Restorative

Dental bridges are a great way to replace missing teeth. This procedure works by using your existing teeth to create a bridge to cross the area where your tooth is missing. Bridges are made from gold, metal, alloys, or porcelain to ensure they are strong and durable.

The Procedure

The process of creating a bridge begins by creating abutments (supporting structures) out of your existing teeth where the bridge will be attached. The existing teeth are then re-contoured to provide a base for the bridge. After the abutments have been created, a mold is taken of the area which is sent to a dental lab. The lab is able to use the mold to create a bridge that will fit properly and feel as close to your natural teeth as possible. The bridge consists of two crowns on either end to place on the abutments and a pontic, which is the new tooth that replaces your missing tooth.

We will fit you with a temporary bridge while we wait for the lab to craft your permanent bridge. This will protect the abutments and the exposed gum areas, and look more appealing than having a missing tooth. When the permanent bridge has been created, you will have a follow up visit to set the bridge. It will be placed on the abutments and the dentist will then use an adhesive to make sure that the bridge is set.

Aftercare

The bridge may take a little while to get used to, but after a few days it should feel like you have your own teeth back again. You should eat soft foods for the first few days after having your bridge placed. After the initial phase, you will be able to eat whatever you want with no issues.

If you are missing a tooth you should strongly consider having it replaced. Besides the aesthetic disadvantage of missing a tooth, it could also cause structural changes to your mouth and jaw, as well as making it difficult to eat or speak properly. Set up an appointment today to restore your smile. We are a trusted family dentist serving our local Anaheim and Buena Park communities, and you can trust us to get the procedure done safely and effectively!

Over time our teeth begin to weaken and become more susceptible to problems such as decay, cracks, discoloration, and other problems. If you feel your smile isn’t what it once was, crowns can help you recover your former smile. If your dentist notices that a tooth is decayed, or seems weakened or cracked, a crown may be necessary to make sure there are no additional problems with the tooth. In cases like this, a filling or bonding will not be sufficient.

Crowns can be made from porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or gold. A porcelain finished crown is best for maintaining a natural look and feel, as it can be matched to the shade of your other teeth. This will allow it to blend in and appear just like one of your natural teeth.

The process of installing a crown takes 2-3 visits to the dentist. On the first visit, the tooth will be reshaped by filing down the enamel so that the crown can be placed over it. You will be given a local anesthetic before this part of the procedure, so that you do not experience any discomfort. Once the tooth has been reshaped, a mold will be taken of that tooth and the surrounding teeth. This mold will be sent to a dental lab so that your new crown can be made. It will fit in the spot created for it and look the same as the surrounding teeth. Before leaving, your dentist will fit you with a temporary crown until your permanent crown is ready.

The crown takes about 2-3 weeks to be returned to your dentist. At this time you will have another appointment for placing and fitting the permanent crown. You will again have a local anesthetic to numb the area, and the tooth will be placed using a cement to ensure the tooth sets in place. When you look in the mirror, you will see your old smile back. Crowns are durable and will usually last about 10-15 years. You should care for it as you would any of your other teeth with regular brushing and flossing. Call us today in Buena Park or Anaheim if you would like to learn more about how crowns can help restore your smile.

Dentures are a replacement for missing teeth that can be removed and put back into your mouth as you please. Depending on the needs of each individual patient, they may receive full or partial dentures. Full dentures are used when all of the natural teeth are removed from the mouth and replaced with a full set of dentures. There are two types of full dentures:

Conventional Full Dentures – This is when all the teeth are removed and the tissue is given time to heal before the dentures are placed. It could take a few months for the gum tissue to heal completely, and during this time you will be without teeth.

Immediate Full Dentures – Prior to having your teeth removed, your dentist takes measurements and has dentures fitted for your mouth. After removing the teeth, the dentures are immediately placed in your mouth. The benefit is that you do not have to spend any time without teeth. You will, however, need to have a follow up visit to refit your dentures because the jaw bone will slightly change shape as your mouth heals. The dentures will need to be tightened after the jaw bone has healed.

Partial dentures are another option, which is used when not all of your teeth need to be removed. This is similar to a bridge, but it is not a permanent fixture in your mouth.

Your dentures may take some time to get used to. The flesh colored base of the dentures is placed over your gums. Some people say that it feels bulky or that they don’t have enough room for their tongue. Other times the dentures might feel loose. These feelings will affect the way you eat and talk for a little while. Over time, your mouth becomes trained to eat and speak with your dentures, and they begin to feel more and more like your natural teeth. They may never feel perfectly comfortable, but it is certainly better than the alternative of not having teeth!

A filling is performed by replacing and restoring tooth structure that is damaged due to decay or fracture. Several types of filling restorations are available, and our doctors will decide which one will work best for the patient.

Comparing White Fillings and Silver Amalgam Fillings:

• White fillings bond to the tooth, strengthening it by restoring most of its original shape. Silver amalgams, on the other hand, weaken the teeth and make them more susceptible to breaking. Broken teeth can be very expensive to replace, meaning white amalgam can actually save time and money in the long run.
• White filling composites are preferred by most patients. This is due to the natural color, strength, and overall appearance and feel. Composites are naturally more comfortable.
• Hot and cold sensitivity is greatly reduced with composite material compared to the silver and mercury amalgams.
• Restorations with composites require less removal of tooth, and less structure to place than those with amalgams, and especially with new cavities. Dramatically smaller holes are needed with a composite.