Restorative Dentistry (repair for cracked, broken, and damaged teeth)
These are the best replacement teeth options for the badly damaged ones. In fact, the crowns can also fill missing teeth spaces. The crown (also called cap) covers the damaged tooth in entirety, thereby improving the appearance and shape of the teeth drastically.
The bridge adequately fills in the space of the missing tooth. The bridge is essentially a set of artificial teeth that fills in a large space of missing teeth. This bridge sets against the adjacent teeth on either side. That explains the name. The bridge replaces a set of missing teeth and offers an efficient cosmetic solution. Preparing the bridge is the most important part. The dentist develops a customized bridge that fits well and blends efficiently with the natural color.
Ceramic and porcelain are common material choices, but you can also gold alloy bridges. The materials choice depends on the individual preference of the patient. The dentist explains the various aspects of different materials and shows you photos to help in an informed decision. Our facility hosts the most advanced customization facilities. We will develop a teeth mold and prepare the ideal bridge or crown for you. We would also provide an immediate temporary solution while you wait for the custom teeth to arrive from the lab.
Composite (White) Tooth Fillings
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is meant to prolong the life of a tooth that may have suffered damage on the inner most layer of the tooth: the pulp. The pulp layer of the tooth is where blood vessels and nerves are encapsulated which help to keep the tooth alive. Cracks in the teeth, deep cavities, complications with large fillings, or serious injury to the tooth can all allow bacteria to enter the pulp of the tooth causing infection and a lot of pain for the patient. The root canal procedure removes the infected pulp tissue to relieve the tooth of any pain and infection and then refills the tooth with a rubbery material called gutta-percha. In most cases, teeth that have been treated with root canal therapy will need to be followed up with a crown to seal the tooth off from further infection and add strength to the structure of the tooth.
Porcelain Veneers
Although crowns serve the same purpose, the procedure is slightly different. In attaching veneers, the removal of tooth material is lesser than the crowns. Also, the procedure is more comfortable than attaching crowns. Patients with large teeth fillings and less tooth structure are the best candidates for the veneers. People with excessively pointy teeth also benefit greatly from the veneer treatment.
Call us at (781) 438-0345 to schedule an appointment with your Stoneham, MA family dentist for kids and adults!
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Long Does It Take to Receive a Crown?
Receiving a crown consists of two separate appointments. During the first appointment, the dentist will reduce the tooth in question down to a shape that can adequately support a crown. Impression molds are taken of the teeth before and after the tooth is prepped by the dentist to send to the dental lab technician who will fabricate a permanent crown for you. In the meantime, the dentist will provide you with a temporary crown to last roughly 2-3 weeks while we wait for the permanent crown to be received back to the office from the lab.
Is It Painful to Have a Root Canal Done?
It is a common misconception that a root canal is something to avoid at all costs due to it being painful. While this may have been the case decades ago, things are much different today. Having a root canal done is no more uncomfortable than having a cavity filled. In some cases, we even find the patient falling asleep during the procedure!
Do I Really Need to Have a Crown Done After My Root Canal?
In short, having a crown after a root canal depends on the condition of your tooth, the location in the mouth, and your preferences. A root canal can save a tooth from further pain and infection, but it does not save the tooth from weakening. Coupled with tooth decay, a root canal procedure weakens the tooth by reducing the amount of healthy tissue within it. A dental crown is needed after a root canal when (1) the tooth becomes weakened, (2) the tooth becomes sensitive, (3) the tooth becomes discolored, (4) the tooth has been restored prior to the root canal.
Here's what our patients are saying ...
You can read more online reviews of Redstone Dental Center on our Google profile.