Dental Restorative Care
RESTORING YOUR SMILE
The artistic aspects of dentistry are of special interest to Austin Dentist, Dr. Davies. His goal is to build restorations that look natural with outstanding results. Procedures involve research-based techniques, superior materials and advanced technology in combination with his extensive dental experience.
In dentistry, crown and bridge ( Dental Restorative Care ) refers to the restoration of natural teeth that have been damaged, decayed or lost. A crown is constructed to restore a single damaged tooth back to its original size and contour, while a bridge is utilized to replace one or more teeth. Since these restorations are cemented onto the teeth, they are referred to as fixed dentistry. In turn, a removable appliance or partial denture is referred to as removable dentistry. A crown and/or bridge not only reinforces the teeth, but also dramatically improves appearance, shape, and alignment.
A filling is done to replace the lost tooth structure due to decay. Most teeth are treated with bonded tooth colored composite resin fillings. If not treated the decay can lead to infection and /or tooth pain, and eventually, the tooth will need more complex therapy such as extraction or root canal treatment.
Composite Restorations are ideal for patients who wish to fix structural imperfections in the teeth such as minor chipped edges. Composite resin material is tooth-colored, so it blends in with your natural teeth. These restorations are bonded to tooth structure for increased strength and they look and feel like natural teeth.
Inlays or onlays are indicated when a cavity is too large for a filling, yet too small to warrant a crown. Large silver amalgam fillings can be replaced with all-porcelain inlays or onlays. The inlay fits like a puzzle piece into the tooth (where decay has left a hole) while the onlay additionally, extends over the edge of the tooth. Like a crown, all-porcelain inlays and onlays are made in a lab. They need minimal tooth reduction and restore structural integrity, full function, and beauty to a tooth.
A dental implant is a special titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone below the gum surface and functions much like the root of a natural tooth. Unlike a bridge (which requires the removal of tooth structure of adjacent teeth) an implant does not utilize neighboring teeth. Thus, the teeth next to the implant are unaffected and remain in their natural state. Implants, serving as replacement teeth feel and function like real teeth allowing one to naturally speak and chew. Dental implants are fixed in place and slow down the facial aging process. CLICK HERE TO VIEW DENTAL IMPLANT VIDEO
Full and partial dentures are removable dental devices—ideal if one or more teeth are missing. Dentures have advanced to function and look more like your natural teeth. The goal is to create strong custom-crafted dentures to not only achieve a healthy smile but also restore confidence and improve a patient’s ability to speak. Dentures and partials also are ideal to hold your gums and tissue in place in the aftermath of trauma, an accident or injury, or while you are waiting to have a dental implant or bridge procedure.
The Temporomandibular Joint, TMJ, is located directly in front of the ear. Symptoms of TMJ problems include headaches, or stiffness and pain in and around the jaw, ear, and neck, limiting the ability for the jaw to function properly. Even seemingly routine actions such as talking and chewing can be difficult and painful experiences. Temporormandibular Disorders, TMD, typically are characterized by improper alignment of the teeth and/or fatigue of the muscles surrounding the jaw often caused by bruxism.
Signs of Bruxism include chipped, flattened, or worn teeth from grinding or clinching (especially during sleep). Symptoms may include increased tooth sensitivity, or pain in the jaw, ear, or face. Fatigue is often a result of untreated bruxism. To protect the teeth from excessive force, it may be necessary to customize an occlusal guard to be worn at night or during heightened periods of clinching. If bruxism is diagnosed and treated early through bite stabilization therapy, future treatment may be prevented. Bite stabilization, or occlusal equilibration, involves adjustments so that the teeth meet evenly, creating proper function and comfort. Dr. Davies has extensive training in bite equilibration and TMJ/TMD therapy programs.