In Carrollton restorative dentistry, 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 our Carrollton restorative dentistry options.
If you have a tooth or teeth that have 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, restoring teeth to normal function and preventing 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, leaving you with a smile you don’t recognize. You may even begin to lose teeth. When this happens, a dental crown or bridge is usually the solution for maintaining your smile and oral health.
If you have a missing tooth or teeth, we highly recommend replacing it with Carrollton restorative dentistry—not just because of how your smile looks but 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, making eating or speaking difficult. 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 attached to your teeth. Crowns are often placed on some of your teeth to support 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 your eating and talking 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 correctly and make any adjustments needed for your dental exams. As you age, your mouth naturally changes, so some adjustments are expected to be made to ensure the maximum level of comfort with your partial dentures.
In Carrollton restorative dentistry, dentures may be the best solution if you’re missing several of your teeth or have poor oral health and need to have several removed. Dentures are a full replacement for all of the teeth in your mouth. Before removing your teeth, we measure so that your dentures have a snug fit in your mouth. Over time, dentures may need to be adjusted as your jawbone heals from losing your real teeth. The dentures are held in place through natural suction or 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 realize “root canal.” Endodontics is specifically the part of Carrollton restorative dentistry that involves the nerves of the teeth.
What is a root canal, and why is it necessary? Teeth can become infected; when they do, it’s often in the root—or nerves—of the tooth. That’s what causes them to be so painful! The nerves must be removed to relieve you of the pain and remove the infection. 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 perform root canal treatments on the anterior and premolars. If you need a molar root canal treatment, we’ll gladly 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 that the dentist caring for you will perform your oral and maxillofacial surgery in a familiar Carrollton restorative dentistry office.
Oral surgery is often the solution for impacted 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.
