Restorative Dental Care
Crowns
A Crown (sometimes called a “Cap”) is a tooth-like covering placed over a carefully prepared preexisting tooth. Crowns serve many functions, such as to strengthen, restore or improve the appearance of your natural tooth. For example, a Crown can support the tooth when there is no longer sufficient tooth structure left to place a filling. Crowns may also be used to protect the structure of a tooth that is fractured or broken and can be attached to bridges or dentures.
Bridges
A Bridge is a custom device anchored to neighboring teeth that replaces one or more missing teeth. When a lost tooth is replaced with bridgework, the teeth on either side of the missing one are prepared as Crowns (Caps) to serve as abutments to hold the prosthetic (replacement) tooth in place. Crowns and bridges are most often made from superior materials such as semiprecious or precious metals, porcelain, or a fused combination of the two. Aesthetics, function, and tissue compatibility are considered when selecting the material most suitable for you.
Dental Implants
Dental Implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved.
The Dental Implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, Dental Implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration which may occur when teeth are missing.
Dental Implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.
If, like many others, you feel Implant Dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a Dental/Radiographic Examination and health history review. During the consultation visit, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by Dr. Sorin. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.
Procedure
Dental Implants are metal anchors, which act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are then attached to the Dental Implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
For most patients, the placement of Dental Implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first 3 to 6 months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, we design the final bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.
After the Dental Implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Your Oral Surgeon or Periodontist will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. Then, we will be able to begin making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the Dental Implants. The teeth replacements are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes 6 to 8 months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.