Services at Creekside Dental
Restorative Dentistry
At Creekside Dental we offer a variety of procedures to restore teeth to a more functional state. These procedures include, but are not limited to: amalgam or composite fillings, crown and/or bridge work, root canal therapy, partial dentures and/or complete dentures, and implants. Your dentist will explain all of your options to you and help you understand why the recommended procedures are necessary.
Fillings
Fillings are the most common restorative procedure for removing tooth decay. After a local anesthetic is applied, we remove the decayed area of the tooth. We ensure the decayed area is removed and any bacteria and debris removed. The area is filled with a substance called amalgam and finally, the tooth is polished to an optimal shape.
Crowns
Crowns are dental caps made of porcelain and/or metal alloy that entirely cover a tooth. They are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged. A crown not only strengthens a tooth, but it can dramatically improve a tooth’s appearance, shape and alignment.
Crowns may be used to:
- Replace a large filling when there is little tooth structure remaining
- Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
- Restore a fractured tooth
- Attach a bridge
- Cover a dental implant
- Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
- Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment
Extractions
Advancements in dentistry have enabled patients to restore and keep their teeth healthy for their entire life. There are, however, some occasions when a tooth may need to be removed (also known as an extraction).
A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:
- Severe decay
- Advanced periodontal disease
- Infection or abscess
- Orthodontic correction
- Malpositioned teeth
- Fractured teeth or roots
- Impacted teeth
After careful examination and treatment, the dentist may advise to have a tooth extracted. Before a tooth is removed, an x-ray is taken in order to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. Based on the degree of difficulty, we may refer you to a specialist called an oral surgeon.
A certain amount of pain and discomfort is to be expected following an extraction. The pain is usually managed with a painkiller and ice packs applied to the face for 15 minutes at a time. After a routine extraction, discomfort should lessen within three days to two weeks.
Dentures (service referred out)
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available:
Complete Dentures: A complete denture is a removable appliance that is used to restore your smile and mouth function if all your teeth have been lost. The dentures are custom created to resemble your natural teeth and are positioned into your mouth to take the place of where the natural teeth used to be. Complete dentures are removable and may require adjustments in order to create a proper fit with the gums and mouth.
Partial Dentures: A partial denture is a removable appliance used when one or more teeth are missing, but natural teeth still remain in the jaw. They usually consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base which is held in place in the mouth.