Composite restorations
Composite restorations are tooth-colored fillings that allow dental work to blend in with your teeth, providing a more aesthetically pleasing view. The material is bonded to your tooth and is used to repair chips or discoloration of a tooth. They are also used in place of silver-colored amalgam fillings for a more esthetic appearance. A composite restoration is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and can be completed in one visit. However, it is easier to break than other cosmetic treatments like porcelain veneers.
Crowns & Bridges
A crown, also known as a “cap”, is a cosmetic restoration that covers the entire tooth. A crown is cemented in place and is typically made of porcelain, metal or both. It is used to restore a tooth’s function or esthetics and is custom-made to fit your tooth. Crowns may be used to fix severely decayed or fractured teeth. They are often used when there is inadequate tooth structure remaining to hold a large filling, such as after a root canal treatment. They are also used for esthetic purposes when there is a discolored or stained tooth.
Bridges are dental restorations that are used to replace missing teeth, restore chewing function and/or help maintain facial structure. They are custom-made from metal or porcelain or a combination of both, and mimic the natural shape of your teeth. They are cemented into place on supporting (abutment) teeth and the artificial teeth (pontics) literally bridge the gap where the missing teeth were once located. A successful bridge requires a good foundation with respect to the abutment teeth and surrounding bone and gums.
Extractions
Sometimes a tooth cannot be saved and needs to be extracted (removed). Teeth that may need extraction include: teeth with significant decay, fractured teeth, periodontally compromised teeth and primary (baby) teeth that are mal-positioned and will not exfoliate on their own. After a tooth has been removed, it is recommended to replace the missing tooth to prevent adjacent or opposing teeth from drifting into the space and causing problems with occlusion (bite).
Root canal treatment
Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve within a tooth becomes affected by decay or trauma. The tooth may be asymptomatic or it may exhibit extreme pain to temperature or pressure. In the later stages of infection, an abscess (pimple) may appear on the gums. The purpose of the root canal treatment is to clean out the infected pulp (live tissue) from inside the tooth. After root canal treatment is completed, it is highly recommended to place a permanent restoration (usually a crown) as soon as possible, to prevent the tooth from fracturing.
Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening is used to improve the shade of teeth. We offer custom trays for at home whitening.
Implants
Implants are synthetic structures that replace one or more missing teeth. The implant body integrates into the bone and acts as the root of the tooth, thereby acting as a foundation for a crown or bridge. Implants can also be used to add extra stability to a denture.
Before development of dental implants, dentures were the only alternative to replacing a missing tooth or teeth. Implants are synthetic structures that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root. Implants are anchored to the jawbone or metal framework on the bone and act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge. In some cases, implants can be used to attach dentures. Implants are so well designed that they imitate the look and feel of natural teeth. Implants are usually made of a synthetic yet biocompatible material like metal or ceramic.
Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells made from tooth-colored materials like porcelain that are cemented to the front side of your teeth. Teeth that are stained, misshapen or crooked may be improved by a veneer placed on the surface of the affected teeth. Veneers can also be used to correct unwanted extra spacing between teeth. Porcelain veneers have a longer life expectancy and color stability than composite restorations.