Fillings
There are several types of filling materials available. Options will be discussed and recommended for each patient. The most widely used are composite (tooth colored) fillings and amalgam (silver) fillings. The composite material is usually placed on front teeth for aesthetics to match the shade of your natural tooth and the amalgam fillings are placed on back teeth where it is not very noticeable and it is stronger material that’s needed for molars. The decay or affected area of the tooth will be removed and it will be filled with a filling material. Good oral hygiene practices, regular dental visits, and good eating habits will aid in the life of your new fillings.
Crowns and Bridges
Crowns, tooth colored or gold, cover the entire tooth surface, restoring it back to its original shape and size. Most crowns are made of porcelain, gold, or a mixture of different metals with porcelain overlay. Due to heavy function and limited space, gold crowns are usually placed on second molars because they are less susceptible to breaking or chipping. Porcelain crowns (PFM-porcelain fused to metal) or all porcelain crowns are placed on front teeth and some molars. These are fabricated to match your natural teeth in shape, size, and shade.
Removable Dentures and Partials
A denture is a dental appliance that is made to replace missing teeth and to resemble your natural teeth. There are two types of dentures-complete and partial-both can be either “conventional” or “immediate”.
A complete denture is fabricated when all your teeth are missing and a partial denture is fabricated when you only have some teeth that are missing.
The conventional method requires for the patient to have their teeth removed and to heal for several weeks prior to making a denture or partial denture. The patient will go without teeth during this time. The immediate method is the most popular option. Their appliance is made prior to having their teeth removed and inserted the day of their extractions, thus preventing the patient from having to go without teeth during the healing process.
Implant Restorations
Implants are both a permanent and appealing solution. Dental implants will fit, feel, and look like a natural tooth. They are a great alternative to bridges because teeth on either side of the implant are not involved. The dental implant process takes a couple of months, allowing for the bone to integrate around the implant screw that has been placed. Once the implant has healed and is firmly in place, an abutment is placed over the top, and will serve as a base for the new tooth. The implant is placed by a specialist and can be restored by our office. The crown is made to fit precisely. This creates a natural looking tooth that blends seamlessly with your own teeth.
Extractions (Tooth Removal)
Extractions are required on teeth that are determined non-restorable or for other reasons. There are two types of extractions-simple and surgical. A simple extraction is done without any incisions or having to tie any sutures. The tooth comes out fairly easy.
A surgical extraction is more involved, usually having to move the tissue back to expose more of the tooth, the tooth may need to be sectioned to remove more easily. This usually requires sutures to close the wound. Some extractions will be referred to a specialist. These usually include the impacted wisdom teeth, the patient whose medical history is compromised, and extremely nervous patients that would prefer to be sedated (put to sleep).