Dental restorations, commonly known as fillings, are placed after the removal newly found decay or decay found under a current filling. The decay can be found either by an exam that includes an x-ray. The filling replaces the damaged part of the tooth. These treatments are commonly called “fillings” because new bonded resin material  fills the cavity/hole left after the decay is removed.

If caught early, cavities can be treated easily and painlessly and with good success if maintained with a healthy diet, brushing and cleaning in-between teeth and regular dental check-ups. But, if left untreated, decay can lead to unnecessary pain and more costly treatment.

Sealants are used to fill-in the crevices called “fissures” which are mostly seen on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. These fissures can be narrow and deep enough that even by the thinnest bristles of your toothbrush cannot reach into them to clean out the bacterial plaque in these fissures. The bacteria in plaque make acids from the foods we eat which over time may dissolve tooth enamel and make a hole or a cavity.

Your dental hygienist or dental assistant can block the bacterial plaque that leads to tooth decay from entering into these deep fissures.  A flowable resin material is placed and cured to hardness which “seals” out cavity-causing plaque. The added bonus is that the tooth’s surface is easier to clean with your toothbrush! Remember, these sealants are like any filling.  They must be examined at your regular dental check-ups to ensure that they continue to protect your teeth.

How can we know if there is decay between teeth if we do not look?  X-rays are one of the most valuable tools in the diagnostic process. We cannot “see” cavities between teeth without the help of digital x-rays.

Digital x-rays become even more important to check for tooth decay when a patient is not flossing or cleaning in-between teeth regularly. For those worried about exposure, digital radiology allows us to take x-rays using 50-70% less radiation than traditional x-rays. Digital x-ray technology allows us to enlarge images for best diagnosis and to better show you a concern.

Full coverage crowns are a treatment option for broken down or cracked teeth. A crown, or “cap”, covers most or all of a tooth to protect it from further damage. A full coverage crown is often recommended when a tooth has a large cavity, filling, or root canal that compromises the strength of the tooth, or when a tooth has visible cracks that may lead to fracture. “Cracked Tooth Syndrome” is when a fractured tooth causes severe pain when biting down or eating. This is a condition that should be addressed quickly. Otherwise, it may lead to severe pain, infection, or even tooth loss.

Dentures are a technique to replace teeth that have been lost due to tooth decay, gum disease, injury, or other health related concerns.  No one wants to lose their natural teeth, but partial or full dentures make it possible to chew, speak and smile with confidence again. All removable partial and complete dentures are custom made for each patient, and involve a series of appointments to design and fit the replacement teeth.