Once disease is detected, the appropriate restorative treatment is selected. Based upon the extent of the problem, this may consist of the placement of tooth-colored "fillings", the fabrication of a custom crown or endodontic (root canal) therapy. For smaller lesions, particle abrasion may be appropriate...no needles, no drill!

DIRECT RESTORATIONS (FILLINGS)
Restorations or "fillings" may be placed in areas of new decay, to replace worn or cracked restorations, or to protect against sensitivity. Most of the restorations we place are a natural-looking, tooth-colored resin. This type of restoration bonds to the tooth and is very esthetic.

CROWNS
A crown is a restoration that covers the tooth to either restore it to its natural shape and size or to improve upon the natural shape and size of the tooth. Crowns are placed for many reasons:

• To support a large filling and protect the remaining tooth structure
• To protect weak teeth from fracturing or to restore a tooth that has already fractured.
• To improve esthetics
• To cover a dental implant

Crowns may be made of different materials: gold, tooth-colored porcelain with a metal substructure, or all-porcelain, depending on the situation.

ENDODONTIC TREATMENT (ROOT CANAL THERAPY)
Years ago, injured or infected teeth were often removed. Today, an injured or infected tooth can usually be saved through endodontic therapy or a root canal. During a root canal, the damaged nerve or pulp is removed from the inside of the tooth (from the canals of the roots of the teeth). The tooth is then cleaned, shaped, and filled to seal the tooth off from its supporting structures and the oral cavity. This procedure is accomplished in one to three visits. After endodontic treatment, most teeth need to have a crown (see above) placed to protect the tooth from fracturing

Looking good and feeling good are often closely related. Improving your self-image can be as simple as brightening your smile. Changing the size, shape, color or spacing of your teeth can be accomplished with cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns. Orthodontic treatment or "braces" can be used to straighten teeth on both children and adults.

BLEACHING (TOOTH WHITENING)
Tooth shade varies from person to person, and also darkens with age or with years of stain from foods, liquids and tobacco. Bleaching or tooth whitening is an easy, safe and conservative way to lighten the shade of your teeth. The most common type of bleaching is done at home with the use of customized trays and a bleaching gel. The gel is safe and effective and results in little or no sensitivity.

Some people may not be ideal candidates for bleaching due to anterior crowns or restorations. These restorations will not change color, but they will not be harmed. These restorations can be replaced after bleaching treatment to match the new tooth shade. Some teeth such as those internally stained with tetracycline may not respond to tooth whitening procedures.

COSMETIC BONDING
Cosmetic bonding involves changing the shape, size, position or color of the teeth by bonding filling material to the teeth. This is a very conservative cosmetic procedure and is also more economical short-term than more permanent porcelain crowns or veneers (see below). However, the bonding can stain over time and may need to be replaced every few years.

PORCELAIN CROWNS/VENEERS
Porcelain crowns or veneers are placed to alter the shape, size, position or color of the teeth. Veneers are fabricated to cover the front surfaces of the teeth and are cemented into place. Veneers can be used to close gaps between teeth or to cover discoloration, including discoloration due to tetracycline staining. Veneers are very strong once cemented into place and will last for many years.

Full coverage porcelain crowns may be recommended for teeth with large restorations or for teeth previously treated with root canal therapy. Teeth with darker staining may also need a full coverage porcelain crown to adequately achieve the desired result.

ORTHODONTICS
Over 75% of children can benefit from some form of orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics can be used to gain space or to straighten teeth. "Braces" can be placed for children or adults. Not only will straightening your teeth create a beautiful smile, it can also improve tooth function and make it easier to keep your teeth clean. This will result in better oral health for a lifetime.