Restorative Dentistry
 At Stansell Dentistry Associates, our goal is to prevent dental problems before they occur. Unfortunately, this is not always possible due to poor oral hygiene, genetics, infrequent checkups, and other risk factors. This is why we also specialize in restorative dentistry. Our restorative services are designed to improve the function and aesthetics of your smile, as well as your overall oral health.
Dental fillings are the best way to restore minor to moderate instances of tooth decay. Most fillings these days consist of a material known as composite resin. Composite resin is an aesthetically-pleasing material that we color-match to the existing shade of your enamel. For this reason, a composite filling is virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your tooth.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that improves the structure and cosmetics of a damaged or decayed tooth. During the procedure, your tooth must be completely reshaped to accommodate the shape of the crown. Once the tooth is reshaped, we will permanently bond the crown to the enamel using a special adhesive. Many crowns are fabricated these days with porcelain, due to its unmatched aesthetics.
A dental bridge is a tooth replacement that typically consists of two dental crowns linked together by a pontic, or false tooth. A traditional bridge is supported by the two surrounding teeth, known as abutment teeth, that we reshape to receive the crowns. A bridge can also be supported by a series of dental implants if multiple adjacent teeth are missing. If you are missing a tooth, a bridge will prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of their proper position.
A dental implant is a small titanium post that we surgically embed into the jawbone. The implant serves as the root component of a prosthetic tooth. Once the implant is in place, it will fuse to the bone during the process of osseointegration. Osseointegration allows the implant to support a restoration against the strongest forces of your bite. For this reason, dental implants are widely considered to be the next best thing to your natural teeth.
A denture is a removable appliance that is usually used to replace one or more missing teeth. A partial denture usually attaches to the surrounding teeth with metal clasps. A complete denture consists of a flesh-colored acrylic base that supports a complete arch of prosthetic teeth. We offer custom-fit dentures as a more comfortable, functional, and durable solution.
Inlays and onlays are ideal for areas of decay too large for a filling, but not large enough to require the placement of a dental crown. The restoration is considered an inlay if it is placed within the occlusal (bite) surface of a tooth. The restoration is considered an onlay if it extends beyond one or more of the occlusal cusps.
There are two types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical. We perform a simple extraction on a tooth that has already erupted above the gumline. We perform a surgical extraction on a tooth that has become impacted, or has yet to erupt, such as wisdom teeth. Extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection and other complications.
Wisdom teeth typically erupt much later than other permanent teeth, which can cause problems for your oral health. At Stansell Dentistry Associates, we provide wisdom teeth extractions to prevent or alleviate these potential problems. The extraction of impacted wisdom teeth typically takes place during a single appointment.
A root canal is a last-ditch effort to save a tooth from extraction. We may recommend a root canal if an infection has spread to the "pulpy" center of the tooth that contains nerve endings and other connective tissues. Once the infection has been removed, we fill the canals with a rubber-like material known as gutta-percha. A tooth that has received root canal treatment typically needs to be capped with a crown.
FAQs
What is restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry focuses on improving the function and aesthetics of your teeth and oral health. It includes treatments like fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, and more to repair damage and replace missing teeth.
What is the difference between a dental filling and a dental crown?
A dental filling is used to restore small to moderate tooth decay and is typically made from composite resin that matches your natural tooth color. A dental crown, on the other hand, is a tooth-shaped cap that restores a severely damaged or decayed tooth by covering it entirely.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once integrated with the bone, the implant can support a crown, bridge, or denture, providing a stable and long-lasting tooth replacement solution.
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are restorations used to repair larger areas of decay that are too extensive for a filling but do not require a full crown. An inlay fits within the biting surface of the tooth, while an onlay extends to cover one or more cusps of the tooth.
When is a root canal necessary?
A root canal is necessary when the inner pulp of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma. The procedure removes the infected tissue, seals the canals, and often requires a crown to restore the tooth.
What are the options for replacing missing teeth?
Options for replacing missing teeth include dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures. Implants provide a permanent and stable solution, bridges replace one or more adjacent missing teeth, and dentures are removable appliances for replacing multiple teeth or a full arch.
Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about our restorative services call 984-477-0177, and schedule your appointment now! |
