Restorations, Fillings and Crowns

Restorations commonly known as fillings are one of the most common procedures that patients undergo at the clinic. When a patient comes for a filing appointment, there typically two reasons for it; one being cosmetic and the other being restorative. When a patient has a cavity, they require a restorative filling.

A patient that has a discoloration or other aesthetic concern, a cosmetic type of restoration can be provided.

Cavities unfortunately happen. When a cavity forms in a tooth, proper action needs to take place promptly. During the appointment, the damaged tooth structure is removed and replaced with a filling materials.

There are many different types of materials, however they fall into two categories, metal and non-metal. Metal or amalgam fillings are also called silver fillings. Non-metal fillings also consisted of different types. One of the most common and most aesthetic is the composite type of restoration. Apart from the aesthetics and the type of material, there are many differences and indications for each that can be discussed with the doctor at the filling appointment.

Veneers, Inlays and Onlays

Less commonly provided than a filling or a crown, the above treatments require the doctor to follow and adhere to certain principles in order to fulfill the proper tooth preparation for any of the above. Therefore it is not as straightforward as a filling or a crown although the goal of the above three is to preserve as much natural structure as possible. Other criteria such as previous fillings and their extent, cracks and root canal treatments are also important to consider.

Material choices for the final restoration vary based on the functional and aesthetic demands.

Root Canal Treatment

When decay or other unforeseen problems compromise the health of the pulp (the vital part of the tooth) of the tooth, that part of the tooth can become injured. If the tooth can not recover from the injury, the tooth may require a root canal treatment. Treating a tooth with root canal treatment allows a patient to keep their tooth as only the inner portion of the tooth is accessed. The alternative would be to remove the tooth. If the tooth is deemed to be non-vital, and if it already hasn't been infected, it is only a matter of time before an infection sets in. Therefore it is imperative to treat as soon as possible. Root canal therapy involves the removal of the injured or non vital pulpal tissue and once properly cleaned and shaped, filling using a special material to seal the space. When properly treated and furthermore restored with a final direct or indirect restoration, the tooth should provide you many years of proper function.

Periodontal Probing for Measuring Tissue Depth

Health of gum tissues is very important. As a solid house requires excellent foundation, the teeth are no different. Gums and the underlying bone must be in good health in order to support the teeth. A probe is a device that is used to measure pocket depths. It is one of the simplest way to tell where the problems may be and how severe they are.