care in Courtenay, Acreview Dental Clinic will be with you each step of the way. Our qualified and professional team of dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants are ready to assist you whenever you need us, whether you are a new patient or a returning one. Contact us today to learn more about our services. You can also use our convenient eform to request an appointment .
Emergency Dental Care
Dental emergencies that require our attention can occur at any time. Pain in the mouth, teeth or oral structures is a signal that something is wrong. Often, dental pain does not go away on its own. A careful evaluation by Dr. Karamanis or Dr. Burry is necessary to determine its etiology. Any injury to the teeth or tissues in the oral cavity can be serious and should not be ignored. Dental pain can be a sign of inflammation or injury to the nerves and blood vessels inside a tooth. If untreated, this can lead to an infection which may be dangerous to your health.
Common sources of dental pain include, but may not be limited to, advanced decay and associated inflammation, dental abscesses, dental trauma relating to injuries, fractures, tooth displacement and periodontal (gum) infections.
If you feel you are experiencing a dental emergency during general office hours, one of our reception team will be happy to assist you. For emergencies that occur outside our office hours, please listen to our telephone message for instructions by calling 250-338-9085.
Prosthodontics
Prosthodontics is the branch of dentistry that pertains to the restoration and maintenance of oral function, comfort, and appearance by restoring natural teeth and replacing missing teeth with prosthetic substitutes. Examples of prosthodontic treatments provided at our office include dental veneers, ceramic (porcelain) crowns, porcelain onlays and inlays, and fixed bridges.
Implants have become an integral part of prosthodontics and are often the option of choice when replacing missing teeth during dental reconstruction. Dental implants serve as single or multiple units that are placed strategically in the dental arch to support both removable and fixed bridge work. Additionally, dental implants can be placed when full dentures are necessary. This is done as a means of support for full denture cases that are implant-supported.
Our dentists at Acreview Dental Clinic are committed to providing prosthodontic treatment that is designed to produce a balance between function, longevity, and aesthetics. Please contact our office for a consultation and comprehensive dental examination so that we can assess your prosthodontic needs.
Endodontic (Root Canal) Therapy
Endodontic therapy is the process by which the inner structures of a tooth (pulp chamber) are treated in the presence of disease. The pulp chamber of a tooth contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. It provides nutrients and helps preserve the tooth's health and vitality. At times, the pulp chamber of a tooth can become diseased or injured (abscessed or infected) from trauma or decay. In these situations, bacteria can enter the pulp chamber of a tooth and create an infection.
Endodontic therapy requires removal of the diseased pulpal tissue, thorough cleansing or sterilization of the diseased canals, and placement of special medicaments in the chamber (root canals) once occupied by the pulp. If a diseased pulp chamber is left untreated, byproducts of the infection can spread into your jawbone and potentially cause serious infection.
As a part of the comprehensive services offered at our office, Dr. Karamanis and Dr. Burry provide endodontic therapy to patients requiring this type of treatment.
Common symptoms associated with endodontically involved teeth include prolonged pain to hot and cold, sensitivity to touch or biting pressure, swelling or the appearance of a sore (pimple) on the gum tissue, and spontaneous or throbbing pain that can awaken you at night or worsen when lying down. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call our office for an evaluation.
TMJ Therapy
The TMJ or temporomandibular joint, is the joint of the jaw that is located on either side of the face. The temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body. With the support of attached muscles, the TMJ allows us to open and close our mouths, chew, speak, and swallow. An articular disc is located between the two bones that form the joint, the temporal bone and the mandible (lower jaw).
Pain or dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint is referred to as TMD – temporomandibular joint disorder or dysfunction. This term is used to describe a group of problems involving the joint, muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels and tissues. Many times, dental patients experience pain in these structures. Infrequently, the articular disc can become displaced causing pain. Pain associated with temporomandibular dysfunction is related to myofascial (fascia surrounding muscle tissue) pain, which involves the muscles that allow us to chew. One of the common factors contributing to pain in the temporomandibular joint is a bite problem.
Our doctors begin diagnosis of TMD with a thorough clinical examination and appropriate radiographs. Clinical exams include palpation of the muscles and joints for tenderness, clicking, popping, or difficulty opening or closing. In addition, a complete analysis is performed on the patient's bite and the relationship of the upper and lower teeth in function. When there are discrepancies or bite irregularities, temporomandibular disorders can result, causing discomfort.
Therapy for TMD can require the individual fabrication of bite appliances or splints. These appliances are made by our dental laboratory from custom impressions and study models taken at the examination visit. They are worn over the teeth during specified hours of the day and require follow-up evaluation and monitoring of your symptoms.
If you are experiencing any type of muscle or jaw pain and suspect that you may be experiencing TMD, please call our office for an examination and evaluation.