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Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry

Restorative Dentistry is the study, diagnosis and management of diseases of the teeth & tooth structure and the process of rehabilitating the dentition to its functional and esthetic position. Cosmetic dentistry focuses more on the esthetics and includes treatments that can change the size, shape or alignment of a tooth, fill gaps in between teeth, whiten or brighten color of the teeth, repair broken, cracked or chipped teeth as well as replacing old metal restorations. No matter the type of restoration used, it is important to remember that they are not permanent and may need to be replaced. Proper oral hygiene practices will aid in the longevity of every restoration. The doctor will discuss in more detail the available options during your appointment. The following are just some of the restorations we offer:

Composite Fillings

 

What are Composite fillings?

A composite filling is a tooth colored that is used to repair a decayed, cracked, or fractured tooth. Composite fillings are more popular today because they are natural tooth colored and more esthetically pleasing to the patient.

 

How are they placed?

The dentist would typically apply local anesthetic to numb the affected tooth, and then remove the decayed area as needed and prep the tooth to maximize the retention of the composite resin. The area would be thoroughly cleaned, isolated and kept dry. If the area of decay was large and in close proximity to the nerve, the dentist may opt to place a special medicine to give the pulp an additional layer of protection. Finally the dentist would place the composite and cure it with a special light. Once the composite has set it would be adjusted to its proper shape and then be polished. All of this can usually be done in a single appointment. Your tooth may be temporarly sensitive shortly after filling placement, but this should go away as your tooth adjusts to its new filling.

Bonding

 

What is bonding?

Bonding is a procedure which uses natural tooth colored composite resin to restore or improve someone's smile.  It is a less expensive way to enhance a smile versus Veneers or Crowns and can generally be done in a single appointment. Bonding is not as strong or stain-resistant, however, as the other options.

 

Reasons for Bonding:

  • Improve appearance of discolored teeth

  • Repair chipped or cracked teeth

  • Close gaps between teeth

  • Lengthen teeth

  • Enhance or correct the shape of teeth

 

Veneers

 

What are Veneers?

Veneers are very thin pieces of tooth shaped porcelain that are custom made and bonded onto the front of teeth to create a beautiful and attractive smile.

 

Reasons for porcelain veneers:

  • Reshape small, large or crooked teeth

  • Misshapen teeth

  • Replace surface of discolored or stained teeth

  • Close unwanted or uneven gaps

  • Renew appearance of worn or chipped teeth

  • Create a uniform, white, beautiful smile

Crowns

 

What is a crown?

A crown (formerly known as a cap) is a covering that encompasses the entire tooth surface and is processed in a lab to replicate the original tooth's shape and size. A crown is recommended when the remaining tooth structure and filling are no longer strong enough to bear the forces of chewing. There are a few different types of crowns, although most patients prefer an all porcelain crown because it resembles the look of the natural tooth.

 

Reasons for crowns:

  • Large area of decay

  • Large fillings that suffer from decay or a fracture

  • Broken or fractured teeth

  • Teeth that have been root canal treated

  • Cosmetic enhancement

 

How are they Placed?

The whole process of getting a crown usually involves two separate appointments. During the first appointment an initial impression is taken to record the shape and size of the original tooth. The dentist would then numb the tooth and prep it to its proper size and shape while removing any active decay. After the prep, a temporary cap is fabricated and placed to protect the tooth until the crown is delivered. During the second appointment the temporary cap would be removed and the tooth cleaned. The new crown would be placed and the dentist would ensure it has a proper fit and occlusion. Finally the crown would be polished and the patient will be able to enjoy their beautiful new smile.

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