DENTAL SERVICES

• Introduction
• Preventative
• Pediatric Care
• Periodontal
• Restorative/Prosthetic
• Cosmetic
• Orthodontic
• Endodontic
• Surgical
• Sedation

Restorative/Prosthetic

Fillings

A dental restoration or dental filling is a dental restorative material used artificially to restore the function, integrity and morphology of missing tooth structure. The structural loss typically results from caries or external trauma.

Dental composites

Dental composites are also called white fillings. Inlays and onlays can also be made in the laboratory from dental composites. These materials are similar to those used in direct fillings and are tooth colored. Their strength and durability is not as high as porcelain or metal restorations and they are more prone to wear and discoloration.

Many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure. Porcelain inlays, onlays, and tooth-colored restorations create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable), but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are aesthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies.

Disadvantages Of Silver Fillings

Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of the silver filling can wear down, become weak or break. This results in the tooth not being protected and creates an environment where cavities get started once again. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split.

Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with tooth-colored restorations.

Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations

There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Resin onlays are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth remains intact and stronger.

Since the resin used in tooth-colored restorations contain fluoride this can help prevent decay. The resin wears like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums!

Inlays and Onlays

Most of the time, inlays and onlays replace previous large fillings as well as newly decayed or fractured tooth structure. Inlays and onlays cover most of the tooth structure but the removal of healthy tooth structure is not necessary. This is a great conservative option that primarily preserves as much healthy tooth as possible. The strongest material that is also esthetic is porcelain, which is used to fabricate these restorations.

Porcelain inlays, onlays, and tooth-colored restorations create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable), but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are aesthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies.

What Are Inlays & Onlays?

Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. These pieces are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay (which is similar to a filling) is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay, but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.

Traditionally, gold has been the material of choice for inlays and onlays. In recent years, however, porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its strength and color that can potentially match the natural color of your teeth.

How Are They Applied?

Inlays and onlays require two appointments to complete the procedure. During the first visit, the filling being replaced or the damaged or decaying area of the tooth is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the inlay or onlay. To ensure proper fit and bite, an impression of the tooth will be taken and sent to a lab for fabrication. Dr. Glass will then apply a temporary filling on the tooth and schedule the next appointment.

At the second appointment, the temporary filling is removed. Dr. Glass will then make sure that the inlay or onlay fits correctly. If the fit is satisfactory, the inlay or onlay will be bonded to the tooth with a strong resin and polished to a smooth finish.

Crowns

Teeth that are very weak, with large cavities, vary large failing fillings, fractures, hairline cracks, and after root canal treatment require full tooth coverage to protect the tooth from future fractures. The teeth are fully covered with a crown.

Our goal is to provide dentistry that is undetectable. We replace existing crowns and fillings with restorations that look and feel like your natural teeth.

How Long Does It Take?

Fitting a crown requires at least two office visits. Initially, we will remove decay, shape the tooth, and take an impression of your tooth and bite. A temporary crown will protect your tooth until the next appointment.

At the lab a porcelain crown is fabricated according to your own tooth preparation.

On the subsequent visit, we will remove the temporary crown, and then fit and adjust the porcelain crown. Finally, we will cement the crown into place and polish it.

Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger and the tooth is protected!

Key Benefits

Bridges

All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing, and maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss doesn't necessarily have to occur as you age. But if you do lose teeth, they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss. A bridge is a very popular and effective way to replace teeth in these types of situations.

A bridge is a number of crowns connected together. The anchoring crowns (at each end) are attached to your natural teeth and serve to keep the bridge in place.

The procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment, Dr. Glass will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap.

Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to the lab where the bridge will be constructed.

On the following appointment, bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge. Dr. Glass ensures a proper fit of the bridge. Some minor adjustments may have to be made.

It is crucial to maintain health of the supporting teeth and the gums under the bridge.

A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance since the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.

Implants

A more conservative approach to replacing missing teeth is to place an implant. In this case, surrounding teeth do not have to be prepared for crowns, as would be the case with a bridge.

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that their teeth appear natural and that their facial contours will be preserved. The implants themselves are titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing, mimicking a root of a tooth. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by Dr. Glass or by a specialist (an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or periodontist) suggested by our practice. Your questions and concerns are important to us. Out team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.

Procedure

Dental implants are metal anchors that act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are then attached to the implant which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, our office designs the final bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. The oral surgeon or periodontist will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. Then, Dr. Glass will be able to begin making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Following this, posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.

Dentures

For patients who are missing multiple teeth, a denture may be a viable option.

A denture is an acrylic appliance that relies on surrounding teeth and soft tissues for retention and resistance. One denture can replace one, few or all teeth at the same time and is usually a most cost effective way of replacing teeth.

Dentures are fabricated over several appointments. Multiple impressions of different kinds are taken at different appointments.

Many patients are very happy with their dentures. However some patients can never get used to them.

Some disadvantage of dentures:

• Gum irritation
• Dentures are lose
• Dentures are unstable
• Acrylic teeth discolor and wear down
• Bone loss

Nowadays patients are looking for new ways of replacing their teeth: bridges and implants.