Dental implants are sometimes used to replace a missing tooth, or a few teeth. It’s different from our dental restoration procedures because it acts as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth.
Our dentists meet with patients interested in dental implants, and, if they are a candidate for dental implants, we refer them to a specialist to surgically insert the metal post, or base of the implant into the jaw bone. Once the metal post has fused with the jaw bone, you will come back to our office for the placement of the tooth replacement and any follow up dental care that is needed. Because dental implants are integrated directly into the bone structure, they have a greater stability and are often the closest thing you can have when it comes to the look and feel of your teeth.
If you’re missing a tooth, or a few teeth, and are interested in dental implants, one of our dentists will be happy to explain your options to you.
If you have a tooth, or teeth, that has been damaged by decay – perhaps in the form of a cavity – the solution depends on the severity of the damage. The first step is often a filling, which can restore teeth to their normal function and prevent further decay.
The material we use for your filling depends on the location of the tooth we’re treating and the extent of the repair. Often we choose a composite filling, which is a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture, but there are other options. Porcelain is another metal-free option for fillings, and we also offer traditional gold fillings. Amalgam fillings are also available upon request.
As you age, your teeth can weaken, and the normal wear and tear on your teeth can cause damage. Cracks, stains and decay can become more of a problem, and it can leave you with a smile you don’t recognize. You may even begin to lose teeth. When this happens, a dental crown or dental bridge is usually the solution for maintaining your smile and oral health.
If you have a missing tooth, or teeth, we highly recommend you have it replaced – not just because of the way your smile looks, but also because it could cause structural damage to your mouth. Your mouth relies on your teeth, and if one or a few are missing, the mouth and jaw can suffer, and it can become difficult to eat or speak properly. A dental bridge can help. A dental bridge is exactly what it sounds like – a tooth bridge that spans the area where your tooth is missing. Dental bridges are strong and durable. They’re often made from Zirconia, porcelain (metal free), alloys, metals or gold.
If you’re missing some of your teeth, but don’t need full dentures, partial dentures can provide a solution. These false teeth are just like full dentures, but created for only a section of your mouth. The partial denture sits on a metal frame that is attached to your teeth. Crowns are often placed on some of your teeth to provide support for the false teeth. Think of partial dentures as a removable substitute for a dental bridge.
Even partial dentures take some time to get used to. They can feel bulky and may affect the way you eat and talk until you get used to them. Over time, your mouth gets used to dentures, and they will begin to feel more and more like they are a part of your natural teeth. If you get partial dentures, we will ensure they fit properly and make any adjustments that may be needed at your dental exams. As you age, your mouth naturally changes, so it’s normal to make some adjustments to ensure the maximum level of comfort with your partial dentures.
If you’re missing several of your teeth, or have poor oral health and need to have several removed, dentures may be the best solution. Dentures are a full replacement for all of the teeth in your mouth. Prior to having your teeth removed, we take a measurement so that your dentures will have a snug fit in your mouth. Over time, dentures may need to be adjusted as your jaw bone heals from the loss of your real teeth. The dentures are held in place through either natural suction or through an added adhesive.
It takes time to get used to dentures. At first, many patients say dentures feel bulky and it can be a challenge to eat and speak, but over time, your mouth learns to adjust and they feel more and more like your natural teeth.
You may not recognize the term “endodontics,” but we’re sure you’ll recognize “root canal”. Endodontics is specifically the part of dentistry that involves the nerves of the teeth.
What is a root canal and why it is necessary? Teeth can become infected and when they do, it’s often in the root – or nerves – of the tooth. That’s what cause them to be so painful! To relieve you of the pain and remove the infection, the nerves have to be removed. The process of removing the infection is a root canal. Root canals are essential for two reasons – first, to relieve you of pain and second because if the infection isn’t removed it can become an abscess – a much more serious issue.
We know nobody likes to hear that they need a root canal, but technology has come a long way and between local anesthetics and pain medication you can have a root canal with little to no pain. We perform root canal treatments on anterior and premolars. If you need a molar root canal treatment, we’ll be happy to refer you to a specialist who can help.
We do all of our oral surgery in house, so you can have the comfort and confidence in knowing the dentist who has been caring for you will be performing your oral and maxillofacial surgery in a familiar office.
Oral surgery is often the solution for impacted teeth and wisdom teeth that could cause problems, like infections. They are removed to avoid further oral health problems. Extractions can range from a single tooth, to removing all four wisdom teeth at once.
