Restorative Dentistry `

General dentistry is always preferred to be preventative which is why regular checkups and maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial in preventing more serious dental problems from developing. The American Dental Association (ADA),the world’s largest and oldest dental association, advises that visits should be made to your dentist at least once every six months. These regular visits ensure proper hygiene and functionality in taking steps necessary to prevent costly treatment required for more serious oral health problems.

 

In order to diagnose and treat any problems as early as possible your general dentist will customize a dental hygiene plan best suited for you with dental examination, tooth cleaning, scaling if necessary, X-ray etc. In the case you may be susceptible to tooth decay or disease within the mouth, gums and/or tongue, your dentist may also chose to incorporate a variety of restorative procedures to prevent or repair effects of tooth decay, trauma and disease within your treatment plan.

 

General dentists are your primary defense against preventing and detecting oral health problems. However, general dentistry does not end with preventative and minor restorative care; services include a wide array of dental procedures including cosmetic treatments. Should you require additional treatment that is not provided by your general dentist, you will be referred to a specialist who can best take care of your specific needs. 

 

During your examination, your dentist will use a series of instruments, tests, radiographs, paired with clinical expertise to diagnose potential or existing disease and pathologies. Your individual plan is then developed to prevent or treat any oral hygiene problems detected. Patients who are interested in cosmetic dentistry will then be able identify and establish esthetic goals provided by their dentist.

 

Dental Fillings: Treatment used to repair existing damage to the structure of a tooth or teeth which may be caused by tooth decay, wear, or trauma.  The problematic tooth structure is removed and the tooth is then restored with a filling material such as gold, amalgam, composite resin (white filling material) or porcelain. Each filling material has its own advantages and disadvantage which your dentist will explain to help you determine which option is best suited for you.

 

Bonding: The process used to “glue” materials such as composite resin to the surface of a tooth for restorative purposes. In cases of cracked or chipped teeth, an enamel-like composite is applied to the surface of the tooth, sculpted into shape, and finally contoured and polished making any imperfections virtually invisible.

 

Orthodontics: Both a functional and cosmetic treatment, orthodontics is a strategy used to straighten and correct misaligned teeth and malocclusions with dental braces and retainers.

 

Root Canal: A treatment involving the removal of infected pulp tissue within the root chamber of the tooth. To prevent further infection, the hollowed out tooth is then filled with anti-bacterial filling and “capped” with a crown for protection. Dentists who specialize in root canals are known as endodontists. However, general dentists often perform this restorative procedure.

 

Dental Crown: A type of dental restoration used to repair extensively decayed or damaged teeth which can be made of gold materials, silver metals, porcelain or a combination of porcelain and metal. General dentists may perform the crown procedure; however expertise varies among dentists.

 

Dental Bridge: A restorative treatment used to replace missing teeth with artificial replacements known as pontics. The pontic is held in place with composite material that is permanently fixed to the surrounding teeth. General dentists may perform this procedure but the availability of the latest materials; technology and expertise vary from dentist to dentist. 

 

Dentures: Prosthetic devices designed to replace missing or damaged teeth which cannot be restored otherwise. Conventional dentures are removable, yet there are many different designs some of which utilize bonding whereas others simply clasp onto teeth or are implanted by your dentist.

 

Periodontal (Gum Disease) and Treatment: Our mouths are full of bacteria which combine with mucus and other particles to form colorless and sticky plaque on our teeth. When brushing and flossing is not done regularly, plaque builds up and hardens on the teeth forming tartar which can only be removed by your dentist. Early treatment for periodontal disease may include tooth scaling, and cleaning every three months to remove sub-gingival calculus (tartar) along with the use of medicated mouthwash and proper flossing. In later stages treatment may require deep plane scaling or even periodontal and laser surgery. 

 

Laser Procedures: Laser dentistry can be used as an alternative to drilling teeth and procedures requiring more invasive equipment. Dental lasers can be used in bonding teeth, the removal of tooth decay, as an alternative to scaling, tooth whitening, and even periodontal surgery.  Special treatment considerations include patients who are infants, young children, elderly or special needs.