Dental Implants
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root replacement used in restorative dentistry to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth.
While there are several types of dental implants available, the most widely accepted and used option is the osseointegrated implant, based on the fact that titanium can be successfully fused into bone.
This forms a structural and functional connection between the living bone and the implant. A variation on the implant procedure is the implant-supported bridge or implant supported denture.
Individuals missing one or more teeth looking for a permanent replacement solution may opt to use an implant crown. An implant crown is a composite reproduction of the lost tooth that is placed over a dental implant or post. The implant crown replicates the original tooth in shape, size, strength and appearance.When the crown adheres in place, it will fully encase the entire visible portion of the dental implant. If you are considering a dental implant, our Troy implant dentist can help you decide whether or not you need an implant crown.
Bridges
The Thorncliffe Overlea Dentists may suggest that you need a bridge to restore and enhance damaged teeth or to replace missing teeth. Dental bridges literally bridge the gap caused by one or more missing teeth, where one or more artificial teeth are cemented into place using the teeth on either side for support.
Bridges are very durable and can last a lifetime with extra care and by practicing good oral hygiene.
Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that your Troy restorative dentist may place over a tooth, helping to restore its shape, size, strength or to improve its appearance.
A crown not only strengthens a tooth, but also can dramatically improve a tooth’s appearance, shape and alignment. When a crown is adhered into place, it will fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.
Your Thorncliffe Overlea dentist may use a crown to replace a large filling when only minimal tooth structure remains, protect a weak tooth from fracturing, attach a bridge or to restore a fractured tooth. In addition, a crown may be used to cover a dental implant, a discolored or poorly shaped tooth or a tooth that has had root canal treatment.
Material Fillings
Dental fillings restore teeth damaged by decay back to their normal shape and function, and are a vital aspect of your overall oral health. If you have a tooth that requires a filling, our knowledgeable dentists will remove the decayed material, clean the affected area and then fill the cavity with a filling material. This filling will help to prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter and cause harm to the tooth!
Dentures
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and their surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available, including partial and complete dentures.
Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain, while complete dentures are used to completely replace all teeth.
Dentures are made to resemble your natural teeth so there should be no noticeable change to your appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve your smile!
If you have lost some or all of your teeth due to gum disease, decay or accidental impact, dentures can dramatically improve your smile. Our Thorncliffe Overlea denture dentists may suggest full dentures or partial dentures, depending on how many natural teeth you have lost and the condition of your existing teeth.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal treatment — or endodontic therapy — is necessary when a cavity is neglected, allowing it to penetrate all the way to the pulp. Sometimes deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged to the point it needs root canal therapy.
Once this occurs the pulp becomes infected, and can even extend through the root tip and begin to eat away at the surrounding bone, which would be considered an abscess.
By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. It can even weaken the entire immune system.
Usually a core build-up and crown is recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy.