Restorative dentistry is centered on replacing teeth that have suffered damage as well mouths in which there are missing teeth. Dentists remove and also repair cavities and other oral health problems when providing general restorative treatments. These treatments are also helpful for patients who require significant repairs as a result of oral injuries or trauma. If you can benefit from such multifaceted care or suspect you might, dial (813) 879-6370 to schedule an appointment with our dental practice.
The overarching aim of restorative dentistry is to preserve the teeth and restore their feel, shape and look. Restorative dentistry repairs damaged teeth with the use of bonding treatment or dental fillings. Restorative dentistry also restores missing components of tooth structure with direct or indirect restorations. Examples of such restorations include bridges, implants and dentures. The restorative dental materials used in such treatments and procedures include metals, polymers, ceramics, resins, amalgam alloys and other materials. These materials are used to fabricate everything from crowns to dentures, implants, cavity fillings and additional dental restorations.
Crowns
Dental crowns are restorations with the same color of the teeth. These restorations are used to replace the structure of the tooth that is missing. Dental crowns are added to dental implants, teeth where decay has occurred, fractured teeth and teeth in which root canals have been performed. Crowns can also function as a cap that fully covers the tooth, restoring its functionality, shape and size so it matches that of a regular tooth.
General & Cosmetic Dentistry in Tampa, FL will determine if you are a candidate for a crown. The location and function of the tooth in question, the color of the nearby teeth and the positioning of gum tissue all play a role in determining whether a patient should receive a crown.
Dental crown placement involves lightly filing down the outer enamel of the tooth. The dentist takes impressions of the trimmed tooth and nearby teeth. A temporary crown is put in place for protection. The impressions are transmitted to a dental lab so the crown can be made. The dentist cements the crown in position to preserve the tooth.
Bridges
A dental bridge is a restorative dental device that replace missing teeth. The bridge fills the space in the mouth where a tooth fell out or was extracted due to damage. If you have such a gap in your mouth or require tooth extraction and a subsequent bridge or dental implant, dial (813) 879-6370 to schedule an appointment at our office. The bridge added to your mouth will fill the space or we will add dental implants to the sides for functional and aesthetic restoration.
Bridges typically rest on the healthy teeth to the sides of the opening. These teeth are referred to as the abutment teeth. Such teeth require reshaping prior to the placement of the dental bridge. A local anesthetic is applied so you do not feel discomfort during the procedure. The dentist takes impressions of the abutment teeth and transmits them to the dental lab so your personalized bridge can be made. You might be provided with a temporary bridge comprised of filling material until your permanent bridge is made and placed.
Composite Fillings
Wouldn’t it be nice if the decayed portion of your tooth could be replaced with a composite filling that looks just like regular teeth? That is exactly what our dental practice provides. The days of silver fillings are giving way to a new era in which composite fillings that look like natural teeth take center stage. Also referred to as white fillings, composite fillings really do replicate the look and function of a normal tooth. If you need a cavity filled, if you suspect you might need a filling or if you have not been to the dentist’s office in six months, contact us at (813) 879-6370 to schedule an appointment.
An anesthetic is applied prior to the addition of the composite filling. The dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth. The tooth is then cleaned with water and air. The tooth is dried and etched with dental acid so the composite filling can firmly connect to the tooth. A bonding agent coats the tooth surface prior to the addition of the composite filling. The filling is added to the cavity of the tooth and shaped as necessary. The dentist shines a light in the mouth to activate the filling so it hardens. The filling is then trimmed and polished for the optimal finish.
Dentures/Partials
Instead of living with a gap between your teeth or without teeth at all, opt for dentures. If you are missing all of your teeth or if the dentist insists your teeth should be replaced, full dentures will prove quite helpful. If you are missing one or a couple teeth or if you need a tooth or several teeth extracted, partials are preferable. Dial (813) 879-6370 to schedule an appointment with our dental practice so we can review your unique oral health challenges and determine if you can benefit from full or partial dentures.
Full dentures are prosthetic teeth that replace teeth that are extracted due to decay/damage or teeth that have simply fallen out of the mouth. Full dentures replace the lower teeth and/or upper teeth while partial dentures replace groups of teeth as opposed to an entire row. Partial dentures connect to the teeth that remain. Partials are partially favored as they have a segment that is the same color as the gums to blend in just right with the gum tissue in your mouth. Overdentures, an alternative to regular dentures, are also available, combining conventional denture tech with the latest dental implant innovations.
Root Canal Treatments (Based on level of complexity)
If the dentist states you need a root canal treatment, do not panic! Root canals are not as painful as most people make them out to be. If you suspect you might need a root canal or know you need one, dial (813) 879-6370 and you will be in good hands at your dental practice. Our dentist carefully and precisely preforms root canals with the use of a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel pain. The dentist will position a diminutive rubber sheet known as a dental dam atop the affected tooth to isolate and protect it. The dental dam ensures the tooth remains dry and clean throughout the root canal procedure.
The root canal process typically takes about an hour or two. If you need multiple root canals or if the tooth in question has several canals or an infection, the procedure might require more than one appointment. The dentist uses a specialized drill to form an opening within the top part of the tooth. The upper part of the tooth pulp is now exposed. The dentist then removes that pulp from the interior of the tooth as well as the root. The space where the pulp was positioned within the inner chamber will then be shaped with dental files. The dentist irrigates the area and seals the tooth with dental cement.
Extractions
Your tooth extraction does not have to prove as painful as you envision in your mind’s eye. If you suspect you need a tooth extracted or know an extraction is necessary, dial (813) 879-6370 to schedule an appointment with our dentist. We perform precise dental extractions ensuring patients feel as little discomfort as possible. This is accomplished with the use of an anesthetic.
Once the tooth and the area around it are completely numb, the extraction process begins. The removal of the tooth starts with a loosening in which a dental instrument known as an elevator is used to widen the tooth socket. The dentist then uses forceps to remove the tooth from the socket. The wound created during the extraction is packed to ensure clots form so blood does not move outward. The dentist proceeds to check the socket to guarantee it is clean. A socket is added to stop bleeding. You will then be provided with aftercare instructions to optimize your comfort and healing.
Implant Restorations
Your tooth extraction does not have to prove as painful as you envision in your mind’s eye. If you suspect you need a tooth extracted or know an extraction is necessary, dial (813) 879-6370 to schedule an appointment with our dentist. We perform precise dental extractions ensuring patients feel as little discomfort as possible. This is accomplished with the use of an anesthetic.
Once the tooth and the area around it are completely numb, the extraction process begins. The removal of the tooth starts with a loosening in which a dental instrument known as an elevator is used to widen the tooth socket. The dentist then uses forceps to remove the tooth from the socket. The wound created during the extraction is packed to ensure clots form so blood does not move outward. The dentist proceeds to check the socket to guarantee it is clean. A socket is added to stop bleeding. You will then be provided with aftercare instructions to optimize your comfort and healing.