General Dentistry Services in Maple Ridge
The incidence of tooth decay has significantly diminished over the last decades due to improved oral hygiene products and an increase in patient awareness. However, teeth are still susceptible to decay, infection, and breakage and sometimes need to be restored to health. Through improved techniques and modern technology, we are now able to offer more options for restoring a tooth to its normal shape, appearance and function. Should your teeth ever require a restorative treatment, you can rest assured knowing we will always discuss with you the available options and recommend what we believe to be the most comfortable and least invasive treatment. Providing you with excellent care is our number one priority when creating your beautiful smile.
Composite Fillings
A cavity appears when decay rots away the enamel of a tooth. Left untreated, the decay will cause extensive damage to the tooth, and potentially cause the tooth’s root to become infected. However, if the cavity is caught early, your dentist can treat it with a simple filling, typically in one appointment.
A few types of filling material are available for cavities, each with their advantages and disadvantages. You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. Composite filling (plastic resin), along with silver amalgam filling, are the most widely materials used today. Because the composite filling is tooth-coloured, it can be closely matched to the colour of existing teeth and is more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the mouth.
We consider composite superior to silver amalgam, as silver amalgam filling contains small amounts of mercury, are not aesthetically pleasing while the composite filling is completely free of mercury and closely matches your natural tooth colour. Composite fillings are very durable and will last many years, giving you a long-lasting, beautiful smile. However, as with all dental restoration, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced.
Composite fillings can repair:
Decayed teeth.
Chipped teeth.
Worn down teeth.
Cracked or broken teeth.
Unwanted space between two teeth.
How are composite fillings placed?
Composite fillings are usually placed in just one appointment. While the tooth is numb, our dentists at Coast Dental Center will remove the decay with a laser or drill. Space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.
It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling. You will be given care instructions after your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. To save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function. Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth. Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although, on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.
Signs and symptoms:
An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
Sensitivity to hot and cold.
Severe toothache pain.
Swelling and/or tenderness.
Sometimes no symptoms are present.
Decay has reached the tooth pulp.
Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
Injury or trauma to the tooth.
What does root canal therapy involve?
A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist). While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments. Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed. At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function. After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed. You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.
Inlay Restoration
An inlay restoration is a custom made filling made of composite material, gold, or tooth-coloured porcelain. It is made by a professional dental laboratory and is permanently cemented into the tooth by your dentist. Inlays can be utilized to conservatively repair teeth that have large defective fillings or have been damaged by decay or trauma. Inlays are an ideal alternative to conventional silver and composite fillings. Also, they are more conservative than crowns because less tooth structure is removed in the preparation of inlays. As with most dental restorations, inlays are not always permanent and may someday require replacement. They are highly durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long lasting smile.
Reasons for inlay restorations:
Large fillings.
Decayed teeth.
Fractured fillings.
Cosmetic enhancement.
Broken or fractured teeth.
What does getting an inlay involve?
An inlay procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate impressions (moulds) that will be used to create your custom inlay and a temporary restoration. While the tooth is numb, the dentist will remove any decay and/or old filling materials. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared, shaping the surface to properly fit an inlay restoration. A temporary filling will be applied to protect the tooth while your inlay is made by a dental laboratory. At your second appointment your new inlay will be carefully and precisely cemented into place. A few adjustments may be necessary to ensure a proper fit and that your bite is comfortable. You will receive care instruction at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, a proper diet, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new inlay.
Onlay Restoration
An onlay, or a partial crown, is a custom made filling made of composite material, gold, or tooth-coloured porcelain. It is made by a professional dental laboratory and is permanently cemented onto the tooth by your dentist. Onlays can be utilized to conservatively repair teeth that have large defective fillings or have been damaged by decay or trauma. They are an ideal alternative to crowns (caps) because less tooth structure is removed during preparation. Onlays are essentially identical to inlays with the exception that one or more of the chewing cusps have also been affected and need to be included in the restoration. As with most dental restorations, onlays are not always permanent and may someday require replacement. They are highly durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long lasting smile.
Reasons for onlay restorations:
Decayed teeth.
Fractured fillings.
Large fillings.
Broken or fractured teeth.
Cosmetic enhancement.
What does getting an onlay involve?
An onlay procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate impressions (moulds) that will be used to create your custom onlay and a temporary restoration. While the tooth is numb, the dentist will remove any decay and/or old filling materials. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared, shaping the surface to properly fit an onlay restoration. A temporary filling will be applied to protect the tooth while your onlay is made by a dental laboratory.
At your second appointment, your new onlay will be carefully and precisely cemented into place. A few adjustments may be necessary to ensure a proper fit and that your bite is comfortable. You will receive care instruction at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, a proper diet, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new onlay.
If you have any questions, concerns or want to book an appointment contact us today!