Restorations
Restorations
Tooth decay has declined due to fluoride use and increased awareness, but teeth are still susceptible to decay, infection, and damage. Modern techniques provide various options for restoring teeth. We prioritize discussing all available treatments and recommend the most comfortable and least invasive options to ensure exceptional care and a beautiful smile.
Same Day Crowns
A CEREC crown (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) utilizes CAD/CAM technology to create a custom ceramic crown in a single visit. Unlike traditional crowns, which require multiple appointments, CEREC crowns are designed, milled, and bonded in-office. They are durable, natural-looking, and perfectly match your tooth’s color and bite. CEREC crowns are priced similarly to traditional crowns and are covered by dental insurance, depending on your plan.
Composite Fillings
A composite filling repairs decayed, cracked, or chipped teeth by removing the damaged area and replacing it with a tooth-colored composite material that matches your natural teeth. Ideal for visible areas, composite fillings are durable and can last for many years. The procedure is completed in one visit: the tooth is cleaned, prepared, and filled. You may experience temporary sensitivity to hot and cold after placement, but this will subside. Maintaining good oral care will help extend the life of your composite fillings.
Dentures & Partial Dentures
Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue. There are two types: complete dentures (for all missing teeth) and partial dentures (for some missing teeth). Complete dentures can be either conventional (made after healing) or immediate (placed right after tooth removal). While durable, dentures may require adjustments over time.
The fitting process involves multiple appointments for accurate impressions and adjustments to ensure comfort and proper fit. Some soreness or difficulty chewing and speaking may occur but typically subsides. Proper care and regular dental visits can help extend the life of your dentures.
Fixed Bridges Procedures
A dental bridge is a fixed appliance used to replace missing teeth. The most common type, the traditional bridge, consists of two crowns on anchoring teeth and artificial teeth (pontics) made of porcelain fused to metal.
Bridges help maintain facial shape, prevent teeth from shifting, and restore chewing, speaking, and appearance. The process typically involves two visits: the first for preparing the anchoring teeth, taking impressions, and fitting a temporary bridge; the second for adjusting and cementing the permanent bridge.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and scheduling regular dental visits can help extend the life of your bridge.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is required when a tooth’s nerve is damaged by decay or infection. The procedure involves removing the pulp, nerves, bacteria, and decay, then filling the space with a medicated material to restore the tooth’s function. It is the preferred method for saving a tooth that might otherwise need extraction.
Signs that you may need a root canal include pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, abscesses, or swelling. The process includes numbing the tooth, cleaning out the pulp, and sealing it with a filling. Often, a crown is placed afterward to protect the tooth. Root canal treatment is highly successful, though occasional retreatment may be necessary.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and scheduling regular dental visits can help prolong the life of the treated tooth.