Restorative Dentistry

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 A cavity is a decayed or diseased area of your tooth. A common sign a cavity is present is if there is sensitivity or sharp pain when pressure is applied in the affected area.  It looks like a small hole or opening that has formed on your tooth. Sometimes bad breath or visible teeth stains can be signs of a cavity as well.  We can repair it for you by first removing the decayed part of your tooth with special instruments. The dentist then fills the hole in your tooth with composite resin.  The resin is tooth colored and is chosen to match your teeth and offers an aesthetically pleasing solution for a decayed tooth. This protects the tooth from infection and further decay.   

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap". Dentists use crowns to restore weak, broken or decayed teeth.  To prepare your tooth for a crown, the dentist will need to remove some of your natural enamel. This makes space for your new crown and ensures that it will stay in place once bonded. The dentist may also use a filling material to build up certain parts of your tooth. During this step, the main goal is to create a strong foundation for your new crown. We will scan your mouth with our iTero scanner and send to the lab to make your crown. While you wait on the final crown (about three weeks), we will place a temporary one. Temporary crowns are usually made of resin or acrylic.  Most people can resume work, school and other routine activities immediately following crown placement. 

 When a tooth is missing, the two adjacent teeth on either side are used to create a bridge.  If a single tooth is missing, crowns will be created and fused together to create a 3-unit bridge, just as two teeth missing side by side are fused with the adjacent teeth create a 4-unit bridge. It is important to replace missing teeth to avoid shifting of surrounding teeth, which may lead to misaligned bite, TMJ and other problems. 

Crowns and bridges are custom-made to match your natural teeth in color and overall appearance.  With appropriate at home and professional care, your dental crown or bridge may last for years. 

 Whilst most people would rather keep their natural teeth, a dental extraction may be recommended when a tooth is deeply decayed and restoration of the root and or crown is not possible.  Thanks to advancement in dentistry, we have refined the procedure and now tooth removal is much quicker and more comfortable than it was in the past.  After this procedure, be sure to rest and follow the dentists orders.

• Eat soft foods: Consume soft foods at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Think scrambled eggs, applesauce, and smoothies. (with a spoon!)
• Don't smoke cigarettes: Avoid all straws and smoking cigarettes for at least 72 hours after surgery. This will keep the blood clot in place and help prevent dry socket.
• Manage pain: Manage your pain appropriately with prescription or over-the-counter medication.
• Brush gently: Continue your home care routine, being careful not to irritate your extraction site. 
• Don't exercise: Avoid exercise and vigorous activity for the first few days after surgery. 

Artificial teeth called dentures are replacements for natural teeth missing from your mouth. Some versions replace a few missing teeth, while others replace your entire dentition, including your gums and surrounding tissues. 

Some popular types of dentures include:

• Full Dentures: If all your natural teeth are missing.
• Partial Dentures: These removable appliances are helpful if you have lost some teeth or prefer a removable option.
• Denture Implants: Denture implants are beneficial if you need the added retention because of bone loss. Denture implants anchor the teeth when they are in the mouth but are removable for cleaning.
• Immediate Dentures: If you want all your teeth extracted and replaced the same day can have immediate dentures.

 It is important to discuss all aspects of your new denture with your dentist to ensure you choose the optimal restoration for you.