Restorative Procedures
Most people find themselves in need of restorative dentistry at some point in their life, whether as a result of tooth decay or outside trauma. Discovering areas of decay quickly ensures that procedures can be minimally invasive. Our restorative solutions effectively treat all phases of tooth decay and irregularities, from simple fillings to tooth replacements.
At Southwest Dental, we offer the following restorative dental solutions:
Fillings
Left unchecked, plague and tarter will lead to the development of dental cavities.
Cavities are small holes in the structure of the tooth. After removing all areas affected by this decay, the dentist will fill the space with a composite or silver filling. Recently, composite fillings have become a more popular solution due to their natural appearance.
Porcelain Inlays & Onlays
Teeth that have been affected by moderate decay are in need of restoration and reinforcement.
Upon removing the decaying tooth structure, the dentist will create an impression of the area in need of restoration. From this impression, an inlay or onlay will be created out of porcelain. Inlays are placed in the inner molars of teeth, while onlays are used to restore the chewing surfaces of the affected teeth. Porcelain inlays and onlays provide extremely strong and durable solutions with natural looking results.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are often recommended to strengthen and restore teeth that have been badly affected by decay, or other abnormalities.
A crown is used like a cap, covering the entire visible surface of the tooth. Much like an inlay or onlay restoration, crowns require an impression to be taken so that a customized crown can be built. Made of porcelain, crowns give a natural appearance and durable solution for badly damaged teeth.
Porcelain Fixed Bridges
Fixed bridges are often recommended for patients who are missing teeth.
A porcelain fixed bridge can improve the appearance and function of a patients' smile, restoring missing teeth with a permanent solution. This solution ensures that a patient can properly chew and speak. Bridges also help to combat the effects of missing teeth, such as shifting teeth, sunken jaws, and costly jaw and joint problems.
Root Canal Therapy
When different forms of bacteria infect the pulp of a tooth, it results in a painful infection that may eventually lead to the loss of the tooth.
The pulp of a tooth serves as the blood supply and nerve center of a tooth. Bacteria can gain access to this critical part of a tooth through a deep cavity or fracture. During a root canal, the dentist will clear away the infected pulp, replacing it with a rubber sealant. A protective cap, or crown, will be placed over top of the tooth to provide an esthetically pleasing barrier against future infections.