RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
Dr. Marjan Provides Tooth-Colored Fillings and Crowns
Few people are able to avoid developing tooth decay. Tooth-colored fillings are the most modern method of cavity treatment and offer several benefits. They are made of a composite resin that can be matched to surrounding dentition. They are easily bonded onto teeth while maintaining maximum tooth structure. People cannot detect cavity treatments done with composite fillings.
Teeth with large cavities can be treated with partial or full crowns. After Dr. Marjan removes the cavity, she takes an impression of the tooth so a lab can design a customized prosthetic that restores the health and the anatomy of the tooth. Partial and full crowns match the natural color of tooth enamel and are seamlessly bonded onto teeth.
Root Canal Therapy and Crown Restorations at Pacific Rim Dental Centre
Root canal therapy is another restorative technique offered at Pacific Rim Dental Centre. When decay reaches the pulp, the tooth becomes infected. Patients typically experience toothaches, and if not promptly treated, neighboring teeth are at risk of infection. If the infection enters the bloodstream, it can threaten vital organs. Root canal therapy eliminates the infected pulp and prevents tooth loss.
Teeth with severe damage whose tooth roots that are still functioning are often restored to health with either porcelain or ceramic crowns. Crowns encase a tooth to protect it from further damage. Dr. Marjan removes the decay and then takes an impression of the tooth so a lab can fabricate a crown that looks and feels like the original tooth. Crowns are durable and appear lifelike.
Replace Missing Teeth
Tooth loss is a dilemma that modern dentistry can resolve with several different treatment options:
Dental Implant Restorations are the most comprehensive treatment for tooth loss, replacing both the tooth root and the crown. They provide the full force of chewing and appear as a real tooth. The implant posts also maintain the health of the jaw bone and surrounding dentition.
Fixed Bridges can restore one to three missing teeth with pontic prosthetic teeth that are securely anchored onto adjacent teeth. Before placement of the bridge, the anchor teeth are fortified with crowns. The entire bridge is matched to surrounding dentition for a restoration of both function and beauty.
Partial Dentures and Dentures are removable acrylic prosthetics that are matched to teeth and gums. Partial dentures attach to neighboring teeth with metal clasps, and full arch dentures rely on adhesive paste. Dentures provide an attractive aesthetic and restore the natural function of teeth.
Composite Fillings
A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling.
There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth.
As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced. They are very durable, and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.
Reasons for composite fillings
- Chipped teeth.
- Closing space between two teeth.
- Cracked or broken teeth.
- Decayed teeth.
- Worn teeth.
How are composite fillings placed?
Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove decay as necessary. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.
It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling.
You will be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.
Crowns (Caps)
A crown (or 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.
Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.
Reasons For Crowns
- Broken or fractured teeth.
- Cosmetic enhancement.
- Decayed teeth.
- Fractured fillings.
- Large fillings.
- Tooth has a root canal.
What Does Getting A Crown Involve?
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown. A mold will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.
While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.
At your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.
You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown.
Dentures & Partial Dentures
A denture is a removable dental appliance replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.
There are two types of dentures – complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A Partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting.
A Complete denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks. During this time the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.
Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.
Reasons For Dentures
- Complete Denture – Loss of all teeth in an arch.
- Partial Denture – Loss of several teeth in an arch.
- Enhancing smile and facial tissues.
- Improving chewing, speech, and digestion.
What Does Getting Dentures Involve?
The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over several weeks. Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture. Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.
It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty, however this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.
You will be given care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.
Fixed Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.
There are several types of bridges. You and your dentist will discuss the best options for your particular case. 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.
Reasons For A Fixed Bridge
- Fill space of missing teeth.
- Maintain facial shape.
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
- Restore chewing and speaking ability.
- Restore your smile.
- Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance.
What Does Getting A Fixed Bridge Involve?
Getting 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 highly accurate impression (mold) is made which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated. In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for several weeks until your next appointment.
At the second visit, you permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit. Occasionally your dentist may only temporarily cement the bridge, allowing your teeth and tissue time to get used to the new bridge. The new bridge will be permanently cemented at a later time.
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
Overview
Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.
Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.
Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.
Signs and Symptoms For Possible Root Canal Therapy:
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Severe toothache pain.
- Sometimes no symptoms are present.
- Swelling and/or tenderness.
Reasons For Root Canal Therapy
- Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
- Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
- Injury or trauma to the tooth.
What does Root Canal Therapy Involve?
A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).
While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.
Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.
At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.
After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.
You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.
Dental Implants
Overview
Dental implants are comprehensive replacements for missing teeth. Missing even a single tooth can cause a range of issues, like misalignment and problems with normal function. Replacing the tooth restores the smile and supports good oral health.
Replace Missing Teeth in Langford and Victoria
Advancements in dentistry have helped countless patients completely restore their smile.
These sturdy, long-lasting restorations are comprised of titanium implant posts, connecting abutments, and a quality crown or other prosthetics, and serve as comprehensive replacements for missing teeth. Once placed, the titanium post bonds with existing bone and acts just as the natural tooth root, supporting both surrounding bone structure and the replacement prosthetic.
Patients using dental implants benefit from better oral health, a stronger bite, and optimal function. Dental implants can support the following restorations:
Single-unit crowns – A single implant post placed directly in the jaw supports a crown to replace the entire tooth. This alternative to a dental bridge preserves the supporting bone and the smile’s alignment.
Implant-supported bridges – Two to three implants support a lifelike prosthetic to replace up to a quadrant of missing teeth. Implants are placed in an optimal position for maximum strength and support.
Fixed-Supported Dentures – Four to eight implants support a complete denture, replacing an entire arch of teeth. We ensure that both the denture and implants fit comfortably while remaining reliable for long-lasting health.
Why Dental Implants?
If left untreated, a smile missing roots can suffer from accelerated resorption and atrophy over time.
Dental implants act like natural roots and replace the missing tooth completely, from root to crown. After a period of healing, the jawbone surrounds the implant, integrating the biocompatible titanium into part of the supporting dental structures.
Caring for dental implants is convenient and easy. Patients can follow normal brushing and flossing habits, as well as visit the dentist twice a year or as suggested.
Eligibility
Not all patients are able to receive dental implants. Patients require adequate bone volume and density to successfully support dental implants. Preliminary procedures such as bone grafting and sinus lifts can greatly improve a person’s chances of reaching eligibility
Call our practice and schedule a consultation to find out if dental implants are right for you.
WE’LL GIVE YOU A REASON TO SMILE!
We thank you for allowing us to take care of your dental needs and look forward to serving you.