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Restorative Dentistry
Restorative Dentistry is concerned with the care of patients who
require restoration of the oral and the dental tissues. This involves
the disciplines of periodontics (gums), endodontics (root canal therapy
/ removal of dental nerve) and prosthodontics (crowns, bridges and
dentures), which includes dental implants. Restorative dentistry also
includes teeth whitening and tooth colored fillings and veneers. |
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| Outlined below are the various types of
restorative dental procedures. We specialize in making restorative
procedures comfortable for our patients. We have restored many
smiles in the Santa Clarita Valley and we can restore yours too. |
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| Veneers |
A veneer is a thin covering placed over the
tooth that is made of either porcelain or a resin-based composite.
Instead of being applied to the entire tooth like a crown, a veneer is
applied only to the front of the tooth that will be visible. They are
commonly used on upper front teeth for cosmetic or restorative purposes.
They can be used to correct problems such as wide gaps, discoloration,
misshapen teeth, chipped, or worn teeth.
The process of applying a porcelain veneer usually takes two visits.
First, the dentist will remove enamel from the front and sides of the
teeth that are being restored. Next an impression of the tooth is made
and sent to a lab where porcelain veneers are custom made to fit your
individual teeth. Here the dentist will also try to match the color of
your teeth so the veneer will blend in naturally. At the second visit,
the veneer is applied, fitted, and adjusted as needed. It will be bonded
to the existing tooth using dental cement.
A resin-based composite veneer can typically be applied in just one
visit. Similar to the above described process, the enamel of the tooth
is removed and the tooth is prepared. The dentist will apply the
composite in a matching color and sculpt it to fit on the existing tooth
using bonding cement. The composite material is then hardened using a
special light. Once it has hardened, the veneer is cleaned and polished
to fit right in with your natural smile.
Our office provides "DaVinci" veneers as seen in "Extreme Makeover" and
"The Swan". |
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| Whitening |
| There is something so attractive about a
nice bright white smile. With so many tooth whitening products on the
market today, there is an option for everyone. From whitening
toothpastes to at home bleaching kits, a white smile can be achieved.
For those individuals who have more severe discoloration, you may want
to ask about in-office bleaching procedures like Zoom or Zoom II
whitening. This simple procedure involves application of a whitening gel
and a special light to activate the gel. Teeth become six to ten shades
whiter in just a little over an hour! |
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| Tooth Colored Fillings |
| Although silver fillings (also known as
amalgam) remain very common, new advances have allowed other
alternatives that give a more natural looking smile. Using plastic and
ceramic compounds, tooth colored fillings can provide restoration and
repair to the damaged tooth, while at the same time helping you achieve
a natural white smile. These composite tooth colored fillings withstand
moderate resistance and pressure from chewing almost as well as amalgam
fillings, especially in small to mid-size restorations. The composite
material can also be bonded to the tooth at the site of the cavity with
a dental adhesive. |
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| Bonding |
Bonding is a composite resin applied to the
tooth to change its color or shape. This can be used for restorative or
cosmetic purposes. Bonding is commonly used for patients with chipped,
broken, stained, or cracked teeth, and for those with slight gaps
between teeth. To prepare teeth for bonding, an etching solution is
used. The bond material is blended carefully to match the natural color
of the teeth and then applied. It is shaped and contoured appropriately,
hardened using a special light, and then polished to give a smooth
natural appearance. Bonding can usually be completed in just one visit.
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| Crowns & Caps |
An artificial crown is a restorative
procedure that covers or replaces the outer portion of the tooth covered
by enamel. Crowns can be used for restoring a tooth to its normal shape
and size or to correct badly discolored teeth. They can be used to
attach a bridge, fix a cracked or weakened tooth, or to cover a dental
implant.
Our office uses the latest technology in "metal-free" crowns. |
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| Implants |
| Dental implants are ideal for patients who
are missing a tooth. This not only enhances cosmetic appearance, but
also aids in improving speech, preventing shifting of teeth, and
decreasing discomfort from a missing tooth. Implants are surgically
placed into the upper or lower jaw and a screw is inserted into the
implant to prevent debris from entering. The gum is secured over the
implant. It may take up to six months for the implant to fuse with the
bone in a process called osseointegration. Once this process is
completed, the implant is uncovered, and a post or extension is
attached. Finally, an artificial tooth or “crown” is custom made to
match the natural tooth and attached to the post. |
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| Dentures & Partials |
When multiple teeth are missing, removable
partial dentures are often used to replace them, particularly when there
are not enough teeth left to fabricate a fixed bridge. When all the
teeth are missing in an arch, full dentures are placed.
Denture wearers need to maintain good oral hygiene just as if they have
their own teeth. Dentures require cleaning and the tissue they fit on
should be periodically checked by their dentist to make sure they are
fitting well. Poor fitting dentures can cause sore spots, ulcerations or
other problems. After a denture has been in the mouth for several years,
the shape of the ridges might shrink over time. As a result, often
dentures need to be refitted, relined, or remade. This is often done
after every 5-10 years.
We use the latest technology and dental materials for a more realistic
look. We want you to be proud of your smile. |
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