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Restorations

The good news is the rate of tooth decay incidences has significantly diminished over the years due to the use of fluorides and an increase in patient awareness. However, teeth are still susceptible to decay, infection, and breakage requiring a need to be restored back to health. Through improved techniques and modern technology, we are now able to offer more options for restoring a tooth back to its normal shape, appearance and function.

Should your teeth ever require a restorative treatment, you can rest assured knowing we will always discuss with you the available options, and recommend what we believe to be the most comfortable and least invasive treatment. Providing you with excellent care is our number one priority when creating your beautiful smile.

Reasons for restorative dentistry:

Remember to give your teeth the attention they need today to avoid more extensive restoration work later!

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having a removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.

Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone usually by a dentist and Oral Surgeon. The teeth attached to the implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient's smile.

Dental implants are very strong, stable and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

Reasons for dental implants:

What does getting dental implants involve?

The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.

X-rays and impressions are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the "post" that will hold the artificial tooth in place. With other implants the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time.

After several weeks of healing the artificial tooth is made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. Because several fittings may be required, this step may take one to two months to complete. After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient.

You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant.

Inlay and Onlay Restorations

An inlay restoration is a custom made filling made of composite material, gold, or tooth colored porcelain. It is made by a professional dental laboratory and is permanently cemented into the tooth by your dentist.

An onlay is a custom made filling made of composite material, gold, or tooth colored porcelain. An onlay is sometimes referred to as a partial crown. It is made by a professional dental laboratory and is permanently cemented into the tooth by your dentist.

Both inlays and onlays can be utilized to conservatively repair teeth that have large defective fillings or have been damaged by decay or trauma. Both are also considered an ideal alternative to crowns because less tooth structure is removed during the preparation. Onlays are essentially identical to inlays with the exception that one or more of the chewing cusps have also been affected and need to be included in the restoration.

Reasons for an inlay or onlay restoration:

What does getting an inlay or onlay involve?

The procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several impressions that will be used to create your custom inlay/onlay and a temporary restoration.

While the tooth is numb, the dentist will remove any decay and/or old filling materials. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared, shaping the surface to properly fit the restoration. A temporary filling will be applied to protect the tooth while your permanent restoration is made at the lab.

At your second appointment the new inlay/onlay will be carefully and precisely cemented into place. A few adjustments may be necessary to ensure proper fit and that your bite is comfortable.

You will receive care instruction at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, a proper diet, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new inlay/onlay.

Amalgam Fillings

A silver amalgam filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a silver filling.

There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. Amalgam fillings, along with composite (tooth colored) fillings, are the most widely used today. An amalgam filling is more commonly used with the back teeth since the color is not as aesthetic as a composite filling.

As with most dental restorations, amalgam fillings are not permanent and may someday need replacement. They are very durable and will last many years giving you a long lasting smile.

Reasons for Amalgam fillings:

What does getting an amalgam filling involve?

Amalgam fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove decay as necessary. The space will then be thoroughly cleansed and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth a special medication will be applied for added protection. The silver filling will then be placed, shaped, and polished – restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.

It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when amalgam fillings are first placed, however this will subside as your tooth acclimates to the new filling.

You will be given post-care instructions at the completion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.

Composite Fillings:

A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling.

There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are the tooth colored they can be closely matched to your existing color of your tooth and are more aesthetically suited for front teeth and those that are more visible in your smile.

As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced. However, they are durable and will last many years, giving you a long lasting beautiful smile.

Reasons for composite fillings:

How are composite fillings placed?

Composite fillings are usually place in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove any decay that is present and necessary. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepped before the new filling is placed. If the decay is near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.

It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling.

You will be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new filling.

Porcelain Crowns:

A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.

Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crowns) are the most popular due to the fact they resemble you natural teeth. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. 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:

What does getting a crown involve?

A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate impressions (or molds) that will be used to create your custom crown. An impression will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.

While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once this is done, your temporary crown will be placed with a temporary cement. Finally the dentist will check your bite to ensure proper biting capability.

At your second appointment the temporary crown is removed and the tooth is cleaned. Your new permanent crown is then placed checking to make sure spacing and your bite are accurate.

You will be given instructions on how to properly care for your crown and are encouraged to maintain regular dental visits.

Dentures and Partial Dentures

A denture is a removable dental appliance replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.

There are two types of dentures – complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some of the natural teeth remain. A partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting.

A complete denture may be either conventional or immediate. A conventional type is made after the teeth have all been removed and the gum tissue healed, usually taking 4-6 weeks. During this time the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed. The patient does not go without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.

Dentures are a very durable appliance and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired, or adjusted due to normal wear.

Reasons for dentures:

What does getting dentures involve?

The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over several weeks. Highly accurate impressions and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture. Several try-in appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.

It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty. However, this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.

You will be given care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.

Fixed Bridges:

A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.

The most popular type of bridge is the "traditional bridge" and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. Porcelain fixed bridges are most popular because they resemble your natural teeth. This type of bridge consists of crowns that go over two or more anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) with the pontic (artificial teeth) in between, filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.

Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years, however, they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.

Reasons for a fixed bridge:

What does getting a fixed bridge involve?

Getting a bridge usually requires two visits – one to prep the teeth and one to place the bridge. While the teeth are numb, the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of the enamel to allow for a crown. Next, an impression is made which will be sent to the dental lab where the permanent bridge will be fabricated. In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for several weeks in between the two appointments.

At the second appointment, your permanent bridge will be checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit. Occasionally the dentist may only temporarily cement the bridge to allow your teeth and tissue time to get used to the new bridge. In those instances the new bridge will be permanently cemented at a later time.

You will receive care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new permanent bridge.