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