X
Dental Restorations
Composite Fillings
When decay rots away enamel, the resulting space is called a cavity. Left untreated, the decay will eventually cause extensive damage to the tooth, and potentially cause the root to be infected. However, if the cavity is caught early, your dentist can treat it with a simple filling, typically in one appointment.
Your dentist will first apply a local anesthetic, then use a drill or laser to remove the decay. Then they will apply filling to prevent further decay, and to prevent the sensitive inner layers of the tooth from cold, heat or pressure. The filling is applied in layers and hardened with a special light. The final layers are shaped and polished to restore the tooth’s appearance and function.
Composite (plastic resin) is the modern filling material of choice in most cases. We consider it superior to the silver amalgam fillings commonly used in the past. Silver amalgam fillings contain small amounts of mercury, while composite fillings are completely free of mercury.
Composite fillings are also less likely to result in sensitivity to heat or cold, since the material does not expand or contract as much as silver amalgam. And since the composite material closely matches the colour of the tooth, fillings are nearly invisible.
Related Videos:
Bridges
A fixed bridge is a dental restoration to that is fixed to surrounding teeth. The bridge fills (bridges) the gap left by the missing teeth, preventing the surrounding teeth from moving into the gap and becoming misaligned.
A fixed bridge is less invasive than a dental implant. In cases where the surrounding teeth are strong enough to support the bridge, it is an excellent solution for maintaining jaw-alignment and creating a beautiful smile. Your dentist can craft a bridge that will perfectly match the colour of your surrounding teeth, and shape it to enhance your smile!
Related Videos:
Crowns
Inlays, onlays and crowns are called indirect restorations, because the restoration is fabricated outside of the mouth, instead of being built in layers directly onto the teeth like a filling.
An indirect restoration is called an inlay if it covers part of a tooth, without extending to a cusp (pointed tip of tooth). It is an onlay if it extends to replace a tooth’s cusp. And if it completely covers the top surface of the tooth, it is called a crown or cap.
A crown is known as a full-coverage restoration. Crowns can be used to hold together cracked teeth, cover root canal treatments, cap teeth that have been damaged by decay, and help those teeth be more resistant to further decay.
Crowns can also be used to correct tooth colour and alignment defects, as well as correct structural damage to individual teeth. Having a crown placed is more invasive than getting a veneer, but it provides more reliability when added bite-strength is required.
Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth, then the restoration is shaped to match the part of the teeth it will replace. The restoration is attached with dental cement.
Inlays, onlays and crowns are more effective than fillings in reinforcing teeth to withstand biting forces. Indirect restorations are also more resistant to further decay. If a tooth’s original structure is too compromised to support a filling, an indirect restoration can provide fantastic, long-lasting, beautiful results.
Related Videos:
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening or bleaching is a simple, safe, non-invasive way to change the colour of your natural teeth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.
Having whiter teeth has become the number one aesthetic concern of many people and there are numerous ways to approach this. The most popular way is to use a home teeth-whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically for most people. Since teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old white fillings, crowns, etc. to match the newly bleached teeth.
Teeth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up maybe needed every several years, and more often if you drink coffee, tea, or wine or if you smoke.
Reasons for teeth whitening:
- Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)
- Normal wear of outer tooth layer
- Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.)
- Yellow, brown stained teeth
What does teeth whitening involve?
This type of teeth whitening usually requires two visits:
1. Impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to make custom soft plastic trays after we decide that this is appropriate for you.
2. You will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary. The trays are worn with special whitening gel solution inside either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening. It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching. You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.
Related Videos:
Endodontics
If the nerve within one of your teeth becomes infected, root canal (endodontic) treatment can keep you from losing the tooth, while treating the infection before it causes major health complications.
An infected (abscessed) tooth causes discomfort in the form of swelling and toothache. It can also cause severe health complications, because the bacteria from the infection can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body.
One way to treat the infection is to remove the tooth and disinfect the area. However, tooth loss creates a gap between surrounding teeth that often necessitates a dental implant or bridge. It is always preferable to save a tooth, if possible, through root canal treatment.
A root canal should be no more uncomfortable than having a cavity filled, though the procedure is more complex. A root canal is the removal of infected or dead pulp (the inner nerves and blood vessels) from inside a tooth, and the subsequent filling and sealing of the resulting space.
Your dentist will begin the treatment by applying local anesthesia and isolating the area with a rubber dam. Then your dentist will drill an opening in the tooth to access the infected pulp. From there, he will remove the pulp and clean the area with specialized tools. Your dentist will fill the root space with a filling material. Finally he will seal the surface of the tooth with a crown to prevent further infection, and restore the function and appearance of the tooth.
The root canal treatment is typically performed in one visit. A second visit may be required to complete the crown restoration.
Related Videos:
Oral Hygiene/Cleaning
At your first dental visit a complete dental exam will be done by your dentist. At that time and at following regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include:
- Diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): to find decay, tumours, cysts, bone loss and tooth positions.
- Oral cancer screening: to check your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
- Gum disease evaluation: to check your gums and bone around your teeth for any signs of periodontal (gum) disease.
- Examination of tooth surfaces: to check for decay with special dental instruments.
- Examination of existing restorations: to check your fillings, crowns, veneers etc.
Related Videos:
Sports guards & Bite Appliances
Athletic mouth guards (sports guards) should be worn during certain activities to minimize the risks and severity of concussion, jaw and tooth traumas. We offer a wide range of athletic appliance options and have the ability to customize our selection to meet the individualized performance needs of our patients.
Night guards are worn while you sleep to reduce the stress and wear on your teeth. They are preventative appliances that can eliminate the heavy unconscious tooth-on-tooth forces experienced during the night. There are many options for patients including choice of upper or lower jaw appliances. In some cases, even if you are not aware of signs or symptoms your dentist will be able to diagnose signs of progressive wear and will suggest a night guard to prevent the development of additional signs and symptoms (like jaw soreness and headaches).
Dentures
Complete Dentures
“Dentures” are a removable dental appliance that replaces missing teeth and tissue. When a patient loses many or all of their teeth, dentures allow the patient to chew properly and speak normally.
Dentures also support a natural-looking smile and facial structure, preventing the sunken lower facial features that can result from loss of teeth and gum tissue.
Complete dentures replace all of the teeth in an arch – the upper (maxillary) arch and/or the lower (mandibular) arch. Partial dentures replace some of the teeth, when some natural teeth remain.
Creating your perfect set of dentures may require several appointments over a period of several weeks. Your dentist will take precise molds and measurements. After the dentures are fabricated, additional fittings and adjustments may be required to ensure proper fit, function and appearance. Your dentist will also provide guidance for optimal care and cleaning.
Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures generally consist of replacement teeth that are attached to gum-coloured plastic bases. Depending on your case, your denturist will design a partial denture, custom to your mouth. A partial denture can have metal framework and clasps that connect to your teeth, or they can have other connectors that are more natural looking. In some cases, a removable partial denture is created to attach to your natural teeth with devices called, “Precision Attachments”. Precision attachments are generally more aesthetically pleasing than clasps.
Your natural teeth may need Crowns, which are sometimes needed to improve the fit of removable partial denture, and they are typically required with attachments. Partial dentures with Precision Attachments usually cost more than those with clasps. Book a consultation with our office to find out which type is right for you.
Related Videos:
