Restorative Dentistry
When your teeth have been damaged from decay, injury, extreme wear and tear or other causes, restorative dentistry can improve your smile’s appearance and function.
When your teeth have been damaged from decay, injury, extreme wear and tear or other causes, restorative dentistry can improve your smile’s appearance and function.
Sometimes a crown is needed when a tooth is cracked or the structural integrity of the tooth is compromised due to a cavity or break. A strong crown can replace the integrity of the tooth without compromising beauty. There are many types of crowns that we offer, including porcelain fused to metal, Emax, LAVA, zirconia, all porcelain and gold. We will always discuss the best option for you depending on tooth location and the amount of force the tooth will receive.
Missing teeth cause many problems, including poor appearance, difficulty in speech and eating, alteration in bite and decreased confidence. Dental implants provide a tooth replacement that closely imitates a natural tooth both in looks and function. After the bone fuses to the metal implant and a few minor follow up appointments, the implant is ready for a final impression and then the crown.
Dental Bridges or Partial Dentures – When a tooth is missing and an implant is not an option, sometimes the treatment of choice is a dental bridge or a removable partial denture. A bridge is a cemented non-removable replacement, while a partial denture is removable. The pros and cons can be discussed with your dentist and the best possible choice will be made for each individual person.
When teeth get infected or broken into the nerve of the tooth, root canal treatment allows the tooth to remain in the mouth and contributes to a sound and functional dentition. The tissue from inside the tooth is cleaned and removed and is replaced by a biocompatible filling material and is sealed. Most teeth that require root canals will also need a dental crown placed on top in order to maintain the strength of the tooth and keep it functioning well for many years.
TMJ Therapy – By the end of the 20th century, the TMJ disorder, known as TMD was a common diagnosis for both men and women, young and old. Often mistaken for ear infections, the disorder referred to as TMD can mean a problem in the jaw joint or more common it is caused by muscle imbalance which causes myofascial pain disorder. It is caused by overworking the muscles that close and clench the jaw.
It can be in a mild form, with no symptoms the patient is aware of to very severe where the patient is in terrible pain and can’t open their mouth. These situations are usually associated with occlusal disease, from grinding, clenching, or other parafunctional habits, or due to trauma. There are many steps to treating TMD or myofascial pain and will vary per patient and symptoms. The most common therapy is an occlusal guard, most commonly known as a nightguard or mouth guard. This will help protect your teeth from parafunctional habits, prevent cracking or fracturing teeth, as well as alleviating bruxism.
We perform an exam of the TMJ and the muscles of the face and neck, as well as look for signs of clenching and grinding in all patients with every exam.