For further restorative dentistry or dental implant procedure information, contact our Center City, Philadelphia practice.
Dear Barry,
Just a quick note to thank you for fitting me in when we were in Philly (2 times!) and for doing such a great job on these arch bars. You made me pain-free for the first time in a while.
You make going to the dentist an enjoyable, humorous and successful experience. We love you so much.
Thank you!
- Babe and Paul
General dentistry focuses on maintaining the health of teeth and gums, while cosmetic dentistry enhances the aesthetics of patients’ smiles. At JFK Dental Care, we offer a wide range of procedures from both disciplines. Some patients, however, are in need of treatment from another branch of dentistry altogether. When teeth are badly decayed, broken, or missing, restorative treatment can return function and stability to a patient’s smile. Read on to learn more about the dental implant procedure and find information about other restorative dentistry options provided at our Center City, Philadelphia practice.
The most advanced option for the replacement of missing teeth, dental implants come as close as possible to reproducing the comfort and function of natural teeth. Because dental implants are fixed in the jawbone, they do not slip and shift the way dentures do. They also do not rely on adjacent teeth for support, as a bridge does.
A dental implant consists of a metal anchor that is implanted into the jawbone and a porcelain dental crown that is affixed to the anchor. It is the closest artificial alternative to a natural tooth.
Dental implants are an excellent restorative dentistry option for patients who are missing one or more teeth but have healthy gum tissue and sufficient bone support. Replacing missing teeth not only improves speaking and chewing ability, it also prevents the bone deterioration that results from the loss of a tooth. Dental implants can provide aesthetic improvement as well. People missing most or all of their teeth often have a sunken appearance in their face that can be eliminated by replacing the missing teeth. Also, since even a single missing tooth can mar an otherwise beautiful smile, dental implants offer a very natural-looking solution to this common problem. To find out more about this restorative dentistry option, the dental implant procedure, or related information, contact our Center City, Philadelphia practice today.
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A more traditional tooth replacement option is a dental bridge. A bridge consists of an artificial tooth mounted between two dental crowns. The crowns are affixed to the teeth on either side of the empty space, “bridging” the gap. This restores both chewing ability and a natural appearance. This restorative dentistry procedure is typically used to replace one or two teeth on the same side of the mouth, although it may be possible to create a bridge for a larger space. It is always necessary for strong, healthy teeth to be on either side of the space, however, to provide proper support and stability for the restoration.
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If a tooth is severely damaged at the crown level (the visible portion of the tooth) but still has a healthy, intact root, a dental crown may be the best restorative dentistry option. A crown is designed to fit over the top of a tooth, protecting it while adding strength and stability. All-porcelain crowns blend in naturally with surrounding teeth, providing restoration and cosmetic enhancement at the same time. Crowns are also used in the application of dental bridges. A false tooth is mounted between two crowns, which are then placed over the teeth adjacent to the space.
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A cavity or chip that occurs near the back of the mouth, where significant chewing force is an issue, can often be addressed using an inlay or an onlay, also known as indirect fillings. Unlike ordinary fillings, these restorative dentistry devices are custom-created in a lab from a durable porcelain or composite material and affixed to the tooth using a dental adhesive. They are able not only to restore damaged dental tissue and protect the tooth, but to add strength to the tooth structure as well.
Inlays and onlays differ only in the way that they are used. An inlay is used to restore material between the cusps (points) of a tooth; for example, by filling a cavity at the center of a molar. An onlay, on the other hand, replaces tooth structure that includes one or more of the cusps and any portion of the chewing surface.
The procedure for placing an inlay or onlay begins the same way as the procedure for placing a filling. First, the tooth must be cleaned and all decayed material must be removed. Then, instead of adding a filling, the dentist will make an impression of the tooth. Using this impression, the inlay or onlay will be created at a dental lab to precisely fit the cavity. Meanwhile, a temporary restoration will be put in place to protect the tooth.
During a subsequent visit, the inlay or onlay will be checked for fit and then bonded to the tooth using dental cement.
Inlays and onlays are a long-lasting restorative dentistry option when cared for properly. It is important to practice good at-home dental care and to visit the dentist regularly for dental exams.
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Patients who are missing all or some of their teeth have the option of wearing full or partial dentures. Unlike dental implants or bridges, dentures are removable, allowing patients to take them out for cleaning and before they go to sleep. Dentures are a good option for people who are not candidates for dental implants or bridges, or who prefer not to undergo the dental implant procedure.
There are two types of full dentures: immediate and conventional. Immediate dentures are made ahead of time and placed as soon as the teeth are removed. Conventional dentures are made after the removal of the teeth and placed once the gums have had an opportunity to heal.
The advantage of immediate dentures is that patients do not have to go without teeth during the six- to eight-week healing process. However, as the gums heal, they change shape slightly, so immediate dentures may come to fit less well over time. Conventional dentures, on the other had, are made after the gums have reached a more stable shape, so they do not need to be replaced or relined as soon.
While full dentures are held in place with the muscles of the cheeks and tongue, partial dentures are attached to existing teeth with metal clasps or other devices.
Whether full or partial dentures are used, a period of adjustment will be required before they become comfortable and natural to use. It is also important to keep dentures clean and to continue to practice good oral care at home and attend regular dental checkups.
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For more restorative dentistry or dental implant procedure information, contact our Center City, Philadelphia practice today.