If you have minor tooth decay or dental damage, we will likely recommend a dental filling. Traditionally, a metal amalgam was used to repair minor dental damage for those in need of restorative dentistry in Bonita Springs, FL. We prefer to use tooth-colored fillings for a variety of reasons. The most obvious is that they look like natural tooth structure. However, they are also a more conservative solution because there is no need to remove healthy dental structure in order to provide support for the filling.
How Are Tooth-Colored Fillings Placed?
The process for restoring a decayed tooth is straightforward. The tooth is anesthetized so that there is no discomfort. The decay is removed, and the area is cleaned. The composite is then placed into the new space and cured. The result is a strong and healthy restoration that is indistinguishable from the natural healthy enamel!
Direct Bonding
Direct bonding is a cosmetic treatment that utilizes the same natural-looking composite resin as tooth-colored fillings to restore the appearance of a tooth. Instead of using it to fill a cavity, the material is used to correct minor chips, cracks, gaps, stains, and other small imperfections. Direct bonding is a quick and cost-effective alternative to other cosmetic services such as teeth whitening and veneers. If you are interested in direct bonding, give us a call to schedule a cosmetic consultation.
A dental crown is one of the most effective, reliable forms of dental restoration available, and our skilled team regularly uses custom crafted dental crowns made from a variety of materials to repair dental damage or decay that is too advanced to be corrected with more conservative restorations like dental fillings. Crowns can be made of metal, ceramic, zirconia, or a combination of these materials, and they provide excellent coverage for a damaged tooth that can last decades.
When Is a Dental Crown Needed?
Teeth that are excessively decayed, misshapen, discolored, fractured, or have received a root canal are candidates for crown treatment. The process is as follows; the tooth that needs the crown is reduced in size to facilitate the space for the restoration. If too much tooth structure has been lost, a buildup will be placed on the tooth to ensure there is enough tooth structure to hold the crown in place. The dentist then makes an impression of the prepared tooth and sends the information to the lab.
During the time that the crown is being fabricated in the lab, the tooth will have a temporary crown placed on it so that normal function and esthetics are maintained. Once the crown is completed at the lab, the dentist will cement or bond the permanent crown to the tooth. The result will be indistinguishable from adjacent natural healthy teeth!
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Dental crowns can also be used to support replacement teeth that are known as pontics. This tooth replacement prosthetic is known as a fixed bridge, and it is a natural looking and feeling way to replace one to three consecutive teeth. This solution utilizes healthy teeth next to areas that teeth have been lost to essentially form a "bridge" to fill the gap.
What Is the Process for Getting a Dental Bridge?
If we determine a dental bridge is necessary to repair your damaged smile, the process is simple. You’ll need to visit our dental office for two appointments. During the initial visit, we’ll prepare the teeth, take bite impressions that will be used by our lab to craft your restoration, and place a temporary one to protect your tooth. When we receive the final restoration from our dental lab, you’ll return to exchange your temporary for a permanent custom bridge.
Root Canal Treatment
Normally, the interior of a tooth is well protected from oral bacteria by the surrounding layers of enamel and dentin. However, an untreated cavity or other type of tooth damage can lead to bacterial infection in the pulp chamber and root canals of a tooth. In this case, root canal therapy removes the infection, disinfects the chamber and canals, and preserves the tooth with a biocompatible substance to fill the space. As a final step, the tooth is protected with a dental crown.
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Tooth Extractions
It’s always our goal to preserve natural dental structure, but there are cases where removing teeth is the best way to maintain optimal oral health. The most commonly extracted teeth are the third molars, often called wisdom teeth that are the last to erupt. Most people don’t have adequate space within the jaw line to accommodate these late erupting teeth, which can lead to dental shifting and impaction. If we need to extract a tooth, one of our skilled dentists will do so comfortably and work with you to replace teeth when necessary.
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Dentures & Partial Dentures
If you experience more advanced tooth loss, we’ll likely recommend a partial or full denture. Dentures are tooth replacement prosthetics that are crafted using a gum-colored base to support the replacement teeth. A partial replaces any number of consecutive or nonconsecutive teeth along the arch by shaping the base to fit snugly between teeth. A partial denture is held in place using metal clasps connected to remaining teeth. The base of a full denture is crafted to fit snugly against the gums creating natural suction that holds the prosthetic in position.
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Dental Implants
Traditional tooth replacement options only replace the crowns of missing teeth. Thankfully, there’s a better way to get a complete smile nowadays with dental implants! This state-of-the-art treatment replaces every part of a missing tooth, making it virtually indistinguishable from home-grown pearly whites. If you’re interested in dental implants, we’ll meet with you for a consultation to see if they’re a good choice for you. Even if you’re not a good candidate right away, preliminary procedures may be able to help you get on track for a new smile!
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