CROWNS
Crowns are full coverage restorations that are used to cover a tooth that is likely to break or is too broken down to be repaired with a restoration. Crowns are most commonly done after root canal treatment, or when a large restoration wears out. The larger the hole made by a cavity that has to be treated, the more likely a crown will be needed. Even after a restoration is put in a large cavity, a tooth is more likely to break. Keep in mind that the jaw muscles are the strongest in the human body. Teeth are subjected to tremendous pressures. Crowns cover the weakened tooth, providing strength and protecting the tooth against breakage. A broken or cracked tooth is far more serious and much more difficult to treat. Crowns prevent this, as well as making for a nice smile.
It takes two appointments to restore a tooth with a crown. The permanent crown is made of high-strength porcelain over gold alloy, all ceramic material or gold.
IMPLANTS
A dental implant is an option to replace a missing tooth. In this procedure, a small titanium shaft is surgically implanted by an oral surgeon into the bone. The bone grows around the implant forming a tight connection, which additionally slows or stops the bone loss that occurs when the root of a natural tooth is missing. Once the implant is firmly set in the mouth, Maple Dental then works to attach the replacement tooth onto the top of the implant shaft.
Implants can also be used as part of an implant bridge. This is an alternative to partial dentures and has several advantages. First, there is no adjustment period to acclimate the patient who, once the work is done, only feels teeth, not metal supports intruding into the mouth. Second, this slows the bone loss occasioned by missing teeth. Third, there is no discomfort or difficulty in eating. Best of all, they are permanent.
ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
Root canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is made necessary when a cavity is allowed to reach the pulp. (Regular cleanings and checkups prevent and detect problems early.) Sometimes deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged to the point that it needs root canal therapy. Once nerve damage occurs, the pulp becomes infected and must be treated; it cannot heal on its own. It can even weaken the entire immune system. This is dangerous, not to mention very painful. Symptoms that the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, or a bad taste in the mouth. At times there are no apparent symptoms.
BRIDGES
This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. The sides of a bridge use the two surrounding teeth for support, hence the name. A bridge replaces the missing tooth/teeth, both functionally and cosmetically. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science. The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic material. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics.