Tooth Fillings

Why should I get a tooth filling? A tooth filling becomes necessary when tooth decay has led to the formation of a cavity, a small hole, within the tooth.

What is a tooth filling? During a filling procedure, your dentist will remove the decayed areas and replace them with a filling made of composite resin. Composite resin fillings have gained popularity due to their ability to seamlessly match the natural appearance of your teeth. For more extensive decay, porcelain inlays and onlays are viable alternatives.

Inlays & Onlays

Issue: Tooth decay, compromised tooth structure, and the need for tooth restoration and reinforcement.

What are inlays and onlays? After eliminating the decay, your dentist will take an impression of the affected area, which a dental laboratory uses to craft a restorative inlay or onlay. Typically made from porcelain or composite resin to match the natural tooth color, inlays cover one or more tooth surfaces, while onlays are used on the chewing surface. These restorations are securely cemented in place, providing an incredibly durable and stable solution. When tooth decay is in advanced stages, crowns may be the only alternative.

Dental Crowns

When should I consider getting a dental crown? Dental crowns are a suitable option if you have a chipped, cracked, severely decayed, or weakened tooth.

What are dental crowns? Dental crowns not only maintain the aesthetic appearance of your teeth but also add significant reinforcement and protection by covering the entire visible surface of the tooth. Following the removal of all decayed areas, your dentist takes an impression of the tooth in question and sends it to a dental laboratory for the creation of the crown. These crowns can be constructed from composite resin, porcelain, or gold. Composite resin and porcelain crowns offer a highly natural appearance, virtually indistinguishable from your other teeth, making them ideal for visible teeth. Gold crowns are chip-resistant and are useful for posterior teeth. In cases of severe tooth decay, extraction may be required, leaving bridges or implants as potential alternatives.

Fixed Bridges

When should I consider a fixed bridge? You should contemplate a fixed bridge if you experience difficulties in chewing and speaking, notice dental shifts, or are unhappy with a sunken facial appearance caused by a missing tooth or multiple teeth. Additionally, missing teeth can lead to costly jaw and joint issues.

What are fixed bridges? Fixed bridges can enhance both chewing function and aesthetic appearance, providing a more permanent solution than dentures. They replace missing teeth with artificial ones. Your dentist takes a mold of the gap where the tooth is missing and sends it to a laboratory to create a custom bridge. Before inserting the bridge, the surrounding teeth are prepared. The bridge is then affixed in place, and the artificial tooth securely bonds to the adjacent teeth, restoring the natural appearance and function of the missing tooth. If you opt for a resin-bonded bridge, the artificial tooth is secured using a metal appliance attached to the backs of adjacent teeth. For an alternative to fixed bridges, dental implants offer a permanent, stable solution that doesn’t rely on neighboring teeth for support.

Root Canal Therapy

When is root canal therapy necessary? A root canal is recommended when the inner part of a tooth, known as the “pulp,” becomes infected due to bacteria gaining access through a fracture or deep cavity. This infection can lead to pain and an increased risk of tooth loss.

What is a root canal? During a root canal procedure, your dentist removes the infected pulp and replaces it with a rubber sealant. The tooth is then protected with a crown, reinforcing it against future fractures and enhancing its appearance. Root canals have an exceptionally high success rate in saving teeth that would otherwise be lost to infection. When a root canal is not an option, tooth extraction remains the sole alternative.