Treatment
Fillings
Composite is a resin material with a mixture of quartz or glass filler. It is a strong, durable, metal-free, tooth-colored material that is used to restore decayed teeth. Composites can withstand the normal pressures of chewing. Because they come in many different shades and may be mixed, they have a natural and aesthetic appearance.
Crowns
Dental crowns are uniquely designed and fabricated to fit each tooth. They function to protect teeth that may be weakened by large fillings, fractures or are broken. Crowns can also protect teeth that received endodontic therapy (root canal treatment) to prevent tooth fractures. They are also made and used to restore implants. Crowns are made to match the color of your teeth so it looks and feels natural.
Dental bridges are one of the many options that can replace edentulous areas, or areas that have missing teeth. They anchor onto adjacent teeth and “bridge” the gap between. They provide a natural look, prevent teeth from shifting, and can help regain chewing and speaking ability.
Dentures/ Flippers
Dentures are removable appliances that can replace one or more missing teeth. When teeth are missing, you may notice your face start to sag, which results in an older appearance. You may also notice a change in your ability to chew and speak. Dentures help restore your smile or even improve your smile.
A new denture may feel different for the first few weeks or longer for first time denture wearers. It takes some time to adjust and getting used to. There may be spots that are sore or irritated; therefore, it is important to make follow-up appointments so the appropriate adjustments can be made.
If you have dentures, it is still important to have proper oral health practices. It is important to remove your denture daily at night-time to let your tissues rest. Make sure you rinse and brush your dentures with a soft bristle brush to remove any food debris. Brush your gums, cheeks, and tongue as well as use mouth rinse to prevent bad breath. When you are not wearing your dentures, place them in a cup or bowl of water (preferably with denture solution) to prevent distortion.
Root Canal Therapy
The pulp is the center of the tooth where the nerves and blood vessels are housed. If a cavity is large, it may encroach on the pulp, which can cause you to have pain or sensitivity to cold foods and sweets. In order to save the tooth, the decay, bacteria, and pulp may need to be removed. The space is then cleaned and filled with medicaments. Often times, after root canal therapy is completed, the tooth will need a build-up and crown to help restore the tooth to its full function.
There are other instances when a tooth may need root canal therapy. For example, if there is an infection or abscess near or around the root tips or if the tooth was traumatized.
Signs and symptoms that are often associated with the need for root canal
- Sensitivity/pain to hot and cold foods or sweets
- Pain that lingers
- Spontaneous pain
- Severe toothaches
- Swelling and/or tenderness
- Abscess (pimple) on the gums
Extractions
A dentist’s goal is to save teeth. Sometimes a tooth may be too severely decayed or broken down and it cannot be restored with a filling or other treatment options, an extraction may be indicated.
Some reasons for an extraction:
- If a tooth is severely broken and other treatment options have been exhausted
- If a tooth is severely mobile
- If a patient has an extra tooth that blocks other teeth from coming in
- If a patient has crowding and needs space to help straighten the teeth
- If there is a toothache
- Preparing for prosthodontics
- Infections
- Untreated dental diseases
Whitening
Healthy, straight teeth can be masked by stains and discolorations, which make teeth look dull. Teeth whitening is a non-invasive way to brighten your smile. Following a professional dental cleaning, a simple teeth whitening treatment can rejuvenate your smile and improve the overall appearance. Avant Dentistry offers in-office whitening as well as custom-made take-home trays to help you freshen your smile.
Implants
Implants are increasingly becoming one of the most popular options to restore edentulous sites, or spaces without teeth. A dental implant is a titanium screw which that is placed in the bone where the tooth root use to be. Because of the biocompatibility, they will integrate with the bone and serve as an anchor for a natural-looking crown that Dr. Liang will place on top.
They look natural and restore the ability to chew. Implants may also be placed under dentures to help with denture retention. If you’re missing teeth or have an ill-fitting denture, please contact us today to find out more about dental implants!
