BRIDGES

A bridge is a custom appliance anchored to adjacent teeth that replaces one or more missing teeth. The teeth next to the missing tooth will be prepared to support the missing tooth. Crowns and bridges are often made from materials such as semiprecious or precious metals, porcelain, or a fused combination of the two.

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.

Crowns can be made out of gold, porcelain, ceramic or a combination of these materials. Crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color of your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile. They are highly durable, although some crowns will have to be replaced like most dental restorations.

Reasons for Crowns:

• Broken or Fractured Teeth
• Cosmetic Enhancement
• Decayed Teeth
• Fractured Fillings
• Large Fillings
• Teeth That Have had a Root Canal

FILLINGS

Dental fillings are placed in teeth where a dentist has removed tooth structure due to decay or fracture. In recent years filling materials have been substantially improved by technological advancements. Although silver amalgam was the dominant choice in the past, today we have several other options for tooth restoration including tooth-colored composite filling materials and porcelains.

INLAYS & ONLAYS

Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. These pieces are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a filling, is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth. Dental inlays and onlays are some of the strongest and long lasting dental restorations available.

PERIODONTICS

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, which gradually destroys the support of your natural teeth. Dental plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria, is the primary cause of gum disease. Plaque that is not removed daily by brushing and flossing will irritate gum tissue and separate the teeth and gums forming spaces called pockets. The bacteria will move into those pockets and continue to cause irritation. Over time, if left untreated, this could cause swollen gums, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss.

ROOT CANAL THERAPY

Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay, repeated dental procedures, or a cracked or chipped tooth. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay present inside the tooth are removed and the space that is left is filled, which restores the tooth to its full function.

Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise has to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution. However, extracting (pulling) a tooth could ultimately be more costly and cause problems for adjacent teeth.

Signs and Symptoms for possible root canal therapy:

• An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
• Sensitivity to hot and cold.
• Severe toothache pain.
• Swelling and/or tenderness.
• Injury or trauma to the tooth.
• Sometimes no symptoms are present.

Approximately two weeks after root canal therapy is completed, the tooth should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.

TEETH WHITENING

Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.

Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth. A one-hour appointment in our office will quickly and beautifully whiten your teeth. Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, is important to consider any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any old fillings or crowns will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.

Tooth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up maybe needed every few years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.

VENEERS

Dental Veneers are custom-designed restorations that are placed over the front part of your teeth. When applied over the surface of a tooth; veneers can cover worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment and chops or cracks.

WISDOM TEETH

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last of your teeth to erupt, usually in you late teens to early twenties. Wisdom teeth can cause gum disease, crowding, or decay due to the inability to clean properly, and bone destroying cysts. Pain and swelling are the most common symptoms of problems with wisdom teeth, but whether or not you show signs or symptoms, it's important to get a proper diagnosis before problems arise with wisdom teeth. Removal is often the wisest choice for your health and well-being.

 

Call 702-967-1700