Restorative dentistry helps to improve teeth in both health an appearance after tooth damage or loss. In order to prevent further tooth damage and to relieve potential difficulties with speaking or eating, we offer a variety of restorative options.
Also known as white fillings, composite fillings are composed of a quartz or glass filler in resin that produces a, you guessed it, white, tooth-colored filling. They are durable and fracture-resistant, and the shade of the filling resembles that of a patient’s tooth, resulting in well-disguised and hard-to-detect dental work.
A root canal treats issues with the dental pulp of the tooth, which is soft tissue located inside the tooth. It extends to the top to the bottom end of the root, containing nerves, connective tissue and blood vessels that help provide the tooth with nutrients during its growth.
If damaged dental pulp is left untreated, it will compromise the health of the tooth through gradual decay. The most common form of damage to pulp comes from an untreated cavity, which can allow bacteria to enter the pulp after eating through the enamel. Aside from cavities, trauma can also cut off the blood supply to the tooth, resulting in the pulp tissue’s death. Infection can lead to pain and bone damage.The procedure, also known as a pulpotomy/pulpectomy, is still necessary on baby teeth, even though they are not typically permanent. Aside from avoiding pain and infection issues, a baby root canal is important, as those teeth help shape the face while retaining space for permanent teeth and allowing for proper chewing and speaking.
White crowns are made of resin and are used for front teeth, as they cosmetically appear similar to natural teeth. These crowns are not as durable as their stainless steel counterparts, and sometimes need to be replaced.
Also known a cap, a dental crown covers or caps a broken tooth, which restores it to its natural shape and size. When a filling would not be effective, crowns restore the tooth while strengthening and protecting it from further damage. Stainless steel crowns are able to preserve the structure of a tooth more than other crown types, but have the drawback of a metallic color. Ideally, they are used for rear teeth, but in certain cases they can be crafted to have white facings for teeth that are visible.
An extraction, often referred to as getting a tooth pulled, is a common and safe, though last resort procedure. Before the tooth is pulled, a comprehensive exam determines whether or not there are any other options to save the tooth. Extractions typically remove broken teeth, wisdom teeth or teeth with considerable decay. Local anesthesia is used during the extraction to ease discomfort. The tooth is rocked back and forth, resulting in a simple removal after it becomes loosened from its socket.
In order to relieve the pain that can come after the extraction, patients can take antibiotics or pain killers, apply ice to the location or rinse the mouth with water. Certain foods should be avoided for a few days after a tooth is pulled. Typical healing time for an extraction is one to two weeks.
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