What is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry is the practice of repairing or replacing teeth, with the primary goal being to improve oral health and chewing function—and in many cases, these procedures also improve an individual’s smile. Restorative dentistry is performed by Alabaster dentists and is ideal for patients with cavities, tooth decay, damaged or broken teeth, or missing teeth. It is often confused with cosmetic dentistry, which is focused exclusively on improving the appearance of the mouth and teeth. However, restorative dentistry aims to correct oral health issues for long-term oral health, with any improvement in appearance being a secondary benefit.
There are six primary restorative dental procedures:
What Is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are small titanium or titanium alloy screw or post that are surgically placed into the bone at the site of a missing tooth or teeth. Over 3 to 6 months they fuse to the bone to create a stable and strong foundation that acts like the root of a tooth. Then either a dental crown, bridge, or full denture can be made and attached to the implants to replicate the missing teeth. Implants also help preserve the bone of the jaws that, without teeth, can atrophy over years of traditional denture use.
Single Tooth Implants
Individual teeth can easily be replaced with an implant and crown, which will look and function just as your natural teeth do. Individual implants can easily prevent the structural issues caused by missing teeth such as pain, misalignment, and difficulty eating.
Implants for Removable Prosthetics
An implant-retained removable prosthesis also called an Implant Overdenture is designed to look and act like your natural teeth, fitting securely in your mouth even as you eat and speak. These prosthetics differ from fixed prosthetic tooth replacement options in that these hybrid denture prosthetics can be removed and cleaned daily. They do not require as many implants to be placed and therefore can be a more cost effective option while still being an excellent and well liked tooth replacement option.
Implants for Fixed Prosthetics (Implant Bridge or Full Arch)
An implant-supported fixed prosthesis is designed to look and act like your natural teeth. It can be a fixed bridge of teeth in one area of your mouth to replace several teeth or a full arch of teeth to replace all of the teeth in either the top or bottom jaw. These prosthetics are anchored and fully supported by your dental implants. All on 4 or 6 implants are one of the top options for fixed prosthetic tooth replacement. This option requires good hygiene with your dentist and annual removal of the prosthetic by your dentist for deep cleaning, just like going to the dentist for routine cleanings.
Platelet Rich FIbrin?
PRF is processed to create a fibrin matrix. It is derived by collecting a small amount of the patient’s blood, which is then centrifuged to separate the platelets, growth factors, and other beneficial components from the rest of the blood. The resulting PRF is a gel-like substance that contains a high concentration of platelets, leukocytes (white blood cells), and cytokines.
Enjoy Unparalleled Care
Our dentists have considerable experience with dental implants in Alabaster, AL, and have performed the procedure hundreds of times to improve patients’ lives. We also utilize technology that ensures your treatment is tailored to your specific needs. Dr. Lafont can complete your care in house at StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, or work with local surgeons.
When you see us for your initial exam and consultation, our dentist will discuss your options and answer all your questions. We ensure you understand all aspects of your treatment options, so you can make a fully informed decision on the best treatment path for your needs.
Call Us Today! Dr. Lafont at StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, 205-663-1280
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, sometimes referred to as “caps,” are protective enamel replacements used to repair large cavities, broken teeth, or otherwise compromised teeth. They fit over an existing tooth, with a dentist removing some natural tooth enamel through shaving before placing the crown. They are used to restore both the form and function of a tooth. Crowns are also common following a root canal to restore function and prevent future loss of the tooth. At StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, AL, we offer various types of crowns that leverage different materials, such as gold, porcelain, metal, and zirconia (aluminum base with porcelain on top), with all-porcelain crowns being the most common.
What are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge replaces a single missing tooth or a row of missing teeth, bridging the gap between teeth. It is an artificial tooth with dental crowns on either side. To insert a dental bridge, a dentist must shave down the natural teeth on both sides of the gap, and then bond the bridge to the natural teeth. Abutments and pontics make up traditional dental bridges, with abutments serving as the connecting structures that support the dental bridge, and pontics being the artificial teeth filling the space left behind by the missing teeth. Beyond traditional bridges, there are cantilever dental bridges which involve a crown only on one end, a Maryland dental bridge that uses metal wings instead of crowns to secure the bridge, and an implant-supported bridge which is similar to a traditional bridge but rests on top of dental implants instead of natural teeth.
Call Dr. Lafont for your Crown & Bridge needs Today!
StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, 205-663-1280
What is Endodontic Treatment/Root Canal?
The most common endodontic procedure is typically done to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be removed. Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp, which is the core layer of the tooth, or the canals holding the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. Infection is mostly caused by deep cavities, fractures or cracks, repeated dental treatments or injuries.
If untreated, inflammation or infection could cause severe discomfort, abscess and eventual tooth loss. The symptoms, although different for each individual, include tooth sensitivity, recurrent throbbing pain, tooth discoloration, gum swelling or tenderness deep inside the bone. The symptoms are not always apparent, and an x-ray scan may be required for diagnosis. If the dentist notices any of the signs, they will recommend a root canal procedure to save the tooth, clear infection and alleviate pain.
The root canal treatment is performed by removing the infected pulp, meticulously cleaning the root canals and sealing them off. The procedure is performed under anesthesia, which means you will not feel any pain. The dentist will ensure you are comfortable before initiating the treatment. Generally, the root canal treatment requires a single dental appointment, but more may be necessary depending on your condition. Upon completion, the dentist will send an impression of your teeth to the dental lab so that a dental crown can be created to protect the treated tooth.
Call Dr. Lafont Today! StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, 205-663-1280
What are Fillings?
Bacteria eating away at tooth enamel can lead to a hole in the tooth, which is what we commonly call a cavity. Small cavities are routinely repaired with fillings, which is when a dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth with a dental drill and fills the hole with a composite material. This process stops the progression of further decay by sealing the tooth structure. The most common filling material is composite filling, which is tooth-colored and easily matched to other teeth so that they remain unnoticeable. It’s not uncommon for fillings to be replaced after many years of wear and tear, especially if proper oral hygiene isn’t followed or dense foods such as hard candies are consumed regularly.
Call Dr. Lafont Today! StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, 205-663-1280
What are Inlays and Onlays?
In certain cases, a cavity is too large for a filling and too small for a crown, requiring an indirect filling. The two types of indirect fillings are inlays and onlays, and both are custom restorations that are permanently bonded into place. Inlays are very similar to fillings but focused within the cusps (bumps) on the tooth’s chewing surface. Onlays are more extensive than inlays, covering more than one cusp, and sometimes called “partial crowns.” These alternatives are often used when the patient doesn’t have enough tooth structure to support a filling, but the tooth is not damaged or decayed enough to warrant a crown. Inlays and onlays are very durable, lasting much longer than fillings—often up to 30 years.
Call Dr. Lafont Today! StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, 205-663-1280
What are Denture & Partial Dentures?
Dentures are a form of teeth replacement used when teeth cannot be restored through the less invasive processes detailed above. Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth, and partial dentures replace several missing teeth. Traditional dentures are positioned on top of gums and are removable, but patients can also choose implant-supported dentures, which are permanent. Instead of resting on top of the gumlines, implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants and provide more stability. Partial dentures are supported by the gums and remaining teeth. Partial dentures can have metal clasps or now flexible material with no metal present. Dentures are made from plastic with the process performed by a dental laboratory. Dentures are considered the last resort for tooth replacement since it involves oral surgery to remove multiple or all teeth. All other options to save teeth are exhausted before resorting to dentures.
Lastly, Dr. Lafont offers patients the best chance at long-term oral health, restoring a mouth to full function and fixing damaged teeth. Each option detailed above improves an individual’s ability to eat, speak, and chew, and eliminates chronic dental pain. While restorative dentistry differs from cosmetic dentistry, an improved and more confident smile is an added bonus to these procedures.
Call Dr. Lafont at StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, AL, for a consult 205-663-1280