Advanced Services We Provide
Bridges
This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. It is formed to look like the missing tooth. The sides of a bridge use the two surrounding teeth for support, hence the name. A bridge replaces the missing tooth, both functionally and cosmetically. The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic material. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics.
It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons. If not treated the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward. Teeth use their neighbors for support, and, with one missing, they start to “fall.” As this worsens the bite changes in response to the pressure. This can eventually result in problems with the entire jaw, and gum disease.
Crowns
Crowns are full coverage restorations. They are most commonly done after root canal treatment, or when a large filling wears out. Even after a filling replaces a large cavity, a tooth is more likely to break. Crowns provide strength and protect the tooth against breakage.
It takes two appointments to restore a tooth with a crown. In the first apppointment any decay is removed from the tooth and it is shaped to accept the crown. An impression is taken of the tooth for use in fabricating a crown. Between the two visits the crown is made, usually of high-strength porcelain over gold alloy, all ceramic material, or gold. During this time a temporary crown is worn. In the second visit this temporary is removed then the permanent crown is adjusted as needed and cemented in place.
Dentures
Dentures are fitted to go over or around whatever teeth remain in the mouth, depending on the type. There is an adjustment period after dentures are placed in the mouth. But once accustomed to the dentures, most normal functionality and appearance return.
Implants
A dental implant is an option to replace a missing tooth. In this procedure, a small titanium shaft is surgically implanted into the bone and allowed to set. The bone grows around it forming a tight connection, which additionally slows or stops the bone loss that occurs when the root of a natural tooth is missing. Once the implant is firmly set in the mouth, the dentist then works to attach the replacement tooth onto the top of the shaft. This permanent solution has the advantages over bridge work that it does not stress the surrounding teeth for support, and, should the tooth wear out, another can simply be replaced on the shaft.
Implants can also be used as support as part of an implant bridge. This is an alternative to partial dentures, and has several advantages. First, there is very little adjustment period for the patient who, once the work is done, only feels teeth, not metal supports intruding into the mouth. Second, this slows the bone loss that can occur by missing teeth. Third, there is no discomfort or difficulty in eating. And, best of all, of course, they don’t have to be taken out all the time.
Please call or contact us for details on implants.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment (endodontic therapy) is made necessary when a cavity is reaches all the way to this pulp (nerve) of the tooth. (Regular cleanings and checkups prevent and detect problems early) Sometimes deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged to the point it needs root canal therapy, also. Once this occurs the nerve can become infected, and can even extend through the root tip and begin to deteriorate the surrounding bone (this is an abscess). By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. It can even weaken the entire immune system. This is dangerous, not to mention very painful. Symptoms that the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. Sometimes, however, no symptoms are apparent and the person is unaware of any problem until a checkup.
Periodontal Disease
Keeping Periodontal Disease under control is like being a type one diabetic. Once you have it you will always have the disease.
We need to maintain the disease so we don’t develop an active infection in the gum tissue again. When we have active infection, that is when we lose bone around our teeth.
By seeing you every three months we can maintain the health of the gum tissue. The three month cleaning is comparable to a diabetic that takes medications. If a diabetic stops taking their medication then problems can arise in their health. We want to maintain the bone in your mouth as long as we can.