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 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.
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.