Restorative

It is great news that the incidence of tooth decay has significantly diminished over the years due to the use of fluorides, sealants, and increased patient awareness. However, teeth are still susceptible to decay, infection, and breakage and sometimes need to be restored back to health.

It is great news that the incidence of tooth decay has significantly diminished over the years due to the use of fluorides, sealants, and increased patient awareness. However, teeth are still susceptible to decay, infection, and breakage and sometimes need to be restored back to health.

Fillings are done to remove decay, and replace the affected tooth structure. We call these fillings because we are filling the space left after the decay is removed from your affected tooth. Most often, these treatments include bonded, tooth colored composite resin fillings or silver amalgam fillings. Both filling materials have advantages depending on the situation, and that is something we will discuss and decide with you. If caught early enough, cavities can be treated easily with minimal discomfort. If not treated, decay can lead to pain and/or infection which could then require a root canal treatment or possibly even extraction. It is normal to experience hot and cold sensitivity when fillings are first placed, but this should subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling.

Silver fillings are usually the best option if you are dealing with a back tooth or an area where esthetics are not a concern but functionality is. Silver fillings are great when large fillings are needed, and in areas where more strength is necessary (replacing a large chewing surface for example). These types of fillings are very durable and will last many years when properly taken care of.

Composite is a tooth colored resin filling material. We shade match this material specifically to your tooth color. White fillings are great for small fillings, fillings in areas where esthetics are important, great to restore chipped or worn teeth, for diastema closures (filling ‘gaps’ between teeth), and for creating composite veneers (thin layer that goes on the front of your tooth for esthetic purposes).

Also referred to as a “cap”, a crown is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface, restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown is most commonly used to protect and strengthen a tooth that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. A crown can be made of tooth colored material (ceramic or porcelain), metal, or a combination of materials. Each material has its own advantages which we can discuss with you based on your individual wants and needs. Typically white crowns are used on front teeth, where appearance is most important, and metal crowns are used on back teeth where strength is more important. Common uses for crowns include fixing chipped teeth, broken teeth, or to close gaps between teeth for esthetic reasons.
It’s important to know that sometimes when a tooth is broken down and missing a lot of tooth structure, it may require a new foundation (large filling) to help retain and support the crown.

Root canal therapy is typically needed when the soft tissue inside the tooth becomes inflamed or infected. The soft tissue, known al the pulp, contains the blood vessels and nerves of the tooth. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected it can result in tooth pain. Root canal therapy relieves the tooth pain by taking out the inflamed or infected tissue. Root canal therapy is a great way to extend the life of a tooth, and is typically needed when decay extends to the pulp, or when the pulp is injured due to trauma.

  • Extracting or “pulling” a tooth, involves removing a tooth from the mouth. Tooth extractions can be performed for many reasons, some of which are listed below.
  • Reasons for tooth extractions:
    • Extensive tooth decay or damage
    • Infection/severe pain
    • A tooth preventing another tooth from coming into the mouth
      • Example: Baby teeth can block the eruption of permanent teeth
    • Baby teeth that do not fall out on their own
    • Preparation for orthodontic treatment (braces)
    • A tooth that is damaging other teeth
      • Example: 3rd molars (wisdom teeth) that are erupting into 2nd molars, causing damage, pain, and sometimes infection
    • Non-functional teeth
      • Example: a tooth that doesn’t have another tooth to bite against
    • Severely periodontal involved or mobile teeth
      • Example: advanced bone loss causing teeth to be loose and increasing risk of infection (periodontal abscess)

We are happy to be able to offer different options for restoring a tooth back to its normal shape, appearance, and function, and we will work specifically with you to provide the best care possible. We create personalized treatment plans and thoroughly discuss the available options with you and recommend what we believe to be the most comfortable and least invasive treatment. Often the simplest solution is the best solution.

BeforeAfter
BeforeAfter

We are happy to be able to offer different options for restoring a tooth back to its normal shape, appearance, and function, and we will work specifically with you to provide the best care possible. We create personalized treatment plans and thoroughly discuss the available options with you and recommend what we believe to be the most comfortable and least invasive treatment. Often the simplest solution is the best solution.

In need of a restorative service?
Schedule your appointment today!

Charles City
New Hampton

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