Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth. There are several types of bridges. We are happy to discuss the best options for your particular case. The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. This type of bridge consists to two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years, however they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.
VIDEO: Bridge vs. Implant
Crowns
A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crowns) are the most popular. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.
Reasons for crowns
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Cosmetic enhancement
- Decayed teeth
- Fractured fillings
- Large fillings
- Tooth has a root canal
What does getting a crown involve?
There are several types of crowns: full porcelain crowns or crowns made partially or fully with gold.
If a full porcelain crown is being fabricated, you need only have one appointment. Abbett & Associates’ state-of-the-art CEREC® technology provides same-day treatment. To learn more about CEREC®, see below.
When making porcelain forged to gold or a full gold crown, the crown procedure will require two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown. A mold will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.
While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.
At your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.
You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown.
CEREC® —Same Day Crowns
CEREC® is a computer-controlled system that creates a tooth replacement from a single block of white, biocompatible, plaque-resistant ceramic. The effect on your smile is beautiful.
Not only is the restoration far more natural than old-fashioned metal fillings, it can be performed in a single appointment—in just over an hour.
It eliminates the need for an impression and we no longer have to have a laboratory fabricate your crown. A special computerized camera takes an image of the tooth (actually, a pin-sharp optical impression).
Computer technology then helps us produce the restoration from the optical impression. You can actually watch your new tooth take shape as it’s milled by the CEREC®.
CEREC® creates an extremely precise restoration—milling it out of a solid block of ceramic material. Finally, we bond the new restoration to your tooth using the latest techniques in adhesive dentistry.
Call for an appointment at 800-210-0630.
VIDEO: Cracked Tooth
VIDEO: Single Crown
VIDEO: Repairing Posterior Tooth Decay—Progression of Decay
VIDEO: Repairing Posterior Tooth Decay—Single Crown
Dentures and Removable Partial Dentures
If you wear dentures, it may be time for a change. First, because as you get older, your mouth changes shape. The dentures that were fine for years no longer fit well, giving your face a worn, tired look. New dentures could actually make you look years younger. Second, dentures are improving all the time. New advances mean a more perfect fit and a beautiful, more natural look. You owe it to yourself to check out what the dramatic difference in today’s dentures can do for you!
Implants for Denture Wearers
Implants are a wonderful improvement for denture wearers. There’s nothing more irritating than a slipping lower denture and the anxious uncertainty that it can bring. Ill-fitting dentures can accelerate bone loss and impair oral health. The addition of dental implants— permanent restorations anchored in the jaw like natural teeth—can restore bite strength, stability and, most important, self-confidence. Implants aren’t right for everybody. You need sufficient viable bone in the jaw to support them. But the benefits of implants, from improved chewing and speaking efficiency to better nutrition, are undeniable.
Implant Restorations
Implants are a remarkable achievement in dental science. They are permanent restorations anchored in the jaw just like your own teeth. Most people who want dental implants need to steady a shifty denture, or bridge a gap due to lost teeth. Whether as a single-tooth implant, or implants for the entire jaw, dental implants can be an attractive and long-lasting alternative to fixed bridges or partial dentures.
Periodontal Disease
Most patients who visit our office have some degree of periodontal, or gum disease. It’s not that they’re less careful about their oral hygiene. Gum disease is often the result of factors like stress or hormonal changes. That’s why we go over your health history and the medications you’re taking. We x-ray to see if there is bone loss, measure movement in or around your teeth, and look for the bad types of bacteria in your mouth. Only then can we personalize a plan that gets treatment started as soon as possible. Once the disease gets started, there’s no time to lose in keeping it in check. Read more about diagnosis, treatment and maintenance on our Peridontal Disease page.
Read more about your treatment options for periodontal disease.
RECOMMENDED VIDEO: Gingival Probing and Pocket Depth
Restorative
Restorative Dentistry is the art and science of reconstructing existing teeth and aesthetically replacing those beyond repair or missing. Whether it’s a loose filling, a broken crown, or compromised full or partial dentures, we’ll find a way of mending and beautifying your smile. And along with it, your self-confidence.
VIDEO: Missing Tooth Replacement—Single Tooth
VIDEO: Missing Tooth Replacement—Bridge vs. an Implant
Root Canal Therapy
Please note, our office does not provide this treatment but we can refer you to a specialist who does.
Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.
Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.
Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.
Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Severe toothache pain
- Sometimes no symptoms are present
- Swelling and/or tenderness
Reasons for root canal therapy
- Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth)
- Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip
- Injury or trauma to the tooth
What does root canal therapy involve?
A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).
While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.
Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.
At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.
After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.
You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.
Please note: Our office does evaluations and refers to specialists if necessary.
TMJ Disorder
Life today is fast-paced and often stressful—stress that can cause a variety of health problems. An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder which can be caused by stress. Symptoms can take the form of everything from migraines and earaches to neck and shoulder pain. Teeth clenching, a stress-related habit, increases pressure on the jaw, resulting in pain or even locking up the jaw in severe cases. Fortunately, when diagnosed, this disorder can be treated. Dentists are taking the lead in finding solutions.
Please note: Our office does evaluations and refers to specialists if necessary.
