Restorative Dentistry

Over the last generation modern dentistry has evolved tremendously. In years past, a decayed tooth had little hope of being restored. Invariably, an extraction was the only course of treatment. Restorative materials were limited and with the advent of amalgam, or silver-like, fillings there was an option to an extraction. Materials improved and today there are several methods to restore teeth allowing more people to keep their own natural smile.

Dental Fillings

Today there are several materials used to fill and restore a tooth once the cavity, or decay, has been removed. At Berardi Dentistry, we use composite resin to restore many teeth. Composite resin fillings are bonded to the tooth and the material comes in a variety of different shades. A composite resin that matches the shade of the tooth is selected and is placed while still soft. Composite resin is photo-sensitive and must be light-cured to become hardened. Once cured, the filling is shaped to the natural anatomy of the tooth and polished. Because they are mechanically and chemically bonded to the tooth leakage, a common problem with silver amalgam fillings, is less likely to occur.
In many cases, a new cavity may form around an existing filling. When this occurs, the existing filling must be removed and a new restoration must be placed. When the filling material begins to make up a large portion of the tooth a crown may be recommended to fully restore this tooth. Large fillings have a tendency to fracture thus creating the possibility of exposing the delicate pulp of the tooth. A fracture could lead to a root canal or, in extreme cases, the extraction of the tooth.

Crowns

A crown is not only recommended to restore teeth that are damaged or with extensive fillings but can also be used to repair worn or discolored teeth by creating a more natural shape and brighter shade. When a crown procedure is performed, the tooth structure is gently reduced leaving about 80% of the structure for support. An impression of this prepared tooth is taken and sent to a local dental laboratory where your new crown will be made. In the meantime, a temporary crown will be placed for a few days until your new crown is fabricated.

There are many materials used in making dental crowns. The most popular materials used today are porcelain and porcelain fused to precious metal. Porcelain, or all-ceramic, crowns have the ability to bring outstanding aesthetic effects for the patient. We have the ability to match the shade of your tooth so that a beautiful, custom-fit crown will naturally make its place in your mouth. Because porcelain crowns are natural looking, many dentists and patients choose them for enhanced smile makeovers. They give us the ability to create a new brighter smile that has the strength to last for many years. Crowns that are made from porcelain fused to precious metals have increased strength that is sometimes necessary to restore molars and bicuspids. These teeth are primarily used for chewing and the additional strength of the metal decreases the risk of breakage. In order for any crown to last, proper oral hygiene must be performed at home and frequent visits to the dentist are recommended. These good habits will protect your dental investment and lengthen the lifetime of your restorations.

Root Canals

Teeth are living structures of the body that are sustained by an artery, vein, and nerve. These tissues form the pulp of the tooth and run in and out of the tooth through its canals. A deep cavity or fracture can damage the pulp by allowing bacteria to cause an infection. When the infection grows, pressure builds, and the tooth begins to ache and throb as the bacteria eat away at the pulp. If untreated, the bacteria will finish with the pulp and work their way out of the tooth into the surrounding bone. As the infection enters and damages the bone a dental abscess forms. In many cases, the recommended treatment to relieve pain is either an extraction or an endodontic, or root canal, procedure.

Many patients believe that an extraction of an infected tooth is the easier way to proceed. This is not always the case since a large space should be restored and is usually more expensive than a root canal treatment. If the space is left alone the surrounding adjacent teeth may collapse upon the space leading to an escalation of other dental problems. Left untreated, the infection can spread to cause serious oral and overall health problems. The tooth will not heal naturally.

To save an internally damaged tooth from extraction, a root canal will be performed. Modern root canals are comfortable and can often be completed in a single office visit. The procedure involves simple removal of the infection and filling the tooth's canals with a special filling material. The tooth is now non-vital but flourishes within healthy bone and gum tissue. Because the tooth now lacks vitality, it is now somewhat brittle. The procedure is ultimately completed, in most cases, by crowning the tooth and thus preventing any further damage. The tooth is now back to functioning as it did before it was compromised.

A common misconception regarding root canal treatment is that they will result in days of excruciating pain. Normally, this is not true. Most patients are placed on antibiotics at the first sign of an infection, prior to any treatment. This allows the bacterial infection, and its resulting inflammatory destruction, to be reduced. The reduction of bacterial inflammation allows anesthetics to work properly ensuring a less painful treatment. Pain medication and antibiotics may be prescribed after a root canal procedure.