Dentistry Meets Art
Composite fillings
Tooth-coloured fillings are usually placed in one appointment.
While the tooth is numb, the dentist cleans out the decay and prepares the tooth for a filling.
Good oral hygiene, eating habits and regular dental visits will help to protect your fillings.
Crowns (caps)
If your tooth structure has been compromised and is weaker (broken tooth, has a large filling, has had a root canal), we may recommend a crown for your tooth in order to protect it.
Image Credit: healthdirect
Most crown materials closely resemble a real tooth.
A crown appointment usually involves two visits.
On the first visit, while your tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing decay and shaping it to fit the crown. Then an impression will be taken and sent to the lab so that your permanent crown can be made. You’ll leave this visit with a temporary crown on your tooth.
On your second visit, the temporary crown will be removed and the tooth cleaned. The new crown will be cemented in place, checking to make sure the bite and fit are accurate.
Bridges
Bridges are an option if you are missing one or more teeth and there are healthy teeth on either side that can be crowns and can anchor the artificial tooth.
With a traditional bridge, healthy teeth on each side of the missing tooth are prepared for crowns.
The custom-made artificial tooth is fused to 2 crowns. This is called a bridge.
A bridge is permanent and cannot be removed.
Other treatment options include partial dentures or dental implants.
