General Dentistry and Restorations
Fillings
When we recognize a cavity in your tooth we will arrange another appointment to fix it. First we remove the rotted part of your tooth with a special drill, and then fill the hole with a “filling” material either made from porcelain or ceramic.
A composite filling or porcelain/ceramic white filling can be used instead of the traditional silver filling and is more aesthetically pleasing because it restores the natural look of the tooth. Other than the look of white fillings, there are other benefits compared to the silver fillings including teeth are less sensitive to hot and cold, requires less removal of the original tooth and bonds better to the original. The only disadvantage is the price and that some benefits may not cover the additional cost.
General Dentistry and Restorations
Cavities
Cavities develop when a tooth decays causing a hole in your tooth that can grow larger over time if not fixed. The bacteria in your mouth makes acids and when plaque clings to your teeth, the acids eat away at the enamel which eventually results in a hole. Cavities are corrected by applying a filling to the cavity. We can detect a cavity through routine x-rays and check-ups.
General Dentistry and Restorations
Dental implants
Our number one choice when replacing a missing tooth is a dental implant. Implants are tiny titanium screws that are surgically placed in the bone, and then small posts are attached protruding through the gums. The replacement tooth is then attached to the post.
This procedure normally takes three or four visits. First we start with a consultation and then the implant is placed. After a few months of healing, we take an impression and prepare a crown for the implanted tooth. Some people decide to go with a bridge opposed to an implant, but it does require the shaving down of healthy teeth.
General Dentistry and Restorations
Braces (orthodontics)
Dr. Murray Yull does not apply orthodontics to teeth, but can help in recommending an orthodontist that can.
General Dentistry and Restorations
Root Canal Therapy
If you are experiencing a severe toothache, you may need a root canal. We may recommend a root canal if the tooth’s nerve (or what we may refer to as the pulp) has suffered severe damage. The pulp is the nerve of your tooth and is where blood and nutrients circulate in a healthy tooth. Sometimes the pulp can get damaged making it susceptible to infection which results in pain from swelling. We normally try and save the tooth through a root canal rather than requiring an implant or denture.
Thankfully, with today's technology a root canal isn't as painful as before and can be completed in a single appointment. We clean out the canal, treat the infection, and then seal it. A crown or cap may be necessary to strengthen and protect your tooth from chewing, and since the tooth no longer receives nutrients, it will be more brittle compared to your other teeth. After the treatment you may experience soreness or inflammation and can be relieved with over-the-counter pain killers.
General Dentistry and Restorations
Crowns and bridges
A crown is normally required when a tooth is fractured, has a large old filling that is in need of repair, had a previous root canal or is severely damaged by decay. Crowns protect and strengthen the tooth and can also be cosmetically pleasing. There are various types of crowns, such as metal, porcelain or ceramic. We can discuss your options and determine which crown works best for you. This procedure usually takes two visits: the first visit we remove the decay and shape the tooth, make an impression and fit the tooth with a temporary crown of either plastic or metal, and the second visit we place the final crown and cement it in place.
A bridge is used when replacing one or more missing teeth by joining permanently to adjacent teeth. The supporting teeth are reduced in size to accommodate the bridge and help correct the alignment and contact with the opposing teeth. Similar to the crown, two visits are usually required for this treatment because an impression of the area is needed to fabricate the bridge.