Restorative Dentistry

DENTAL FILLINGS

Dental fillings are the best way to restore minor to moderate instances of tooth decay. Most fillings these days consist of a material known as composite resin. Composite resin is an aesthetically-pleasing material that we color-match to the existing shade of your enamel. For this reason, a composite filling is virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your tooth.

DENTAL CROWNS

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that improves the structure and cosmetics of a damaged or decayed tooth. During the procedure, your tooth must be completely reshaped to accommodate the shape of the crown. Once the tooth is reshaped, we will permanently bond the crown to the enamel using a special adhesive. Many crowns are fabricated these days with porcelain, due to its unmatched aesthetics.

DENTAL BRIDGES

A dental bridge is a tooth replacement that typically consists of two dental crowns linked together by a pontic, or false tooth. A traditional bridge is supported by the two surrounding teeth, known as abutment teeth, that we reshape to receive the crowns. A bridge can also be supported by a series of dental implants if multiple adjacent teeth are missing. If you are missing a tooth, a bridge will prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of their proper position.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

A dental implant is a small titanium post that we surgically embed into the jawbone. The implant serves as the root component of a prosthetic tooth. Once the implant is in place, it will fuse to the bone during the process of osseointegration. Osseointegration allows the implant to support a restoration against the strongest forces of your bite. For this reason, dental implants are widely considered to be the next best thing to your natural teeth.

DENTURES: COMPLETE, PARTIAL & CUSTOM

A denture is a removable appliance that is usually used to replace one or more missing teeth. A partial denture usually attaches to the surrounding teeth with metal clasps. A complete denture consists of a flesh-colored acrylic base that supports a complete arch of prosthetic teeth. We offer custom-fit dentures as a more comfortable, functional, and durable solution.

INLAYS & ONLAYS

Inlays and onlays are ideal for areas of decay too large for a filling, but not large enough to require the placement of a dental crown. The restoration is considered an inlay if it is placed within the occlusal (bite) surface of a tooth. The restoration is considered an onlay if it extends beyond one or more of the occlusal cusps.

ROOT CANAL THERAPY

A root canal is a last-ditch effort to save a tooth from extraction. We may recommend a root canal if an infection has spread to the “pulpy” center of the tooth that contains nerve endings and other connective tissues. Once the infection has been removed, we fill the canals with a rubber-like material known as gutta-percha. A tooth that has received root canal treatment typically needs to be capped with a crown.

TOOTH EXTRACTION

There are two types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical. We perform a simple extraction on a tooth that has already erupted above the gumline. We perform a surgical extraction on a tooth that has become impacted, or has yet to erupt, such as wisdom teeth. Extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection and other complications.

HOW RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY CAN HELP YOU

Depending on how long it has been since your last dental visit determines how much work will need to be done. The focus of restorative dentistry is to ensure your mouth is fully functional and healthy. First, our priority is getting you in for an appointment. Once we have given you a thorough examination, which may include x-rays for a closer look, we will clean your teeth. This , scraping off the plaque that builds up as a result of excess bacteria.

Although brushing and flossing after every meal are considered excellent hygiene for your mouth, sometimes there may be places that you cannot reach as well which could be neglected for some time. The sooner we see you in our office, the better attention we can give to hard-to-reach spots. After your teeth are clean, we can then determine what sort of treatment may be required for your mouth. For some, it may be as easy as a tiny ceramic filling that matches your tooth to prevent further deterioration. For others, it may require something more extensive.

WAYS YOUR TEETH CAN BE RESTORED

Even if you have almost no teeth left and your mouth is an uncomfortable mess, there are ways to give you back a strong, confident smile that for many can be nearly indistinguishable from the original. Because of modern technology and the introduction of digital x-rays, we can now take a 3D image of your mouth and custom-design a functional replacement whether you need a single tooth or a full plate of dentures.

With dental implants, we can mimic bone through tiny titanium screws the size of your root. When into your empty socket, through a process called osseointegration, the metal and bone can fuse together and may become permanent. Add to that a porcelain crown that is sculpted to look like your tooth. Because of its durability, when used in your mouth, it can be as effective as your natural root and can also help prevent the jawbone degeneration that comes from missing teeth.

Even with bone loss, which can occur after prolonged denture use, it is still possible to apply dental implants to the mouth. With some implant procedures, we can even upgrade your original dentures with implants so they should remain firmly in your mouth. Alternatively, with implants, we can also create a brand-new set with much less material so those who have a sensitive gag reflex may also be able to wear dentures if they could not before.

Feeling good about your smile is important to us, but we also know how essential it is for it to be functional as well. If you would like to know more about restorative dentistry, please stop by our office here at Geelan Dental Care, or just give us a call at (503) 223-1322 where one of our knowledgeable staff will be happy to answer your questions.