Dental Restorations
Dental restoration repair broken or decayed teeth and help you maintain a healthy smile. They can include fillings, crowns, bridges, or implants.
Small cavities are repaired with tooth-colored composite material that halts further decay and protects the tooth. Inlays and onlays restore slightly more decayed teeth with minimal tooth structure loss.
Fillings
Dental fillings are used to repair teeth with decay and are among the most commonly performed restorative treatments. They can save teeth from being pulled and stop dangerous infections from spreading inside the mouth.
We use tooth-colored composite resin fillings, which blend in beautifully with the natural color and luster of your smile. These fillings require less of the healthy tooth structure to be removed than silver amalgam fillings, which often cause cracks and fractures in a damaged tooth.
Before applying the multilayered composite resin, we will sanitize the treatment site and then use an etching compound to prepare the surface of your tooth. This opens up natural microscopic pores in the enamel, allowing the composite resin to bond to it more securely. After each layer of the composite is applied, a special light is shone onto the area to harden or cure it. The composite is then sculpted to the perfect shape.
Crowns
Crowns are tooth coverings that can be used to restore strength, shape and appearance of severely damaged teeth. The goal is to protect a badly broken or decayed tooth from further damage, and it also helps the patient chew and speak properly.
Dental crowns can be made of different materials like metal alloys, ceramics or composite resin. Porcelain crowns are most often color matched to the wearer’s natural teeth and look very much like the natural tooth.
All-metal crowns (sometimes called PFM crowns) have a very hard and strong core of metal that can be acid etched for excellent bonding to the natural tooth. They are a great option for back teeth, or for front teeth where aesthetics is less of a concern.
Ceramic crowns have become more popular as they are very natural looking. These can also be stain resistant if they are kept clean. We recommend regular brushing, flossing and visits to your dentist for cleanings and checkups.
Bridges
Missing teeth can affect the shape of your smile and your ability to speak and chew. They also increase your risk for dental problems like gum disease and tooth decay.
Dental bridges fill in the gaps created by missing teeth and restore natural dental function. They do so by attaching a false tooth (known as a pontic) to the crowns of healthy teeth on either side of the gap.
These abutment teeth, known as your “anchor” or “span” teeth, may need to be filed down to accommodate the new dental bridge structure. Your dental professional will discuss the appropriate anchor teeth with you during your consultation.
The office located in Downey offers traditional fixed bridges, Maryland-bonded bridges and cantilever bridges. The type of dental bridge that you choose depends on the location of the missing tooth or teeth, how many natural anchor teeth are available and your personal preference.
Veneers
Veneers are like little shells that sit on the front of your teeth. They can make a big difference in the appearance of your smile, especially if you have teeth that are misshapen, chipped, or discolored. They can be used alone or in conjunction with orthodontia. They are also a great option for patients who want a “movie star” smile.
During the consultation your dentist will explain all of your options and evaluate whether veneers are right for you. They will take X-rays and impressions of your teeth to help them customize the veneers for you.
The next step is to prepare the teeth that will receive veneers by removing a small amount of enamel. Your dentist will then apply an anesthetic to ensure you do not feel any pain. After that the veneers will be bonded to the teeth using dental cement. An ultraviolet light is then used to harden and set the cement. Afterwards, any excess cement is removed, and your dentist will evaluate the look and fit of your new veneers.
Don't wait any longer to experience the benefits of exceptional dental restoration. Contact us today to schedule appointment for your Dental restoration at Downey Dental Solutions. Let us help you achieve optimal oral health and a beautiful smile that you can confidently share with the world.