Restorations

Our team of dentists and dental hygienists perform a number of restoration procedures to keep your smile healthy.

COMPOSITE FILLINGS

A composite filling is used to repair teeth affected by cracks, fractures and decay. To combat it, the infected part of the tooth or teeth is removed and filled with a variety of materials, with silver amalgam fillings 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 more visible areas of the mouth. Some reasons for composite fillings include:

Chipped teeth
Closing space between two teeth
Cracked or broken teeth
Decayed teeth
Worn teeth

Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove decay as needed. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be placed, shaped and polished. Of course, it is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling.

CROWNS/CAPS

A crown or cap is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface, restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens the tooth’s structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. Porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular, because of their high durablilty. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size and color of your teeth, giving you a long-lasting, beautiful smile. Reasons for crowns may include:

Broken or fractured teeth
Cosmetic enhancement
Decayed teeth
Fractured fillings
Large fillings
Tooth has a root canal

A traditional crown procedure usually requires two appointments with the first appointment including taking several highly accurate molds and impressions that will be used to create your custom crown. It will also be used to create a temporary crown, which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated. While the tooth is numb, the dentist will remove any decay and shape the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure your teeth are aligned and biting properly. At the second appointment, your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.

CEREC®

A CEREC^® “Same Day Crown” is another option for almost anyone needing a ceramic restoration. Exceptions include patients who have a prior history of breaking ceramic devices and those with a deep bite. Additional advantages associated with CEREC^®

No temporary restorations
High-quality ceramic products
Minimal invasiveness
Less injections and discomfort
Fewer dental visits
Cost effectiveness
More natural tooth is saved
Long lasting restorations
Biocompatible solutions

The CEREC^® System is sometimes called a CAD-CAM system, Computer Assisted Design and Computer Assisted Milling. The first step in the procedure is preparing the tooth for the restoration. Depending on your particular case, the dentist will take photos of your affected teeth using one of CEREC’s^® two imaging solutions. If using CEREC^® Omnicam, the dentist will take several images of the tooth, sending a three-dimensional, colored model to the CEREC^® machine. These images are transposed onto the computer screen, where the dentist will view the tooth from every angle and design the final restoration. When the design is complete, it will be transmitted to the milling unit.

The dentist will insert a block of ceramic matching your tooth color into the milling machine, which will then create the full crown, onlay, inlay, or veneer. Before affixing the restoration to the tooth, the dentist will perform a dry fit to ensure comfort. Once a perfect fit is established, the restoration will be polished and affixed to the tooth with dental cement.

DENTURE

A denture is a removable dental appliance and a replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue, available in complete and partial. Complete dentures, which come in conventional or immediate types, 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 conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed (usually takes 4 to 6 weeks). During this time, the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and are 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. Reasons for dentures include:

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

The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over a period of several weeks. Highly accurate molds and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture. Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color and fit. At the final appointment, we will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit. It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness and possible speech and chewing difficulty however, this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.

DENTAL BRIDGE

A dental bridge is a fixed, non-removable appliance that is an excellent way to replace missing teeth. Dr. Benton and the team will discuss the best bridge options for your particular case. The traditional bridge is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. This type of bridge consists of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth. These dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years; however, they may need replaced or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear. Reasons for a fixed bridge may include:

Fill space of missing teeth
Maintain facial shape
Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
Restore chewing and speaking ability
Restore your smile
Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance

Getting a bridge usually requires two or more visits. While the teeth are numb, the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown. Next, a highly accurate mold is made. In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for several weeks until your next appointment. At the second visit, your permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted and cemented to achieve a proper fit. Occasionally the dentist may only temporarily cement the bridge, allowing your teeth and tissue time to adjust and be cemented permanently later.