While brushing, flossing and regular visits to the dentist are integral elements to maintaining good oral health, our teeth will inevitably experience the effects of aging, wear and daily life. However – through technological advances and innovative practices – great strides have been made to help patients achieve the smile they have always dreamed of, no matter their age. With restorative dentistry, you can achieve a confidence-boosting smile that is aesthetically pleasing and will protect you against the development of periodontal disease and jaw bone disintegration.
Same Day Ceramic Crowns
A crown is the entire portion of the tooth that appears above the gum line. It is not unusual for the crowns of our teeth to become damaged as we age – sometimes without warning. To restore a broken or missing tooth, we offer ceramic crowns that are constructed from porcelain and designed to fit perfectly in your mouth to keep your tooth structure sound. Same day crowns are created right here in our office and are ready to be placed in 2 to 2 ½ hours. Your smile can be repaired in a single visit. To rebuild entire sections of teeth, ceramic crowns can be paired with dental implants.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges will permanently close gaps between teeth. The look of the bridge may differ depending on the location of the bridge in the patient’s mouth. A simple bridge may consist of two crowns on either side of a false tooth. Our highly skilled dentists will ensure that your bridge is accurately placed and not visibly apparent.
Dentures
Although they once appeared unnatural and fit uncomfortably in the mouth, dentures have evolved beautifully over the years. In fact, they feel and appear just like natural teeth. Modern dentures offer a range of tooth and gum color choices, so they will match the patient’s mouth perfectly, and – when supported by dental implants, they will not slip or falter in any way.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a titanium screw that is placed in your gums and into your jaw bone to support a crown. In time, the implant will fuse to your natural bone and become part of your jaw structure. When paired with anything from a simple crown replacement to a more complex full set to support dentures, implants significantly improve the integrity of the repair. Because they become part of your jaw structure, they will make the areas of restoration act, feel and appear like natural teeth.
Depending on the complexity of the repair, dental implants can take several months to complete. However, the end results are well worth the time spent. Once your bone structure has been deemed adequate to support the implant placement, implants will be placed through incisions in your gums. They will need to fully heal and integrate with the bone before the next step of the restoration process can begin. Our dentist will work with you one-on-one throughout the healing process and the beautiful realization of your restoration.
Root Canals
If periodontal disease or a cavity has progressed to a stage where the tooth has become infected internally, a root canal (aka endodontics) may be needed. We will take every measure to try and save the tooth – leaving an extraction as the last possible option. Our dentists will remove the tooth nerves, pulp and any area of the tooth that has become infected. After completion of the root canal, the tooth will be filled and sealed to prevent any further damage. The loss of tooth pulp is nothing to be worried about since it is not necessary for the health of the tooth. A root canal can offer new life to a tooth that – if left untreated any longer – may have needed to be completely extracted.
Extractions
In many cases, you can repair teeth that are broken or damaged by decay with a filling, crown, or other dental treatment. Sometimes, though, the damage is too severe to repair, so extraction is the last option. We do most extractions in house.
Learn more about our restorative services and which options are best for you, your smile, your oral health and your budget by contacting our office today at 770-945-5850.
