Restorative Dentistry for Residents of Sarnia and Surrounding Areas

Crowns

Crowns are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged or to replace missing teeth. A crown also called a cap, is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthens the tooth, but it can also dramatically improve the tooth's appearance, shape and alignment. Crowns can also be used to restore a fractured tooth, cover a dental implant or discoloured tooth, protect a weak tooth from fracturing, cover a root canal, and replace a large filling when there is little tooth structure remaining.

 

Bridges

A bridge is an ideal method to fill the space created by missing teeth. A bridge is one or more artificial teeth that are cemented into place using the real teeth on either side for support--hence the name. Bridges are a perfect option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. A bridge replaces the missing tooth both functionally and cosmetically. Bridge materials include gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy or all-ceramic material made to match your natural tooth colour. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear and/or aesthetics.

 

Dentures and Partial Dentures

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available: partial dentures and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain and complete dentures are used to replace all teeth. Dentures are made to resemble your natural teeth, so there should be no noticeable change to appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve a smile!

 

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy or endodontic therapy is used to save an infected or damaged tooth and avoid having to remove it. A root canal becomes necessary when the tooth pulp becomes infected. Once the pulp becomes infected, it can also eat away the surrounding bone which is called an abscess. Infected pulp is very painful and can also weaken the entire immune system.

 

Symptoms of infected pulp may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain with biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms, and you are unaware of any problem until a check-up.

 

Implant Restoration

A dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth for reasons like injury or periodontal disease. After a metal post is placed, the restoration is completed with a replacement crown. While implants are typically more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement, they provide superior benefits. They are also a more favourable approach than bridgework because they do not depend on neighbouring teeth for support.

 

Implants require healthy gums and adequate bone. A patient must also be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits, as these are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.