Teeth loss can occur for a number of reasons including decay, gum disease, injury, medical reasons, and even wear. Missing teeth can result in low self-esteem and the inability to consume certain foods. Our doctors understand the negative effects missing teeth can have on a person's quality of life. They are experts in performing restorative procedures to improve the beauty of your smile!

Crowns

A crown is a permanent covering that fits over an original tooth that is either decayed, damaged or cracked. Crowns are made of a variety of different materials such as porcelain, gold, acrylic resin or a mix of these materials. Porcelain generally has the most natural appearance, although it is often less durable. Porcelain fused to gold crowns are better for treating more severe problems.

Crowns are a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth, filling large cavities or providing stability to broken teeth.

The treatment plan for a patient receiving a crown involves:

1. Numbing the tooth to remove the decay in or around it.
2. Re-sculpturing the tooth to provide an ideal fit for the crown.
3. Making an impression of your teeth in order to create a custom-made crown (usually takes one to two weeks).
4. Making a temporary crown out of acrylic resin and fitting it onto the tooth during the interim period when the permanent custom-made crown is being created.
5. Applying the permanent crown (when received from the lab) by removing the temporary crown and fitting the permanent one onto the tooth.
6. After ensuring that the crown has the proper look and fit, the dentist cements it into place.

This process generally consists of a minimum of 2-3 visits over a three to four week period.

Once the procedure is completed, proper dental hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing, is required to maintain healthy, bacteria-free teeth, gums and crowns. This helps in the prevention of gum disease. Given proper care, your crowns can last a lifetime.

Bridges

A bridge is a dental device that fills a space that a tooth previously occupied. A bridge may be necessary to prevent:

• Shifting of the teeth that can lead to bite problems (occlusion) and/or jaw problems and resultant periodontal disease.
• Bridges safeguard the integrity of existing teeth and help maintain a healthy, vibrant smile.

There are three main types of bridges, namely:

• Fixed bridge- this is the most popular and consists of a filler tooth that is attached to two crowns, which fit over the existing teeth and hold the bridge in place.
• The “Maryland” bridge is commonly used to replace missing front teeth and consists of a filler that is attached to metal bands that are bonded to the abutment teeth. The metal bands consist of a white-colored composite resin that matches existing tooth color.
• The Cantilever bridge is often used when there are teeth on only one side of the span. A typical three-unit cantilever bridge consists of two crowned teeth positioned next to each other on the same side of the missing tooth space. The filler tooth is then connected to the two crowned teeth, which extend into the missing tooth space or end.

Bridges can be manufactured using porcelain or gold alloys. The procedure can be completed in 2-3 visits.

Dentures

Periodontal disease, injury and tooth decay can all cause a loss of your natural teeth.  However, we can bring back the smile on your face, using dentures to restore your missing teeth. Our office uses the Simply Natural Denture System. These dentures fit comfortably, are more durable and last longer.

There are two types of dentures:  complete and partial.  Complete dentures cover the patient’s entire jaw while partial dentures, with their metal framework, replace multiple missing teeth.  Ask our doctors to see which type would be right for you.

Denture placement can be completed in three visits. At the initial appointment, an impression will be taken. At the second appointment, the doctor will adjust the bite to ensure a proper fit. At the third appointment, you will receive your new dentures. Any adjustments to the fit of the appliance will be sent to the lab for final processing.

It may take some time to adjust to your dentures.  Speaking and eating may feel different at first, but these regular activities will resume normally once you are accustomed to your dentures.

If you experience sore spots while you are adjusting to your dentures, call the office. Proper oral hygiene is important. You may clean your dentures by using toothpaste and either a regular soft-bristled toothbrush or denture brush. Efferdent is also effective.