Tooth Colored Fillings
Advances in dental materials now allow us to routinely use tooth colored (composite) fillings that restore strength and beauty to teeth. Most previously placed silver fillings are now treated with composite resins. These fillings can also be used to restore chipped, cracked and worn teeth. Using modern bonding techniques, we can close spaces and esthetically enhance your smile.
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Crowns and Bridges
CROWNS: When a tooth is fractured, has an older large filling, has had a root canal, or is severely damaged by decay, we may recommend the placement of a crown. Crowns (what some people call caps) strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and can improve the appearance of your smile.
Types of crowns provided by our office include all porcelain crowns, porcelain fused to gold crowns and full gold crowns. The benefits of each are determined based upon the individuals needs.
Completion of a crown usually requires two visits. Initially, we prepare the tooth by removing decay and old restorations. We then shape it and rebuild it internally as needed. An impression of the tooth is taken and you leave with a temporary crown cemented over the tooth. At a subsequent visit, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is adjusted for fit and appearance. Finally, the crown is cemented into place with a stronger cement.
BRIDGES: Few incidents have greater impact on dental health and personal appearance than tooth loss.
When one or more teeth are missing, the remaining teeth can drift out of position, which can lead to a change in the bite, the loss of additional teeth,
decay and gum disease. When tooth loss occurs, we may recommend the placement of a bridge.
A bridge is one or more replacement teeth anchored by one or more crowns on each side.
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Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is needed when a tooth becomes painful or has an infected nerve. The pulp tissue deep inside the tooth contains a nerve and a blood vessel. Often due to a deep cavity, trauma, or cracks, a tooth will become infected. Root canal therapy (RCT) removes the pulp tissue and replaces it with a filling material that seals the pulp canals. Often after RCT the tooth will require a crown for strength.
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Dental Implants
Implants are one of the most significant advancements in modern dentistry. Surgically placed below the gums, implants integrate or fuse to the jawbone
and create a base for one of several restorations. Fixed crowns and bridges can be secured to implants. Full and
Partial dentures can be dramatically stabilized by attaching them to implants. Most of our patients comment on a significantly increased confidence level with their restorations over implants.
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Dentures
Over time, people's teeth tend to naturally deteriorate. When a tooth has deteriorated substantially, it often needs to be extracted;
and when multiple teeth are extracted, dentures may be the most appropriate solution. Dentures can create a natural and healthy
looking set of teeth. In addition, a properly fitting set of dentures can greatly enhance your smile and sense of self-esteem.
Complete and Partial Dentures
Complete dentures are used when few original teeth remain. The dentist begins by removing any remaining teeth so the dentures can be
fitted. He or she then makes a mold of the gums and sends it to a dental lab where customized dentures are constructed. Partial
dentures are prepared in much the same way as a complete set and are utilized when only a few teeth are missing.
Immediate Dentures
These Dentures allows patients to have their Dentures on the same day their teeth are removed. This prevents the embarrassment of
being without teeth. As the extraction sites heal & the bone remodels, the denture will require adjustments & relining to make it fit better. At the end of a year when the healing is complete your dentist may advise you to get a new denture.
Over Dentures
If the roots of a patient's remaining teeth are strong, the dentist may suggest over-dentures. Over- dentures fit on top of the remaining natural teeth in the mouth. With over-dentures, the remaining teeth are re-sculpted and covered with metal caps to stop future decay. The advantage of over-dentures is that they do not have to be relined as frequently as a complete set of dentures because they cause less recession of the jawbone and gums. In addition, over- dentures create less occlusion (bite) problems than complete dentures.
Once Your Dentures Have Been Placed
At first, your dentures will feel uncomfortable because the gums and tissue are not accustomed to being in contact with man-made relining material. Once placed, dentures should be worn continually for the first few days to reduce the amount of swelling that may occur in the mouth. This swelling typically subsides in two to three days. Until patients adjust to their new set of teeth, the dentures may feel loose and awkward while chewing food. Eating soft food may be necessary for the first few days. Reading aloud helps to overcome any speech impediments that may occur from the new dentures. Typically, lower dentures take longer to get used to than upper dentures. The underlying jawbone may take several months to completely heal and become accustomed to the dentures. Once this occurs, the dentist removes the dentures and creates a permanent lining for your teeth (a denture lining is the soft material that cushions the contact between the denture and the gum tissues).
The Life of your Dentures
Although dentures typically last about five years, they can last longer with proper care and cleaning. Dentures should be cleaned daily with a normal or specially-made denture toothpaste. Once the swelling has reduced, it is advisable to leave one or both dentures out at night to allow the gum tissues to breathe. In order to prevent dentures from warping, they should be left in water overnight. Over time, the lining of the dentures may change, owing to the wear and tear of daily use. In the case of tissue/bone shrinkage, worn down teeth, or breakage, dentures may come loose and need to be remade.
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