Tooth Restoration

There are a hundred ways to lose a tooth – anything from a bad fall to advanced gum disease can send teeth scattering from the mouth. You don’t have to replace the tooth but the gap may be unsightly or leave you vulnerable to infection. There are many replacement options, including dental implants and crowns that can bring back a bright, toothy smile, even in the worst cases. Tooth restoration plans should be discussed with a qualified dentist.

Dental Implant Procedure

Losing a tooth can lead to dangerous infections, allow remaining teeth to become crooked and even create speech impediments. Dental implants, small rods that are secured to the jaw, allow an artificial tooth to be installed in its stead, restoring appearance and dental health.

Tooth Wear

Teeth wear down due to age, grinding, food choices, accidents, etc. Still, certain choices can be made to reduce wear and tear. For example, consuming fewer acidic beverages (such as soda) reduces erosion and proper brushing reduces the likelihood of small teeth abrasions forming.

Provisional Restorations

Sometimes permanent tooth restoration procedures can take time - weeks, even months. Provisional restorations are used to protect the mouth from infection, sensitivity and further damage, in the meantime. They are somewhat easy for a dentist to set in place; some even snap on.

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are crown-alternatives that are similar to fillings; material is used to cover areas of tooth, allowing some of the natural tooth to remain in place. Benefits of inlays and onlays include the fact that they don’t easily discolor and may be more stable than crowns.

Full Mouth Reconstruction

A full mouth reconstruction refers to the procedure wherein the entire set of teeth is replaced due to severe injury or excessively bad hygiene. It is a complicated procedure which may require several visits, different types of dentists and oral surgeons, and is only recommended in extreme cases.

Dental Implants FAQs

Asking questions about dental implants is an important part of the procedure. For example, do they hurt? Answer: yes, but medication eases the pain. How do they look? Answer: very natural. A qualified dentist should be able to provide answers to all of your questions.

Dental Implants Benefits

There are many benefits to dental implants, including cosmetic, emotional, professional and dental. However, these benefits are only realized when the implanting process is followed up with good hygiene (including activities such as daily brushing and flossing) and regular dentist visits.

Sinus Lift

A sinus lift is basically a bone graft procedure used to provide more bone mass for anchoring implants. In the surgery, a doctor will cut open the patient’s mouth to reveal the bone, then graft bone tissue from other locations into the space.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is an alternative to tooth extraction. In the procedure - which is accompanied by a round of antibiotics - infected pulp is cut away from the roots, then the area is washed out and the tooth is re-secured.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial teeth which are attached to metal rods installed into the jaw. Not everyone is a good candidate (smokers and teeth-grinders should be cautious) but for those who are, implants can provide a long-lasting smile that appears completely natural.

Dental Implants Cost

Prices for dental implants vary greatly, depending on the dentist, type of implant and complexity involved. Implants can be expensive, especially if they are deemed cosmetic by insurance companies. However, failure to replace missing teeth can lead to greater, more expensive complications.

Dental Crowns

When teeth are not structurally stable enough, dental crowns are used to provide stability and protection. First, the tooth is cleaned of debris and then its shape is adjusted to accommodate the crown. Then, the crown is placed over the remains of the tooth.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are a common, low-risk solution to replacing lost teeth. If the remaining teeth are healthy and clean, a bridge is fused to healthy teeth; this creates the appearance and mimics the function of a natural tooth.