Restorations
Studies show that 95% of all people will experience tooth decay at some point during their lives. There are several options for fixing decayed teeth.
Composites are white fillings that are used for filling a decayed portion of a tooth. After the decay is removed and the tooth is cleaned, composite (a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium) is placed into the tooth in layers. Each layer is then hardened by a beam of high-intensity visible light. Composites are virtually invisible and disappear into the surrounding tooth structure. click the title for more information
Advantages: Because composite is bonded to the tooth, Dr. Dougherty is able to remove less tooth structure than the amount required to do a traditional silver filling. There is no mercury in composite fillings; this is favorable both for you as the patient and for the environment. Composites are virtually invisible and disappear into the surrounding tooth structure, enhancing the aesthetics of your smile.
Disadvantages: The initial investment in a composite filling is higher than that of a silver filling. However, removing less healthy tooth structure and decreasing the risk of your tooth fracturing in the future outweighs this initial higher cost (and may save you time and money in the long run).
Alternatives: Inlays/onlays are sometimes good alternatives to composite fillings. These tend to be longer lasting and more durable. If the decay is too deep or large, the only alternative may be a crown.
Crowns (sometimes called "caps") are used to protect teeth when a tooth is badly decayed or cracked. Crowns can be all-ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal or all gold. After decay is removed from the tooth, an impression (or mold) is taken of the prepared tooth. The impression is then sent to a laboratory where a new crown is custom-made for your tooth. The crown is returned to Dr. Dougherty and is cemented in your mouth, restoring the affected tooth to its natural shape and size. click the title for more information
Advantages: Crowns are highly durable since they are made in a laboratory. This protects and strengthens the remaining tooth structure and returns the tooth to normal function. A porcelain (tooth-colored) crown is also very aesthetic.
Crowns should be placed before the decay is allowed to get deep enough that it may either cause the tooth to fracture or require a root canal.
Disadvantages: There really aren't many disadvantages to crowns. They are wonderful, durable restorations that can save a patient from losing a tooth. However, they are not life-long restorations; they will need to be replaced over time (much like fillings).
Alternatives: Removal of the tooth may be recommended if the decay is too deep or if the tooth is fractured in such a way that it cannot be saved. If a tooth is lost, a bridge or implant is used to replace the missing tooth.
Bridges are used to replace a missing tooth. The two teeth on either side of the gap are prepared for crowns and then an impression (or mold) is made of the prepared area of the mouth. The impression is sent to a laboratory where a bridge is custom-made out of either porcelain (tooth-colored) or gold material. The bridge is a single unit, consisting of the two crowns on either side of the gap and an artificial tooth attached in the middle of the bridge, replacing the missing tooth. After its fabrication in the laboratory, the bridge is returned to Dr. Dougherty and it is cemented in your mouth as a single unit. click the title for more information
Advantages: Fixed bridges not only give a patient his or her smile back, they also allow a patient's mouth to function normally. This means that the bridge will prevent the shifting of the patient's remaining teeth which can lead to chewing, biting, and jaw problems. Also, unlike removable partial dentures, a bridge is permanently cemented in a patient's mouth. This allows a bridge to function like a natural tooth.
Disadvantages: Like crowns, bridges have few disadvantages. They are durable restorations that restore a patient's bite to its normal function. However, bridges are not life-long restorations and will need to be replaced over time.
Alternatives: Implants are becoming more and more prevalent and are fantastic alternatives to bridges. Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant, however, and there are many cases in which a fixed bridge is still the treatment of choice.
Porcelain laminates (veneers) are used to treat gaps between teeth, stained or discolored teeth, crooked teeth, chipped teeth, or teeth that are disproportionate in size when compared to the rest of the mouth. click the title for more information
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of a tooth. They are crafted in a laboratory; each veneer custom-made for your mouth.
Advantages: Veneers create the illusion of an exceptionally natural, beautiful smile. They are conservative restorations to place (not much, if any, tooth structure removed) and are resilient and long-lasting when compared to other cosmetic treatments.
Disadvantages: Porcelain veneers have the same downfall as crowns and bridges: while long-lasting, durable restorations, they will have to be replaced over time.
Alternatives: When all that is desired is a whiter smile, chairside tooth whitening should be considered. Cosmetic bonding is an alternative, although less durable, solution to treating gaps between teeth or chipped teeth. If treating crooked teeth, orthodontic treatment is another option to be examined. If treating a tooth with extensive decay, the only option is a full crown.
A dental implant is used to replace the root of a missing tooth. If a patient is missing more than one tooth in an area of the mouth, two or more implants may be placed to offer a base for a fixed bridge (see the section on bridges). click the title for more information
After being surgically attached to the jawbone, a crown is placed on top of the implant. The result is a natural-looking, fully functional replacement for the missing tooth or teeth. Implants can also be used to support a denture, providing greater stability, comfort, and chewing capability.
Advantages: An implant is the next-best-thing to your own tooth. Implants are strong, long-lasting and virtually undetectable in your mouth. By replacing missing teeth, implants restore your bite to its proper state. This helps you to avoid jaw problems that can occur when your bite is off due to teeth shifting to fill in the gap from a missing tooth.
Disadvantages: There are few disadvantages to dental implants. Implants are the modern way to replace a missing tooth or teeth. However, implants do require surgery and time to heal. Although the initial investment for implants is higher than the cost of dentures, implants are a far superior restoration and will last much longer than removable dentures.
Alternatives: When missing just one tooth, a fixed bridge may be an option. Removable dentures are sometimes the only alternative when finances are of primary concern.
