In dentistry, extensive procedures can be completed to restore or replace natural teeth that have been damaged, decayed or lost. This discipline is known as restorative dentistry. Once Drs. Hoover & Yanda have examined your teeth and evaluated your dental and medical history, they will be ready to provide a diagnosis and treatment options.
A ceramic crown is the best treatment route in a variety of situations. This includes restoring a tooth to its original size and shape, supplying additional physical support for a certain tooth, and completely “making over” an affected tooth. Crowns completely cover every visible part of the tooth, which is why they are sometimes referred to as “caps.” A part of your tooth remains but is essentially “rebuilt” to resemble the tooth at its exterior best.
In the case of our beautiful, ceramic crowns, we utilize state-of-the-art technology and materials, including Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing design and fabrication. We fabricate all of our crowns here in our own on-site dental laboratory, never an overseas lab. Staffing in-house laboratory technicians allows us to custom design and match our crowns to your tooth shape and color.
While porcelain crowns certainly can improve the look of a tooth or multiple teeth, it is recommended only in conjunction with prior repair of the tooth (bridge), not simply for cosmetic purposes.
Dental bridges are used to replace missing a wholly missing tooth. One or more missing teeth can have a serious effect not only on your smile, but also on your dental health. Missing teeth can cause a plethora of problems.
- A shift in the alignment of your teeth
- Greater probability of periodontal disease
- Increased risk of tooth decay
- Loss of adjacent teeth
- Speech disorders
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
Dental bridges are used to literally bridge the gap in your mouth. Like dental implants, dental bridges are used to replace missing a missing tooth, with the difference being that bridges are supported by the teeth on either side, called abutment teeth. Like many cosmetic dental procedures, placing bridges also serves a restorative purpose. A dental bridge will improve your ability to chew and speak, as well as your smile. In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, dental bridges were shown to dramatically reduce the risk of losing teeth that are adjacent to a missing tooth. In addition, dental bridges can help keep your jaw and face from changing shape, as is common in a person who has missing teeth.
There are several types of bridges and each functions differently.
Cantilever bridges – Used to replace a tooth that does not have supporting teeth on both sides of the affected area
Maryland bonded bridges – Artificial teeth and gums are held in place by a metal frame
Traditional bridges – The most common variety, which occupies a gap of an empty tooth space. Crowns on adjacent teeth hold false tooth in place.
To find out more about restorative dentistry or to schedule a consultation, call our Hudson office today!