Bridges, Crowns, Dental Implants, Inlays and Onlays, Treating of Periodontal Disease in Exton PA 19341

Bridges
A bridge is an option available to replace a missing tooth or teeth. The replacement of these missing teeth is necessary in order to maintain the proper mouth functions. Tooth loss can affect the way you eat, speak, and the alignment of other teeth in your mouth.

A bridge, by definition, is a link or connection between two permanent structures. A dental bridge is very similar in that it attaches the restorative teeth (bridge) to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. This bridge acts as your new teeth, closing the gap and restoring your smile. Bridges are often constructed of gold and metal foundations with porcelain fused to the foundation. This ensures that the bridge will support the normal functions of the mouth.

There are three main types of bridges:

-Traditional bridges involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between. Traditional bridges are the most common type of bridge and are made of either porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.

-Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth.

-Maryland bonded bridges (also called a resin-bonded bridge or a Maryland bridge) are made of porcelain supported by a metal framework. Metal wings on each side of the bridge are bonded to your existing teeth.

The procedure begins with preparation of the natural teeth, or abutments. We will shape the abutment teeth so the bridge will fit comfortably one each one. The next step is to take an impression of the area. This impression will be taken where your new restoration will be crafted. While this new tooth is created, we will provide you with a temporary restoration that will resemble your natural teeth so that you can continue with your daily life without worrying about a missing or unattractive tooth.

Crowns
A crown is a restoration that covers, or "caps", a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size, strengthening and improving the appearance of a tooth. Crowns are necessary when a tooth is generally broken down and can no longer be filled. If a tooth is cracked, a crown holds the tooth together to seal the cracks so the damage doesn't worsen. Crowns are also used to support a large filling when there isn't enough of the tooth remaining, support a fixed bridge, protect weak teeth from fracturing, restore fractured teeth, or cover misshapen or discolored teeth.

Bridges, Crowns, Dental Implants, Inlays and Onlays, Treating of Periodontal Disease in Exton PA 19341

Dental Implants
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root (synthetic material) that is surgically anchored into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. The benefit of using implants is that they don't rely on neighboring teeth for support, they are permanent and stable. Implants are a good solution to tooth loss because they look and feel like natural teeth.

Implant material is made from different types of metallic and bone-like ceramic materials that are compatible with body tissue. There are different types of dental implants: the first is placed directly into the jaw bone, like natural tooth roots; the second is used when the jaw structure is limited; therefore, a custom-made metal framework fits directly on the existing bone. Strategically placed, implants can now be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost tends to be greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble real teeth.

Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are sometimes referred to as partial crowns. These partial crowns are utilized when there is still a healthy enamel portion of the tooth. An inlay or onlay is like a puzzle piece that will be fitted into the remaining portion of the tooth to help increase its strength. This piece is usually crafted out of porcelain or gold, but can also be made of a composite material. We will make the determination as to which restoration will work best in your specific situation.

The procedure requires two visits. The first visit begins with the removal of all decay in the tooth. Once we have removed the decay we will take an impression. This impression will be sent to our lab where your new restoration will be crafted. While this new tooth is created, we will provide you with a temporary restoration. Our temporary restorations will resemble your natural teeth so that you can continue with your daily life without worrying about a missing or incompatible tooth.

During your second visit to the office, we will proceed with the placement of your final restoration. The inlay/onlay will fit comfortably into your mouth. We will make every effort to ensure that the new restoration feels exactly like one of your own. The final step in the process is to cement the inlay/onlay into your mouth, leaving you with a beautifully restored smile.

Periodontal Disease
When we think of dentistry, most of us naturally think of teeth. While much of our practice is dedicated to tooth care, we also stress the importance of gum or periodontal care. Our gums and bone supporting the teeth are the foundation for a healthy mouth. Many people have periodontal disease and do not realize it, because most often there is no pain associated with it. However, if left untreated, this "silent" condition can lead to tooth loss and significantly impact ones ability to chew and speak. Symptoms of gum disease include the following:

·Bleeding/Swelling of Gums
·Bad breath
·Loosening of the teeth
·Shifting of the teeth
·Difficulty in flossing

Often, gum disease is caused by an accumulation of calculus deposits below the gum line. More commonly known as tartar, calculus acts as a nesting ground for bacteria that can lead to periodontal disease. By removing these deposits, we can make the areas under the gumline a less friendly place for damaging bacteria. This will help control, or possibly eliminate, periodontal disease; helping you retain healthy teeth and gums for life.

Bridges, Crowns, Dental Implants, Inlays and Onlays, Treating of Periodontal Disease in Exton PA 19341

Root Canal Treatment
Although for many people, the words "Root canal" conjures up very unpleasant thoughts, it is perhaps one of the most valuable and surprisingly painless procedures dentistry has to offer. Many teeth which would otherwise require extraction can be saved by this predictable procedure. Every tooth has a nerve which runs through the center. In cases of a large cavity or traumatic injury, the nerve can become permanently damaged or inflamed causing pain or infection. By having the nerve removed, the source of pain or infection is removed. Nerve removal is performed during a root canal procedure using specialized instruments. By doing so, dentists are able to achieve this quickly and safely; thereby rendering the tooth free of any sensation. Because the tooth is "hollowed out", it requires stabilizing from within by the placement of a strength enhancing filling and crown to protect it. Usually, the lifespan of a root canal tooth is equal to, or possibly even better than, the tooth prior to having treatment.