Restorative dentistry treatments aim to restore oral health and function by fixing problems that have caused you pain or discomfort. At White Oak Dental LLC, these include procedures such as dental crowns, bridges, inlays, and onlays. The goal of restorative dentistry is to restore your smile to how it once was or even better. If left untreated, minor problems can become more severe over time. Additionally, we often prevent major problems from occurring in the first place with routine examinations and cleanings.
Composite Dental Fillings
Composite dental fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, are used to repair teeth damaged by decay or structural damage. The filling material is made of durable resin and glass particles that blend in with your smile. By replacing your amalgam fillings with white composite fillings, you eliminate any possibility of harmful exposure. In addition to being aesthetically appealing, white fillings are considered safe because they do not contain metal ions that can leak into your mouth and cause corrosion.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed, non-removable tooth replacement option made of porcelain and anchored by two dental crowns. The bridge fills in the gap between your remaining healthy teeth and closes the gap left behind by a missing tooth or teeth. The crowns are bonded to the supporting abutment teeth on either side of the gap. When cared for properly, a bridge can last a lifetime.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged, decayed, or fractured tooth to restore the tooth's standard shape, size, and function. The crown can be made from various materials, including metal alloys, fused ceramics, or a combination of metals and ceramics. Ceramic crowns are the most popular because they can be matched to the exact color of your natural teeth. The material can also be selected to match the strength of the treated compromised tooth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are metal posts that replace the roots of missing teeth and serve as anchors for dental crowns and bridges or as support for dentures. While traditional bridges and dentures only replace the tooth's visible part, implant-supported restorations restore the entire tooth structure - above and below the gum line. This contributes to better oral health and overall well-being since teeth restored with dental implants are less likely to develop decay and periodontal disease in the long term.
Dental Inlays And Onlays
Inlays and onlays are restorations that sit between the cusps or points on the teeth’s biting surface. They can be made of composite resin or porcelain, and they’re custom-made by a dental technician in a dental lab based on an impression of your teeth taken by your dentist. An inlay is used when the damage is within the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is used to repair a larger tooth area, including the cusps.
Root Canal Treatments
A root canal treatment can be necessary when tooth decay has become severe enough to cause the tooth's pulp to become infected and inflamed. The pulp is the inner tissue of the tooth that contains the nerves, blood supply, and connective tissues that keep the tooth alive and healthy. When it becomes infected, it must be removed to prevent the spread of infection to the rest of the mouth. Once the pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth will be disinfected and filled with a material called gutta-percha. This material is biocompatible and helps restore the tooth's normal function. Without treatment, an infected tooth may require an extraction.
Dentures
A denture is a removable appliance that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. Tooth loss can occur for several reasons, including tooth decay or injury. If left untreated, missing teeth can cause difficulty chewing, speaking, and shifting teeth.
Two main types of dentures are available depending on your specific needs: partial and complete. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain and can be used to fill in where permanent teeth are absent. Full dentures are used to replace all of the teeth on your upper or lower arch of teeth.
Visit White Oak Dental LLC at 11247 Lockwood Dr. Suite A, Silver Spring, MD 20901, or call (301) 681-6306 for the best dental care and more information about popular dental procedures.
