We all hate to hear that our dentist has found new cavities since our last visit. Even worse, some cavities create pain that we can do little to relieve. Fillings are among the most frequently prescribed and versatile of all dental restorations. In a procedure known as a cavity preparation, we use dental instruments to remove tooth decay. Elma Family Dental can replace the missing tooth structure with newer composite white fillings.
RESTORATIVE TREATMENTS CAN:
- Repair cracks or fractures
- Remove Tooth Decay
- Fill gaps between teeth
- Reshape teeth
- Replace missing teeth
- Replace old metallic restorations, such as fillings and crown
Composite “White” Fillings
Cavities, chips, and fractures occur on any tooth surface throughout the mouth. Composite filling material provides a versatile solution to many common problems. Blended into a prepared area, the composite polishes to a smooth, undetectable surface.
- Traditionally, dentists only had silver amalgams available to fill cavities. Innovations in Dentistry now allow us to replace these old fillings with composite that are more natural looking. Say goodbye to “metal mouth” and hello to a beautiful new smile. Composite fillings are a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to moderate forces. Some forms of composite, called glass ionomers, release fluoride for filling areas near the gum-line or for children’s fillings. They are less durable and can not be used in posterior teeth. Composites can be “bonded” or adhesively held in place, therefore less tooth structure is removed, allowing the dentist to make a more conservative repair to the tooth. This may result in a smaller filling than that of an amalgam. It generally takes longer to place a composite filling than what is required for an amalgam filling. Composite fillings require a cavity that can be kept clean and dry during filling and they are subject to stain and discoloration over time. Composite resins can restore teeth to an attractive, healthy state.
Porcelain Crowns
Besides strengthening and protecting a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. A crown can also be placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function. Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.
- Sometimes teeth undergo significant damage due to cavities, heavy bite forces, trauma, or even normal functioning. If a root canal is needed to salvage a severely compromised nerve, the tooth may be especially fragile. Many situations can leave teeth in danger of loss if treatment is bypassed. Dental crowns, or caps, allow these teeth to be rebuilt and covered with materials that mimic nature. Not only are most “capped” teeth indistinguishable from natural teeth, but they’re also extremely secure and comfortable.
- Crowns can be crafted to repair a single tooth, multiple teeth (including the entire mouth), or in conjunction with dental implants to fill a space. In fact, when missing teeth enter the equation, special consideration might be given to placing a dental bridge or implants.
- Once we have determined a plan, two appointments will leave you with a newly restored tooth. At the first appointment, your tooth is carefully prepared to allow space for the lab to craft a new porcelain crown on your tooth. After the preparation is finished we will send a detailed prescription and digital scan to a specialized dental lab to create your new crown to our specifications. A temporary crown will be fabricated to provide you with function for 1.5-2 weeks until your new porcelain crown is ready.
- When the crown is ready we will try-in and evaluate the appearance and fit of the crown, before cementing it strongly in place. After some slight adjustments and polishing you will leave with one of the best restorations in dentistry.
