Restorative Services

Sometimes your tooth  requires a little attention in the form of restoration or fillings. This is typically due to tooth decay caused by harmful bacteria.  Trauma from an injury can also lead to a chipped or broken tooth that can often be corrected with the help of fillings.  Dental fillings have the aim of closing up an opening which could eventually welcome harmful bacteria.  Dental fillings can be made out of a variety of materials and each bring their own unique benefits. These materials include gold, porcelain, a tooth-colored composite resin, or an amalgam. Talk to the dentist to see which option would work best for your smile. Tooth-colored fillings are typically used for teeth located in the front which are more noticeable. The dentist will provide you with a numbing agent or anaesthesia at the start of the procedure.  A dental drill is used to eliminate any signs of decay and bacteria, then the area is thoroughly cleaned and polished. The  dentist will fill in the area and use a special light to hold the filling in place.

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that is placed over a tooth to cover the tooth in order to restore its shape and size, strength, and improve its appearance.

The crown, when cemented into place, fully encases the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.

A dental crown may be needed in the following situations:

• To protect a weak tooth (for instance, from decay) from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
• To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
• To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't a lot of tooth left
• To hold a dental bridge in place
•  To cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth
•  To cover a dental implant
•  To make a cosmetic modification

Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Other materials include gold and metal alloys, acrylic and ceramic. These alloys are generally stronger than porcelain and may be recommended for back teeth. Porcelain bonded to a metal shell is often used because it is both strong and attractive.

Before a crown can be made, the tooth must be reduced in size so that the crown will fit over it properly.  After reducing the tooth, the dentist will take an impression to provide an exact mold for the crown. If porcelain is to be used, the dentist will determine the correct shade for the crown  to match the color of your existing teeth. Using this impression, a dental lab then makes your crown, in the material the dentist specifies.  A temporary crown  will be put in place to cover the prepared tooth while the permanent crown  is being made. When the permanent crown is ready, the temporary crown is removed, and the new crown is cemented over your prepared tooth.

 While crowns  can last a lifetime, they do sometimes come loose or fall out. The most important step you can take to ensure the longevity of your crown is to practice good oral hygiene.  Also see your dentist and hygienist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. To prevent damage to your new crown , avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects.