Crowns
It’s important for you to understand what’s happening in your mouth and seek proper treatment when needed.
Why would I need a crown?
- To protect a weak tooth (for instance, from decay) from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
- To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t a lot of tooth left
- To hold a dental bridge in place
- To cover misshapened or severely discolored teeth
- To cover a dental implant
- To make a cosmetic modification
**This information was provided by WebMD. View the full article and video here. **
Bridges
What is a bridge or fixed partial denture?
A bridge (also known as a fixed partial denture) is a restoration that replaces or spans the space where one or more teeth have been lost. There are two types of bridges – fixed and removable. A fixed bridge is bonded and cemented into place and only a dentist can remove it. A removable bridge (more commonly known as a removable partial denture) readily can be taken out of the mouth for cleaning. Although removable bridges generally are less expensive, fixed bridges may feel more stable and comfortable.
Why would I need a bridge?
Your appearance, dental health and the proper functioning of your mouth are all important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps maintain the natural shape of your face and may help support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.
More important, though, your dental health may suffer when teeth are not replaced. Teeth work together. When a tooth is lost, the nearby teeth may tilt toward the empty space, or the teeth in the opposite jaw may shift up or down toward the space. This can alter your bite and place unusual stress on both the teeth and tissues in your mouth.
**This information was provided by the American Dental Association (ADA) and produced with the cooperation of The American College of Prosthodontics.**
Dental Implants
Do implants hurt?
Most implant patients report minimal discomfort immediately following the procedures and are able to return to work the same or next day. Some people experience very mild discomfort after the procedure – easily managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
Why are dental implants so expensive?
Dental implants may cost more initially, but less over your lifetime. With implants, you usually have to replace your tooth only once. You may have to replace bridges, partials, and dentures several times. With implants, your teeth will look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.
Take care of your teeth and they’ll take care of you!
**This information was provided by Keystone Dental, Inc. **
Root Canals
Why might the dental pulp need removed?
If the pulp is diseased or injured and unable to repair itself, it loses it vitality. The most common causes of pulp death are a deep cavity, a crack, or traumatic injury to the tooth, all of which can allow bacteria and their products to leak into the pulp. If the injured or diseased pulp is not removed, the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth can become infected and an abscess can form, resulting in pain and swelling. Even if there is no pain, certain substances released by bacteria can damage the bone that anchors the tooth in the jaw. Without treatment, the tooth may have to be removed.
Experiencing severe tooth aches? Schedule your visit today!
Tooth Colored Restorations
With advancements in modern technology and dental materials, tooth colored restorations are becoming the new innovation. Today, more patients ask their dentists about white fillings because they want their teeth to look natural when they laugh, talk and smile. White fillings, also called composite fillings, are made from tooth-colored materials that restore the natural appearance of a decayed or previously filled tooth. Because they blend well with tooth enamel and don’t look like fillings, our team will make sure your next filling or restoration include this!
For more information, click here.
**When referring to the image above, the top portion is traditional metal filling material, whereas the bottom portion is a tooth colored restoration. Our team can make this happen for you!**
Other Restorative Services
Our knowledgable staff possess the characteristics to devise the best plan for your smile. Each patient that walks through our doors will have a specialized plan just for them. Interested in learning more?