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Dental Restoration
When your teeth begin to decay, it's important to take action.
It's important to take action as soon as your teeth begin to decay. Teeth with minimal decay can be repaired, but teeth with extensive decay may need to be removed.
Dr. Gajjar and his associates will recommend treatment based on how badly your teeth have been damaged by the decay, and we will discuss your options with you before proceeding with treatment.
Fillings
If plaque has dissolved the enamel of your tooth -- creating a tiny cavity -- the solution is often as easy as a filling. We simply remove the decayed portion of your tooth, and fill the space with metal or porcelain.
Crowns
If a tooth already contains several fillings -- or has a significant amount of decay -- we may suggest a crown. This caps your tooth, protecting it and keeping it strong. Crowns can be made of gold, porcelain fused to metal, or pure white porcelain (to resemble a natural tooth).
Root Canal
If tooth decay is left untreated and the nerve of the tooth is damaged, you may require a root canal. We will remove the damaged nerve and fill the space with new material -- allowing you to keep your natural tooth. Since the tooth no longer has a nerve to provide its blood supply, we may place a crown over your tooth to prevent it from chipping or cracking easily.
Bridges
If your tooth is badly decayed, we may recommend removing the infected tooth and giving you a bridge. We’ll reduce the size of the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth, so the bridge can use these teeth as supports for an artificial tooth in the middle.
Dental Implants
If your tooth is badly decayed, removing the infected tooth and giving you a dental implant is often a great solution. A titanium implant is placed in the bone, and a new crown is placed on the implant. Dental implants do not affect adjacent teeth, and are considered to be the closest solution to having a strong, healthy natural tooth.
FAQs -- Click to reveal the answers to general restoration questions:
Question: How many appointments are required for a crown restoration?
Answer: Typically, two appointments are required for a crown restoration. During your first appointment, we prepare your tooth, and take an impression for our dental lab. Then the lab creates your own custom crown by hand, to ensure the best possible fit. During your second appointment, we attach your new crown.
Question: How long does a dental restoration last?
Answer: The life of your dental restoration depends on many factors -- regular dental care, your brushing and flossing habits, your diet, and the amount of wear and tear it endures. It's different for every patient, but it is likely that future restorations will be required at some point.
Question: What if I choose to do nothing about my missing tooth/teeth?
Answer: When you are missing a tooth (or multiple teeth), your adjacent teeth will shift in an attempt to fill the space. Over time, this can change the shape of your mouth, making you appear older. It also allows food and bacteria to become trapped more easily, leading to further decay. Talk to your dentist today about the options available for you.
Question: Does my dental insurance cover all of my options -- a filling, a crown, a root canal, a bridge, or a dental implant?
Answer: It depends on your coverage. We would be happy to help you understand your available coverage, so please ask us at your next appointment.