Restorative Dentistry

An inlay or onlay is a partial crown restoration that can be placed when there is not sufficient tooth structure to support a filling but enough tooth structure left that a full crown is not needed. 

Composed of two crowns and a replacement tooth or teeth, bridges can replace missing teeth without the use of a denture or dental implant. Dental bridges are created with dental crowns on either side of the missing tooth and a fabricated tooth or teeth attached in between.

Dental implants replace missing teeth and protect existing teeth by helping to preserve bone structure. Dental implants are composed of three pieces: a small screw made of a biocompatible metal called titanium, an abutment that connects the screw, and the final restoration.

Root canals are most often necessary when decay has reached the nerve of the tooth, or the tooth has become infected. When root canal therapy is performed, infected or inflamed pulp is removed from the tooth chamber. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned and disinfected before being filled and sealed to limit the possibility of future infection. Soon after the root canal is performed, the tooth is restored with a dental crown or filling to protect the tooth and restore normal tooth function.

Extractions may be necessary for a variety of reasons: in preparation for orthodontic treatment, before dental implant placement, or if a tooth is not able to be saved with restorative procedures.

A denture is a replacement for multiple missing teeth within the same (upper or lower) arch. A denture differs from a crown or bridge in that it does not rely on an existing tooth structure, and it completely replaces the missing teeth.

There are several different types of dentures:

• Full or Partial
• Removable or Fixed
• Traditional or Implant-Supported