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RESTORATIONS

composite filling

Composite Fillings

A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc.  The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling.

 

There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.  You and Dr. Turner can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today.  Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth.

 

As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced.  They are very durable, and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.

Reasons for composite fillings:

 

  • Chipped teeth

  • Closing space between two teeth

  • Cracked or broken teeth

  • Decayed teeth

  • Worn teeth

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection.  In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.

 

Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed.  Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.

 

Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.

Reasons for root canal therapy:

 

  • Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).

  • Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.

  • Injury or trauma to the tooth

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures.  Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.

 

Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone.  The crowns attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile.

 

Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

 

Reasons for dental implants:

 

  • Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.

  • Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.

  • Restore a patient’s confident smile.

  • Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.

  • Restore or enhance facial tissues.

  • Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.

 

 

Dentures

Dentures & Patial Dentures

A denture is a removable dental appliance replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue.  They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.

 

There are two types of dentures – complete and partial dentures.  Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.  A Partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting.

 

A Complete denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate.”  A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks.  During this time the patient will go without teeth.  Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process.  Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.

 

Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.

 

Reasons for dentures:

 

  • Complete Denture – Loss of all teeth in an arch.

  • Partial Denture – Loss of several teeth in an arch.

  • Enhancing smile and facial tissues.

  • Improving chewing, speech, and digestion

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