Restorations

It’s great news that the incidence of tooth decay has significantly diminished over the years due to the use of fluorides and an increase in patient awareness. However, teeth are still susceptible to decay, infection, and breakage and sometimes need to be restored back to health. Through improved techniques and modern technology, we are now able to offer more options for restoring a tooth back to its normal shape, appearance and function.

Should your teeth ever require a restorative treatment, you can rest assured knowing we will always discuss with you the available options, and recommend what we believe to be the most comfortable and least invasive treatment. Providing you with excellent care is our number one priority when creating your beautiful smile.

Reasons for restorative dentistry:

Enhance your smile
Fill in unattractive spaces between teeth
Improve or correct an improper bite
Prevent the loss of a tooth
Relieve dental pain
Repair damaged and decayed teeth
Replace missing teeth
Replace old, unattractive dental treatments
Restore normal eating and chewing

Crowns

Crowns, also known as a cap, is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. Crowns are very durable and will last many years, but eventually they may need to be replaced.

There are many reasons for crowns:

Broken or Fractured Teeth
Badly decayed Teeth
Broken or Large Fillings
Tooth has a Root Canal
Cosmetic Enhancement

At Three Rivers Dental, we make every effort to utilize our CEREC system, which allows for same day crowns. However, there are cases in that may involve more custom dental work. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call for a Crown consultation and we can determine your personal needs.

Fixed Bridges

A dental bridge is fixed and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.

There are several types of bridges. The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. This type of bridge consists to two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.

Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years, however they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear. You should consider a fixed bridge to:

Fill in for missing teeth
Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
Restore chewing and speaking ability
Restore your smile
Maintain your facial shape
Upgrade from a removable partial denture

Receiving a bridge usually requires two or more visits. While the teeth are numb, the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown. Next, a mold is made which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated. In the meantime, a temporary bridge will be made and worn until your next appointment.

At the second visit, you permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit. You will receive care instructions at the conclusion of the procedure. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new permanent bridge.

Root Canal Therapy

A root canal is a treatment to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected.

Root canal procedures are performed when the nerve of the tooth becomes infected or the pulp becomes damaged. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.

Signs you may need a root canal include:

Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure
Prolonged sensitivity/pain to heat or cold temperatures (after the hot or cold has been removed)
Discoloration (a darkening) of the tooth
Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums

Dentures

Dentures are false teeth made to replace teeth you have lost. Dentures can be complete or partial. Complete dentures cover your entire upper or lower jaw. Partials replace one or a few teeth.

The denture development process takes about three to six weeks and several appointments. Once your dentist determines what type of denture is best for you, your dentist will

Make a series of impressions of your jaw and take measurements of how your jaws relate to one another and how much space is between them.
Create models, wax forms, and/or plastic patterns in the exact shape and position of the denture to be made. You will “try in” this model several times and the denture will be assessed for color, shape, and fit before the final denture is cast.
Cast a final denture
Make adjustments as necessary

What are you waiting for friend? Let’s restore that smile.

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