Restorative Dentistry
Bonding/Composite Fillings
Composite resins or tooth colored fillings, provide the dentist with an esthetic solution to repair teeth. They provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small to mid size fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing. They can be used to repair front and back teeth. Bonding is the actual process of fusing these composites to the actual tooth structure.
Composites cost more than amalgam (silver) and occasionally are not covered by some insurance companies. It generally takes longer to place a composite filling than an amalgam one. The composite filling requires the tooth have a series of desensitizers, sealers and bonding agents placed prior to the actual composite is placed. It is then cured (hardened) with a light. Tooth colored fillings are now used more than amalgam or gold, primarily due to the demand of a natural looking result and the superior finished product that these composites allow the dentist to create.
Crowns
What is a Crown? Do I need one?
Crowns are used to restore a single damaged tooth. A crown can help strengthen a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth remaining to hold the filling. Crowns can also be used to attach bridges, protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that’s already broken. A crown is a good way to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped. It is also used to cover a dental implant.
A crown covers the tooth completely, fitting to the gum line and protecting your tooth from further damage. They are made of gold, porcelain or a combination of them and will greatly improve your smile.
Since abnormal bites usually become noticeable between the age of six and 12, orthodontic treatment often begins between the age of eight and 14. Treatment that begins while a child is growing helps produce optimal results. That doesn’t mean that adults can’t have braces, as healthy teeth can be an orthodontically treated at any age.
Treatment plans will vary based on your situation, but most people are in treatment one to three years. Today’s braces are more comfortable than ever before. Modern materials and treatment methods produce a constant, gentle force to move teeth quicker and with fewer adjustments. Not all of us are born with beautiful smiles, but with a little help from your dentist, you can have a beautiful and healthy smile.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth and are designed to blend with your natural teeth. They are an excellent long term option for restoring your smile. In fact, the development and use of implants is one of the biggest advances in dentistry in the past 40 years. Dental implants are made up of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. They are posts (root replacements) that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth.
There are three phases to getting an implant. The dentist places the implant into the jaw bone. The bone around the implant heals in a process called osseointegration. This is when the bone heals to the implant surface. For most people, this process usually takes up to four months. Finally it is time for the placement of the artificial tooth, or teeth in the case of missing more than one tooth. This tooth, called a dental crown will be based on the size, shape and color of the missing tooth and will be designed to blend in with your natural teeth. If more than one tooth is being replaced, a bridge or denture will be made to fit the space. If you are in good general health this treatment may be an option for you.
Root Canals
Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp (soft tissue inside the tooth containing blood vessels and nerve tissue) becomes inflamed or infected. During the root canal treatment, your dentist removes the diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth are cleaned, sterilized and sealed. If the infected pulp is not removed, pain and swelling can result, and your tooth may have to be removed. Causes of an infected pulp could include a deep cavity, a cracked or broken tooth, trauma to the tooth or repeated dental procedures.
Most of the time, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort involving one to three visits. A tooth with a root canal can still develop a cavity or gum disease so it is very important to restore the tooth and have regular checkups to prevent any future problems.
