Restorative Care
D E N T A L F I L L I N G S
One of the most common dental procedures is dental filling. The goal of doing a dental filling is to remove the tooth decay, restore function and prevent the progress of the cavity. There are many options for filling including a variety of composite resin materials, porcelain, fluoride-releasing glass ionomer, gold, and amalgam. The material that’s chosen depends on the situation and the goals of treatment.
C R O W N S
A crown, or a cap, is a protective cover used to cover a damaged, or weakened tooth. The crown restores the tooth and protects it from further damage. Crowns can also be used to cover a discoloured or misshapen tooth. A tooth fixed with a crown looks and works very much like a natural tooth and can be made of different materials.
R O O T C A N A L
Although we try to save teeth as much as possible, sometimes a root canal is required. Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is the process of removing infected, injured or dead pulp from your tooth. After a root canal treatment, your tooth has to be restored to look, feel and work as much like a natural tooth as possible. Usually a crown is needed to protect a root canal treated tooth from fracture.
T O O T H R E P L A C E M E N T
Ideal teeth are natural teeth, but sometimes teeth are lost. The consequences of tooth loss on a person can lead to further deterioration of remaining teeth, altered speech, ineffective chewing of food that leads to poor nutrition, loss of self confidence, concern about appearance, and emotional consequences. There are options to replacing missing teeth, such as dental implants, bridges, partial or complete dentures or a combination of the above.
D E N T A L I M P L A N T S
Implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They are comfortable and look like natural teeth. A dental implant is an artificial root made of titanium metal. It is inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of the natural tooth. An artificial replacement tooth is attached to the implant. The implant acts as a support to hold the replacement tooth in place.
B R I D G E S
The bridge is held firmly in place by natural teeth on each side of the missing one(s) or by dental implants (an artificial root made of titanium metal that is inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of the natural tooth). A bridge is permanent and cannot be removed.
D E N T U R E S
Dentures are removable artificial replacements for your natural teeth and gums. They can replace only a few teeth or a complete set. Dentures can be made of different materials, and can be supported by dental implants.