Tooth Restoration Treatment in Erie, PA

Sleep Dentistry Erie has extensive experience in restoring teeth. Tooth restoration treatment involves the different ways a dentist can replace or repair your teeth. Parts of your teeth can be lost or destroyed due to decay, fracture or injury. It's extremely important to repair a damaged tooth that's been exposed to decay or injury. Tooth restoration prevents the spreading of decay which would ultimately destroy the tooth.

Tooth Restoration Services Erie, PA

Tooth Restoration Options

Fillings

The most common type of tooth restoration, wherein silver amalgam or composite resin is filled into a cavity, set in place, ground, and polished.

Crowns

Constructed from ceramic or porcelain material, a dental crown provides a new "cap" for damaged or weakened tooth. 

Bridges

Dental bridges are designed to span a gap of missing teeth with false teeth (pontics), supported by crowns or implants on either side.

Implants

Dental implants are as close as it gets to a brand new tooth! A titanium screw is surgically implanted into the jawbone, to which an artificial tooth is mounted.

Dentures

Dentures are a prosthetic dental appliance fabricated to replace either a full or partial set of teeth. 

Sleep Dentistry Erie also offers orthodontic treatment, smile makeovers, and a lifetime whitening program to help with the teeth restoration process as well.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Restoration

How can I spot a cavity?

In a cavity’s earliest stages, you’ll probably feel it before you see it. You may experience pain from bite pressure or sensitivity to heat or cold. As the decay accelerates, the damage will become visible and you’ll be able to spot the cavity as a hole or dark spot on the tooth. The key is to trust your feelings and call your dentist as soon as you notice discomfort. 

What are the best methods for preventing tooth decay?

Preventing tooth decay is a twofold process. A healthy, balanced diet provides less fuel for the bacteria that eat away at enamel and cause inflammation. Limit refined sugars, carbohydrates, and acidic foods, especially between meals. A dedicated dental regimen that includes brushing and flossing at least twice a day removes plaque and debris from tooth surfaces and between the teeth.

Which dental filling material is best?

The types of materials used in dental fillings have evolved over the years, and today’s fillings are more resilient than ever. Composite fillings are matched closely to the color of your natural teeth and bonded directly to tooth surfaces. As such, they’re less noticeable and more versatile than other types of dental fillings. However, they are less durable than traditional silver amalgam fillings, which last twice along, but are prone to other issues like fracturing or discoloring the surrounding tooth structure. Porcelain ceramic fillings offer the best of both worlds, boasting both a natural appearance and longevity. However, their price point may be prohibitive for some patients, comparable to gold as a dental filling material. 

What is the difference between dental bridges and implants?

Both dental bridges and dental implants address the matter of missing teeth, but they do so in different fashions. A dental bridge is a sequence of one or more false teeth (pontics) supported by abutments (existing teeth or implants) that literally “bridge” the gap created by the missing tooth or teeth. A dental implant is a crown anchored into the jaw bone with a titanium screw and is almost like an entirely new tooth. For a more in-depth explanation of the differences between dental bridges and implants, read our linked blog post.

I suffer from dental fear or anxiety. Can tooth restorations be performed without pain?

Yes! Most dentists will utilize a local anesthetic such as novocaine or lidocaine around where the work is being performed, except during more drastic procedures such as bone grafts to replace missing jaw structure or when multiple implants need to be placed. Sleep Dentistry with Dr. Mahoney utilizes general anesthesia, which allows more work to be done in fewer visits and with no pain or recall of the procedures.

How much does a tooth restoration cost?

That depends on the extent of the work being done and whether or not you have dental insurance. Composite fillings average about $250 per tooth but can cost more if more surfaces need to be filled. A dental crown can range from $800 to $1,700 because of the more involved process. Traditional dental bridge costs usually fall between $2,000 and $5,000. The cost of dental implants ranges widely, from $1,500 to $30,000, depending on how many are needed. 

When do I need dentures?

When toothaches intensify in frequency in severity, gums swell and bleed, teeth shift, and it becomes difficult to chew or process food, it may time to consider dentures — especially if you are already missing teeth.

Where To Find Us 

📍 Address: 3915 Caughey Rd, Erie, PA 16506
 
📞 Phone:  (814) 833-3505
 

Recent Posts

More Than a Dental Anesthesiologist: Why To Choose Dr. Kevin Mahoney

Posted on April 30th, 2020 at 11:49 AM
More Than a Dental Anesthesiologist: Why To Choose Dr. Kevin Mahoney

As a practicing dental anesthesiologist specializing in family and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Kevin Mahoney has never seen a situation quite like COVID-19. Regardless, he continues to see to his patients' unique needs, delivering quality dental care tailored to the individual — just as he has for over three decades. If you're looking to establish a routine appointment schedule once government closure mandates lift, you can trust Dr. Mahoney to provide for you safely and capably.

For emergency dental care

Oral health closely correlates to overall health, so when a dental emergency arises, it’s important to get care fast. Sleep Dentistry with Dr. Kevin Mahoney offers same-day appointments to patients and non-patients alike, to address severe pain or swelling of the mouth or jaw, infections and abscesses, or broken or cracked teeth, crowns, or fillings. Don’t fret about payment or lack of insurance — between our work with insurance carriers and our monthly payment plans, our office makes a coordinated effort to ease your financial burden.

If dental fear or phobia is preventing you from getting the urgent dental care you need, do not let it. Dr. Mahoney is the only dentist in the Erie area licensed to administer general anesthesia, characterized by a deep state of unconsciousness. You’ll feel no pain and have no memory of the emergency procedure, but the relief you feel afterward will be something to remember going forward. 

For routine dental care

Of course, trips to the dentist shouldn’t just be reserved for emergencies. It’s recommended that dental visits occur every 6 months, or at least annually — by monitoring the health of the teeth, gums, and mouth consistently, there is a lesser chance of dire situations popping up in the first place! Furthermore, by seeing you more frequently, we can hone in on achieving your best smile through our array of cosmetic (aka aesthetic) dentistry services.

We understand that even routine dental procedures like bonding and fillings can be stressful or difficult for folks with anxieties, phobias, or special needs. For these patients, Dr. Mahoney can administer sedation or general anesthesia before he performs his work, getting more done in fewer visits. He also collaborates with the compassionate canine, Dogtor Gizmo — a certified dental therapy dog who's happy to sit or snuggle with you during your procedure. Dogtor Gizmo is wonderful with children and special needs patients.

It is these efforts to reinforce calm and reduce stress that set Dr. Mahoney apart.

dr kevin mahoney sleep dentistry procedure

Kind words from our patients

We know that deciding on one dentist can seem overwhelming when there are so many options available. We encourage you to choose the dentist best for you — who you’re both comfortable with and who delivers the care you need. In the meantime, here are a few examples of why our patients feel we’re the best for them.

From our Google Reviewers (5.0 stars, 13 reviews)

“Friendly, Professional, Compassionate, Experienced”

— 5 star review from Glenn Henry (Local Guide)

“Dr. Kevin Mahoney and staff have always made me feel at ease. I quite often call myself ‘Chicken Little’ when it comes to dentistry. The Sleep Dentistry is a bonus, the main reason I started to go there. They are very professional, friendly and informative. Thank you for making my visits stress free!”

— 5 star review from Kim Tavernese

From our Facebook Reviewers (4.3 stars, 52 reviews)

“The only phobia I have bigger than spiders and needles is going to the dentist, and I must say in all my years of going to a dentist, Dr. Mahoney has made that phobia go away. I was not put to sleep [when I] didn't need to be, I had my teeth cleaned and 2 fillings done all the same day and I felt no pain and never felt the needles. Dr. Mahoney has mastered his craft and makes you feel so comfortable and anxiety free, if there were 6-star [reviews], Dr. Mahoney definitely would have got one from me!!!”

— 5 star review from Butchie Knight

“My 6-year-old had some major problems with his teeth and needed surgery, [but] he was scared of the dentist ... When we finally thought we found an answer and had scheduled a surgery, the coronavirus outbreak made his surgery get cancelled and hope was lost. Of course my son's tooth took a turn for the worse. We got into [Dr. Mahoney’s] office the same day that we called them and the next morning my son had his surgery. WHAT A LIFE SAVER! Extremely satisfied with the service not to mention sanitary conditions in the office as well!”

— 5 star review from Katie Payne

If you, a friend, or a relative need emergency dental services during the COVID-19 outbreak, call Dr. Mahoney’s office at (814) 833-3505 to arrange a same-day appointment. When routine dental care is allowed to resume, please get in touch with us! We will be seeing new patients after previously scheduled appointments are fulfilled. 

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