For most doctors and patients, composite (tooth colored) restorations have replaced amalgam (silver) as the restoration of choice. Tooth colored restorations come in multiple shades and can blend into almost any natural tooth color. A composite is made of light cured plastic.

Often called “caps”, a crown is designed to replace the outer structure of a tooth that has been damaged by decay or trauma. The purpose of the crown is to allow the tooth to function as a solid unit. This is especially important in teeth which have suffered due to a large amount of decay, trauma, or even heavy wear. Most teeth that have been treated by endodontic procedures (root canal treatment) will require a crown restoration.

Traditional crowns are composed of a metal substructure covered by porcelain. More recent advancements in crown fabrication and cementation have allowed the development of crowns that consist of only porcelain.

A “bridge” is a cemented device which can be used to replace a missing tooth. By connecting to a tooth on each side of a space or missing tooth, the gap can be filled to provide better function. Bridge fabrication is similar to that of a crown.

A veneer is a thin porcelain facing used to correct for tooth shape or contour as well as dental disease not involving the complete tooth. This type of restoration is quickly becoming one of the most sought after procedures in dentistry. Because a veneer contains no dark metals, it most effectively reproduces that seen in nature. This ability to mimic natural tooth, often makes the veneer the restoration of choice in front teeth with beautiful results.

Nerve problems can arise from a variety of reasons. The primary cause of nerve disease is decay. Additionally, trauma is another major cause of nerve death. A typical endodontic procedure involves the removal of the nerve, or pulp, from the interior of the tooth. This is followed by medicaments placed into the canal to remove bacteria. Finally, the now empty space is filled with a material to seal the tooth to prevent re-infection. The tooth can then be restored into function.

In the event of a lost or missing tooth, an implant may be considered as a treatment option. An implant involves the placement of a titanium root into the patient’s bone. This treatment is implemented with the end result in mind so that the final restoration functions properly. Implants may replace a single tooth, may be used as bridge supports to replace multiple teeth, or may even be used to help secure a denture or partial.

Removable partials and dentures allow the replacement of individual or multiple teeth in one appliance. A partial can replace a single missing front tooth while the patient heals after implant surgery. A partial can also be used to replace several missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw. When all of a patient’s teeth must be replaced, a denture is fabricated to restore function and esthetics. There are many different types of removable appliances to choose from. They can be retained by your remaining natural teeth in the case of a partial or, they can be “snapped” onto implants for added retention.