Tooth Colored Fillings
Fillings and Restorations Lead to Better Oral Health
Tooth Fillings
We are a mercury-free practice. However, many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. These fillings aren’t aesthetically appealing, and we now know that silver/mercury fillings result in weaker tooth structure. Porcelain onlays/inlays and Tooth-Colored Restorations (composites) create fillings that are not only beautiful, but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are aesthetically pleasing and very strong due to new bonding technology.
Disadvantages of Silver Fillings:
Silver fillings have numerous drawbacks. The edges of the fillings will wear down, become weak or even break. This means that the tooth won’t be protected and lets cavities begin to form again. With age, silver fillings expand, contract, and can split.
Silver fillings contain 50% mercury. They can corrode, leak, and cause stains on your teeth and gums. Fortunately, silver fillings can be replaced with Tooth-Colored Restorations.
Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations
There are many advantages to Tooth-Colored Restorations. Resin composites are bonded to the teeth which creates a tight fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used when much of the tooth structure has been lost. This allows the tooth to remain strong and intact.
Since the resin used in Tooth-Colored Restorations contains fluoride, it helps prevent decay. The resin wears like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums.
All of these benefits contribute to a beautiful smile.
Dental Implants
Replace Any Missing Teeth with Dental Implants
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function just as natural teeth. Those who have lost teeth can regain the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence. The implants are small, titanium posts which are placed into the jaw where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong base for artificial replacement teeth. Also, dental implants can help preserve facial structure by preventing bone deterioration that normally occurs when teeth are missing. Dental implants are changing people’s lives! With implants people can once again enjoy comfort and confidence when they eat, speak, and laugh.
Evaluation for Dental Implants
If you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we request that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs will be addressed by either Dr. Guess or an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon referred by our practice. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.
Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants are metal anchors, which act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts serve as stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed in the jawbone. For the first 3 to 6 months following the initial surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary restorations and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, we will be designing the final bridgework or denture, which will improve both function and appearance.
After the implants have bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. The surgeon will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. Dr. Guess will then start creating your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The replacement teeth are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes 6 to 8 months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily lives.
Crowns and Bridges
Repair Damaged Teeth with High Quality Dental Crowns/Bridges
Most dentistry looks like your teeth have changed. Our goal is to provide dentistry that is undetectable. We replace existing crowns/bridges and fillings with restorations that look and feel like natural teeth.
When damage to a person’s teeth is extreme, and seemingly beyond repair, we can use porcelain crowns/bridges to make the smile appear as good as new. This is an extremely reliable and effective technique for repairing the most severe dental problems. Porcelain crowns/bridges can permanently replace missing teeth and offer a complete smile and a functional bite. We are known for the quality of our work and the fantastic changes we produce by using this technology. Crowns/bridges are used as long-lasting corrections of major dental problems. It is usual for these treatments to last for 20 to 30 years.
How long does it take to place a dental crown/bridge ?
Placing a crown/bridge requires at least 2 visits to our office. Initially, we will remove decay, shape the tooth, and fit it with a temporary crown/bridge of either plastic or metal.
During the next visit, we remove the temporary crown/bridge, fit, and then adjust the final crown/bridge. Finally, we cement the crown/bridge into place, resulting in a beautiful, new tooth.
Key Benefits of Dental Crowns/Bridges
- Replaces missing teeth
- Offers support to misshapen, or badly broken teeth
- Looks completely natural
- Fixes “smile” and functional chewing problems
What are the capabilities of crowns/bridges?
Crowns and bridgework are a very reliable solution for major dental problems caused through accidents, diseases, or wear and tear. Major problems can usually be corrected through these techniques. The materials used in these repairs include high-grade porcelain, or porcelain bonded to gold. An even higher strength of porcelain and gold material is recommended to treat the worst dental problems. Where accidental damage has occurred, resulting in lost teeth, where teeth have broken away because of excessive wear, or as the result of old fillings breaking, crowns and/or bridges can be used as a long-term solution.
Many people have unexplained pain from filled back teeth, which is generally caused by hairline cracks in the chewing area of the tooth. Placing crowns on these teeth relieves the pain and allows a return of full dental function for these teeth. In front teeth, older fillings can both weaken the teeth and cause the appearance of problems due to staining or chipping. Porcelain crowns and bridges are suitable in cases where porcelain veneers are not. In teeth with root canals, crowns can prevent teeth from breaking.
