Restorative dentistry deals with returning proper form and function to teeth that have been injured, are diseased or are otherwise abnormal. Restoring a tooth’s function can be as simple as providing a tooth-colored filling. These natural-looking fillings are durable and unnoticeable.
Root Canal Therapy
In cases where the pulp of a tooth is damaged or diseased, root canal therapy is necessary. This involves removing the infected tooth pulp and replacing it with a substance that will prevent the area from becoming infected again.
Once the root canal system is filled and sealed, a permanent filling is placed and the tooth is capped with a porcelain crown.
The end result is a natural-looking tooth that has restored function to the area.
Bridges and Crowns
A dental bridge is used to fill the space created when one or more teeth are missing. It consists of an artificial tooth that replaces the missing tooth, which is connected to two porcelain crowns on either side of the area of the missing tooth.
Bridges are helpful in restoring a person’s ability to speak and chew their food properly, restore their smile, prevent surrounding teeth from drifting out of proper alignment and maintain facial shape.
If a tooth is damaged but not missing, Dr. Yang typically can restore it with a crown. This is a great option if your tooth has suffered from extensive decay or is badly cracked or chipped.
At the initial visit, the tooth is prepared by removing decay if necessary and reshaping it to enable a crown to fit snugly and securely over it. An impression is taken and sent to a dental laboratory where the porcelain crown is made.
It typically takes about two weeks to receive the permanent replacement, but in the mean time, you are given a temporary crown to wear. The permanent crown is fitted and secured permanently into position at your follow-up appointment.
Dr. Yang also restores porcelain crowns that are affixed to dental implants.
Dr. Yang’s office offers mini dental implants for denture wearers. This procedure gives hope for denture sufferers by mechanical retention and eliminating the need for messy dental adhesives, powders and pastes. This procedure will give you the confidence and comfort to allow you to eat foods you may have been avoiding.