Fillings

If you have a cavity that needs a filling, there are different kinds of fillings that we offer our patients. Teeth can be filled with silver amalgam (which consists of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper), or tooth-colored plastic called composite resin fillings.

If you have a cavity, your dentist will discuss treatment options with you based on the size and depth of the cavity. If it is small your dentist may decide to keep an eye on it for a while or if it is large, fill it right away. If you have a large cavity and it is not filled, it may require more extensive treatment or cause you pain. The tooth may even have to be removed and replaced with an artificial implant tooth.

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Dental Crowns

A dental crown, also called a cap, is a hollow, artificial tooth that is bonded to your tooth and used to cover a damaged or once-decayed tooth. The crown restores the tooth and protects it from further damage. Crowns can also be used to cover a discolored or misshapen tooth. A crown may be necessary if you have had a root canal, a large filling in a tooth or a broken tooth. A tooth that has been fixed with a crown looks and works very much like a natural tooth.

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Dental Bridges

A dental bridge, also known as a fixed bridge or a fixed dental prosthesis, is a dental restoration procedure that replaces one or more missing teeth. The bridge extends across an area that has no teeth and is typically made up of an artificial tooth fused between 2 crowns. (See Dental Crowns above). The bridge is held firmly in place by your own teeth on each side of the missing one(s) or by dental implants.

A dental bridge is a non-removable prosthesis in the mouth. It is important to replace the lost tooth with an artificial tooth as soon as possible. This will prevent the teeth that are left in the mouth from drifting out of position and causing jaw problems. Teeth that drift out of line are more difficult to keep clean and are more likely to get gum disease and cavities.

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Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions are required when periodontal (gum) disease has caused the bone support around a tooth to deteriorate and the tooth has become mobile. As well, when deep decay (cavities) or tooth fractures that are either into the nerve of the tooth or below the bone support around the tooth and an infection is present in the gums. Antibiotics can help suppress an infection for a short period of time, however infected teeth must be treated or removed in order to fully heal an infection.

When tooth removal is recommended by your dentist, it is important to follow through with the treatment. Infections around teeth may seem to go away with antibiotics or the teeth may stop hurting for a short time, however, the only thing that will resolve the issue is having the tooth removed, to allow healing to occur. Ignoring tooth infections can be dangerous and painful. Infections can spread and affect more than just one tooth or area. Infections will eat away at the bone around the teeth as they get larger and will cause further damage over time.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is also known as endodontic treatment. This procedure is the process of removing infected or dead pulp from the inside of your tooth. The dental pulp is made up of nerves and blood vessels that help your tooth grow and develop. When bacteria enter your tooth through deep cavities, cracks or flawed fillings, your tooth can become abscessed.

Using very fine dental instruments, your dentist will remove the pulp by cleaning and enlarging the root canal system. After the canal has been cleaned, your dentist will fill and seal the canal. Then your tooth must be restored to look, feel and work as much like a natural tooth as possible. Your dentist will use a permanent filling or a crown to restore your tooth. A molar will likely need a crown because chewing puts a great deal of force on back teeth. If there is not enough of the tooth left, posts may be used to help support the crown.

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