Restorative Care

Fillings

Fillings are used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed, or damaged portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a specialized material. The most commonly used filling materials are a composite resin (white) or a metal based (silver) material. Each filling material has its own advantages and disadvantages. One advantage of white fillings is that the composite resin actually bonds to the remaining tooth structure. This can sometimes deter further tooth breakage. Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the tooth. Best of all, composite resins allow us to remove less of your natural tooth structure than would otherwise be removed for silver filling placement. The advantage of silver fillings is durability. A metal filling can sometimes withstand the chewing forces placed on our back teeth much better than white fillings. Silver fillings are more easily placed in areas of the mouth that are hard to keep dry. On the contrary, placement of composite resin is more technique sensitive requiring precise moisture control. As with most dental restorations, fillings are not permanent and may need to be replaced over time. They are very durable and can last many years with proper at-home care, diet and nutrition, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.

Reasons for Fillings: Chipped teeth, Closing space between two teeth, Cracked or broken teeth, Decayed teeth, Worn teeth

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is needed when the pulp of a tooth, comprised of nerves and blood vessels, is damaged from deep decay, trauma, cracks or infection. Root canal therapy is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and need to be extracted to eliminate recurring infection and pain. In order to save the tooth, the infected pulp, bacterial infection, and any decay are removed.

Crowns & Bridges

A crown, sometimes called a cap, is a custom made covering that encases the entire tooth to restore it to its original shape, size and function. A crown protects and restores a tooth that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.

There are several types of crowns. Porcelain is tooth colored and the most popular, because it resembles your natural teeth. Sometimes crowns may have metal underneath the porcelain. These restorations are highly durable and can last many years with proper at-home care, diet and nutrition, however they may need to be re-cemented due to normal wear. Like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced altogether. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size and color of your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.

Reasons for a Crown: Broken or fractured teeth, Cosmetic enhancement, Decayed teeth, Fractured fillings, Large fillings, Tooth has a root canal

Implants

Missing teeth can be socially embarrassing and cause low self esteem. Dental implants will give you back that self esteem, providing you with the smile you once had. Dental implants are one of the best advancements in modern dentistry and are an excellent alternative to bridges, partials or full dentures for missing teeth.

When both the crown of the tooth and its root are damaged beyond repair, a dental implant with a porcelain or ceramic crown is the best replacement option. The patient’s overall health greatly depends on whether or not they are a candidate for dental implants. A thorough health evaluation must be completed by the dental team prior to implant placement. Implants have the potential to look, feel and function like natural teeth.

Implants are made from titanium and serve as a replacement to what was once the root of the tooth. Implants are placed in two stages. In the first stage, a Periodontist or Oral Surgeon will place the implant into the jawbone where the tooth root use to be. During the healing phase your jawbone grows into the titanium implant anchoring it in bone to provide a solid foundation. This healing phase can last 3 to 6 months. During the second stage, one of our dentists will fasten a crown to the implant.

Dental implants will boost your confidence, enhance your appearance and improve the quality of your life. Most patients experience little to no disruption in their everyday life and report being much more comfortable following implant placement when compared to other major dental procedures.

Dentures & Partial Dentures

A denture is a removable dental appliance used to replace missing teeth. They are made to closely replicate your natural teeth. A denture replaces a few missing teeth or all teeth, improve chewing, speech, and your smile. They also support the cheeks and lips, eliminating the sagging face often associated with missing teeth.

There are two types of dentures, complete dentures and partial dentures. A partial denture is used when some natural teeth remain. The partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting and clasps to remaining teeth for a more firm fit and support.

Complete dentures are used to replace a full set of teeth missing either on the upper or lower jaw. A complete denture can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional denture is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually 4-6 weeks. During that time the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and placed at the same appointment that the teeth are removed, preventing the patient from going without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made to an immediate denture to improve the fit of the denture.

Dentures are durable and can last many years but may have to be remade, repaired or relined due to normal or abnormal wear and tear. Proper oral hygiene and denture care is essential to maintaining a good fitting denture. The dental staff will be sure to provide proper denture care and associated oral hygiene necessary to keep denture patients happy.

Reasons for Dentures and Partials: Complete denture – loss of all teeth in an arch, Partial denture – loss of several teeth in an arch, Enhancing smiles and facial tissues, Improving chewing, speech and digestion.