Restorative Dentistry
The goal of restorative dentistry is to repair or replace tooth structure lost to disease (cavities) or trauma. In our office we practice a minimally invasive approach that preserves as much of the tooth as possible. Most importantly, we focus on prevention and enhancing health instead of just reacting to disease-“drilling and filling.”The next step is identifying problems early; this way the solution is the simplest and least invasive (like a small filling for a small cavity instead of a root canal and crown if the cavity is large). This is the best way to ensure the tooth has a chance to last a lifetime. Today there are a wide range of materials that Dr. Grote can use to aesthetically restore the health of your damaged tooth or teeth.
Dental Fillings
Direct restorations or “filings” are used when damage is limited and there is sufficient remaining tooth to support the material. Today, composite resin (a tooth colored material) is used to repair the tooth instead of silver amalgam. The main advantage is that resin bonds to the tooth which helps us preserve more of your own tooth structure which improves the longevity of the filling and the life of the tooth. Dr. Grote One of the most common questions we get in our office is : “How long is this going to last?” The answer is: “It depends on three things: how big or small the restoration is, how well it is done, and how it is maintained.” The smaller the filling, the longer it will last. And when it eventually needs replacement (nothing lasts forever!), the replacement restoration still has tooth to support it. As for quality-we aim for perfection in our work and guarantee everything for quality and durability. The final and most important part of the equation is maintenance. Firstly, how did the problem occur? And what do we change to avoid recurrence? One of the most important parts of our job (and the one most likely to be skipped in the past) is to teach you what it takes to keep the filling and tooth healthy-things like proper brushing and flossing techniques. In this way, we partner with you to help you keep your teeth for a lifetime.
Dental Bonding
Composite fillings (often called “bonding”) are composed of a tooth colored resin that is adapted to the tooth and hardened with a special light. Prior to bonding, an etchant is placed to roughen the surface, and a primer agent is then applied so the bond will adhere properly.
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Composite Dental Bonding
Bonding is a procedure in which we apply a tooth-colored composite material to a tooth, shape it, allow it to harden and polish it. It can be used in certain situations where a tooth has been damaged or become stained. These are generally minor repairs, ones that can be resolved through this relatively inexpensive means rather than through a more costly dental procedure.
Here’s How it Works
The dentist prepares the tooth surface so that the bonding material will adhere. Once that’s been applied, the dentist will shape it so that it has a natural appearance. Then the material is allowed to harden, usually with the help of a light. Finally, the composite is polished and buffed so that the surface is smooth.
This is not a process that is recommended if you are a smoker as smoke causes staining. Also, the material is not as durable as porcelain veneers and crowns so it chips more easily; eventually it may require replacing.
Bonding is a perfectly adequate and more affordable solution to certain dental problems. Dental bonding can take less time to accomplish and may not even require anesthesia. Depending upon the issue, insurance may cover it.
Please don’t procrastinate if you have a dental problem but are worried about the time, cost, or pain involved. Perhaps dental bonding can offer you a solution. Give us a call so we can discuss options with you.
Crowns & Bridges
Dental Crowns
Crowns are used to restore teeth severely damaged by fracture or decay. After the tooth surface is cleaned and prepared, the crown is placed to cover the remainder of the tooth. The crown strengthens the tooth structure and helps prevent future decay. Crowns also improve the tooth’s look, shape and alignment.
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Dental 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 the tooth structure giving the tooth a longer life than it would have if restored by fillings or other types of restorations.
There are three common types of crowns: all porcelain (tooth colored), porcelain fused to metal, and gold. All porcelain crowns are very aesthetically pleasing, but usually recommended for front teeth only. Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns are a metal-based crown with porcelain baked to the outside for a cosmetically appealing look.
Gold crowns are often recommended for back teeth where the crown cannot be seen. Gold crowns are most like your natural teeth and your tissue adapts best to this material.
If a crown is diagnosed for the extent of decay present, Dr. Grote will discuss what type of crown would be best for you.
Reasons for Crowns
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Cosmetic enhancement
- Decayed teeth
- Fractured fillings
- Large fillings
- Tooth has had a root canal
What Does Dental Crown Treatment Involve?
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include numbing and preparing the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to fit the crown. After the preparation, the dentist will take impressions that will be used to create your custom crown at the dental lab. After the impression is taken, a temporary crown will be placed and you will wear this for approximately two weeks.
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 crown. As always, proper oral hygiene will help extend the life of your new crown.
Dental Bridges
Bridges are used to replace a missing tooth in both a cosmetic and functional fashion. A bridge structure is one or more artificial teeth anchored in place by natural teeth, crowns or implants on each side of the bridge. Using a bridge to fill the gap from missing teeth helps restore proper bite. It also prevents teeth from shifting to fill the gap (which may lead to additional bite and jaw joint issues). Bridges can be constructed from gold, porcelain and metal, or ceramic.
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Dental 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 will 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 of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached on either side of the artificial teeth (pontics), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
Bridges are highly durable and will last many years with proper homecare; however, they may need to be replaced or re-cemented due to normal wear.
Reasons for a Fixed Bridge
- Fill space of missing teeth
- Maintain facial shape
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
- Restore chewing and speaking ability
- Restore your smile
- Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance
What Does Getting a Fixed Bridge Involve?
Getting a bridge usually requires two or more visits. While the teeth are numb, the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown. Next, a highly accurate impression (mold) is made which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated. In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for about two weeks until your next appointment.
At the second visit, the temporary bridge will be removed, and your new bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented or bonded.
You will receive care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new bridge.
Dental Implants
Implants may be the best option for replacing missing teeth. An implant is a titanium post that is attached directly to the jawbone. After the bone and surrounding tissue has healed, an artificial tooth is attached to the implant. Implants provide superior benefits compared to bridges as they do not depend on neighboring teeth for structural support. Implants are the closest dental structure in durability to natural teeth and have greater cosmetic appeal.
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Dental Implants
A dental implant is a post made of metal that is designed to replace missing teeth. It is usually made out of titanium and is placed surgically into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. Unlike a bridge, an implant is a more permanent solution.
You have several options when replacing teeth; it isn’t limited to crowns and conventional bridges or dentures. Dental implants are aesthetically pleasing and feel very natural. Implants are surgically placed below the gums over a series of appointments. With time, they fuse to the jawbone and serve as a base for individual replacement teeth, bridges or dentures.
Through a process called osseointegration, implants offer stability because they fuse to your bone. Integration of the implants into your jaw also helps your replacement teeth feel more natural. Some patients have reported that the secure fit is more comfortable than alternatives. Dental implant candidates must have healthy gums and bone to support the implant.
Reasons for Dental Implants
- Keep the look and feel of a real tooth where one is missing
- Maintain healthy bone levels
- Help support overdentures
What Does a Dental Implant Involve?
- Implant Site Preparation: To prepare the site, the gum tissue is opened to expose the bone area. If there is insufficient bone structure, bone grafting may be recommended. With healthy bone, a special drill is used to prepare the bone to receive the implant.
- Placing the Implant: The implant is placed into the healthy bone and the tissue is sutured. The sutures are removed in seven to ten days. It is normal to expect three to six months to heal entirely. Osseointegration occurs over this time period allowing the implant to become part of the upper or lower jaw.
- Attaching the Post: A special post is attached to the implant when the gum tissue is ready. This post is the support for the new porcelain crown. Zirconium abutments attached to the implant post assure that the new porcelain tooth has translucency properties similar to a natural tooth.
- Placing the Crown: The new crown is made from impressions taken and shaded to match your existing teeth. The crown is cemented over the post. The final prosthetic crown appears as your natural tooth.
Smoking tends to lead to a high rate of failure in implants, so dental implants are not the best option for patients who are actively smoking. We will help you determine whether dental implants will be a good tooth replacement option for you. Proper brushing and flossing will maximize the longevity of your new dental implant.
Same-Day Crowns
When a tooth has had a significant amount of work done, or if it has decayed to the point that its structural integrity has been compromised, having a crown placed is often a viable option for restoration. A traditional crown is a custom-made cap, made in a dental laboratory, that fits over your existing tooth. We now offer same-day crowns which, as the name implies, are made in our office and fitted on your tooth all in one visit! Same-day crowns are made possible thanks to computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM).
Traditional Dental Crown Procedure
When a tooth is not structurally strong enough to continue performing the functions required of it, we will place a crown. For a traditional crown, we take an impression of the tooth to send to a dental lab which will fabricate your new crown. The dental lab will construct an exact match of the tooth we are replacing. This will take two to three weeks.
After we have made an impression of your tooth, it will then be prepared to receive the crown. During preparation we remove any fillings or decay present in the tooth and shape it to accept the crown. After preparation, a temporary crown is placed on your tooth and secured. The temporary crown will act exactly as your normal tooth would until your next appointment. At your next appointment, we will replace the temporary crown with the permanent crown using a long-lasting adhesive.
For those who don’t want to make two trips to see us, we offer same-day crowns.
Same-Day Crown Procedure
The process for receiving a same-day crown is very similar to the process for receiving a traditional crown but it is crafted in our office as soon as we take the impression of your tooth. The method for taking an impression of your teeth is different, in that instead of taking a putty mold of your tooth, we take a digital impression of it. This is accomplished by dusting your tooth with a reflective powder and scanning it with a handheld wand. Using this method we get an accurate 3D model of your tooth which we use to construct the same-day crown.
The construction of a same-day crown is done in our office. It is done by a CEREC® machine that uses the 3D image of your tooth to carve a piece of ceramic material into the exact shape of your tooth. The color of the crown is closely matched to your surrounding teeth and is finished by staining and glazing it to ensure a great aesthetic and functional fit. The function and lifetime of traditional and same-day crowns are exactly the same. This means that the only trade-off you make when you receive a same-day crown as opposed to a traditional crown is not having to come back to our office!
If you have any questions about crowns or same-day crowns, please give our office a call at 530-756-8800.
