Mon - Thur 9 - 6

General Dentistry

There are several types of restorations used in our office depending on the extent of the decay and breakdown of the teeth.

Fillings: This is the restoration of choice if the decay or breakdown of the tooth is minimal. There are two types of materials to choose from. These materials expand and contract over time and will implode the teeth , causing cracks and sensitivity, if used in large restorations. The life expectancy varies between 3 - 5 years, depending on the oral conditions.

Silver fillings: This material is a combination of tin, silver and mercury. Many patient's are concerned about the use of mercury. The American Dental Associations standing is that mercury levels in silver fillings have not been proven to be harmful.

Composite or Tooth -colored fillings: This material is a combination of resins and plastics. They are placed in one dental appointment as a chairside procedure.

Inlays/ Onlays: This restoration is an intermediate restoration and is used when the decay or breakdown of the tooth is deep, wide, involves the sides of the teeth or where the crushing forces of posterior teeth require a more solid structure. These restoration are fabricated in a laboratory and take two appointments, one to prepare and temporize and one to permanently seat and bond the restoration. There are two types of materials used in our office. Life expectancy is 8 -10 years depending on the oral conditions.

Porcelain Inlays/Onlays: This material is tooth colored and is pressed and baked for strength and durability as well as esthetics.

Gold Inlays/Onlays: This material is at least 87% gold and fabricated with the lost wax technique. It is the most biocompatible and most durable material known to dentistry.

Crowns and Bridges: These restorations are required when the teeth are badly decayed, broken down or have had a root canal. These restorations are fabricated in the laboratory and take two appointments, one to prepare and temporize and one to permanently seat and bond the restoration. There are three types of materials that can be used in our office. Life expectancy is 8 - 10 years depending on the oral conditions. Full gold: This material is a yellow gold at least 87% gold. Very durable but not very cosmetic.

Porcelain to Gold: This crown has a gold substructure with porcelain baked onto the gold. These are very durable and very cosmetic. Usually reserved for the back teeth where strong chewing forces are required.

Full Porcelain: This type of crown is all porcelain. No metal substructure is used. This type of crown is used in highly cosmetic areas, they are bonded, and are the most natural looking. They are limited to the front 6 -8 teeth only.

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