Dental Restorations

Restorative dentistry encompasses dental procedures designed to diagnose, prevent and treat oral diseases. Restorative treatment is often used to treat teeth that are decayed, chipped, cracked or worn down. It is performed by a general dentist and can include procedures such as composite fillings, porcelain crowns, fixed bridges, inlays, onlays or dentures.

Composite Fillings

A composite or tooth-colored filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks or fractures. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed and then filled with resin-based material. Most patients prefer composite fillings because they blend in with the natural shade of their teeth.

Filling procedures are performed by first removing tooth decay or defects. After the decayed or compromised structures are removed, composite is placed in layers to restore the natural tooth shape.

Porcelain Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over the natural tooth and used to restore the tooth to its natural size, shape, function and appearance.

A crown is often recommended for a variety of scenarios: to protect a weak tooth from decay that is too large to be restored with a composite filling; to restore a tooth that is severely worn down; in combination with other treatment such as a bridge or root canal; to cover misshaped or discolored teeth; to cover a dental implant; or to make a cosmetic modification.

Porcelain crowns provide the best aesthetics and design for crowns because of the material’s natural transparency and luster. Moreover, the strength of the material makes it long-lasting and durable, and the crown can easily withstand chewing and biting activities. Additionally, the material is more bio-compatible and has lower chances of infections and complications related to the crown.

With a porcelain crown you will have the comfort, appearance and durability of natural teeth.

During the procedure, decayed structure is removed and the tooth is prepped and shaped to prepare for the final, permanent crown. An impression is taken to record the shape of the existing structure, and then sent to a lab to make the permanent crown. At a second appointment, the crown will be delivered and permanently cemented.

Porcelain Fixed Bridges

A porcelain fixed bridge is a prosthetic used to replace missing teeth. When a bridge is performed, natural teeth are used as anchors or abutments on either side of the missing teeth and a artificial tooth called a pontic is placed in the site if a missing tooth to "bridge" the gap. Bridges are generally between two to four units, but can be more depending on the case

Porcelain Inlays & Onlays

Porcelain inlays and inlays are similar to a dental crown in that it is designed to restore a tooth that is broken down so much that a filling is not strong enough to fix it. Inlays and inlays are conservative restorations that only cover the decayed or compromised surfaces of the teeth. While a crown covers the entire chewing surface of the tooth and wraps around the entire tooth, inlays and onlays only cover those parts of the tooth that are weak.

Dentures & Partial Dentures

Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back into your mouth. While dentures take some getting used to, and will never feel exactly the same as one's natural teeth, today's dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever.

There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. Your dentist will help you choose the type of denture that's best for you based on whether some or all of your teeth are going to be replaced.

With full dentures, a flesh-colored acrylic base fits over your gums. The base of the upper denture covers the palate (the roof of your mouth), while that of the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue.