Restorative Dentistry
If you have missing or damaged teeth, you already know the negative impact this can have on your confidence about your appearance. It can also be detrimental to your overall quality of life. Missing or damaged teeth is not just about the esthetics of an attractive smile; it can mean you are unable to eat the healthy foods you desire.
The fact is, you don’t have to live with teeth that are not working properly. With restorative dentistry by Dr. Amy Trujillo at Summit Dental, there are a number of options to ensure you have a smile you are proud to show the world and that enables you to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.
Dental Implants
Dental implants might be a good option for patients who are missing one, more, or even all of their teeth. Dental implants are secured directly to the jawbone, and a crown (or other restoration) is placed on top of the implant for a look and feel that mimics your natural teeth. Dr. Trujillo restores dental implants, and she can offer you sound advice on all things implant-dentistry related.
Dental Crowns
In cases where a tooth is chipped or cracked—or so full of decay it can no longer hold a filling—a dental crown might be the best option for the patient. The dental crowns we use cover only the portion of the tooth that is above the gum line. Once it is put into place, the crown helps to reinforce the structure of the remaining portion of the tooth. Dr. Trujillo offers high-quality traditional and implant-supported dental crowns made from materials such as porcelain and zirconia.
When a single tooth or a few teeth in a row have been lost, it is imperative they are replaced as soon as possible. Unfortunately, one lost tooth generally leads to more lost teeth. This can be avoided, however, with a dental bridge. The bridge, which is made of zirconia, fills in the space left behind by a tooth or teeth that are missing with prosthetic teeth. The prosthetic teeth restore the function and feel of the missing teeth. Two dental crowns are used to hold the bridge into place and can be affixed to either the adjacent teeth or dental implants.
Inlays and Onlays
When an old filling has to be replaced or removed and an entire crown is not necessary, dental inlays and onlays are often used instead. An inlay fits inside the cusp tips of the tooth, quite similar to the way a fillng does. An onlay, however, extends beyond the cusps of the tooth. One of the major benefits of inlays and onlays is that there is no expansion and contraction as with a traditional filling; hence, inlays and onlays strengthen a tooth whereas a filling may weaken it.
You don’t have to go through life with teeth that embarrass you and function improperly.