Restorative dentistry

Tooth-colored fillings (composites)

A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling. Composite fillings are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more esthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth.

As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced. However, they are very durable, and should last many years, giving you a beautiful smile.

What is involved in getting a composite filling? Normally, composite fillings can be completed in one visit. After numbing your tooth to make you comfortable, the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth is removed. This missing part is then rebuilt with composite resin material that matches the natural tooth. Slight, temporary sensitivity is normal after the placement of composite fillings until your tooth adapts to the new restoration.

Crowns / bridges

A crown is a protective restoration that covers the entire surface of a natural tooth. A crown can be made from porcelain, resin, metal, or a combination of these materials, and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. There are several reasons why a dentist might recommend a crown for a tooth. Generally speaking, a crown might be necessary when:

- a tooth is badly broken down due to decay or fracture
- a back tooth has had root canal treatment
- a very large filling is present and the tooth's strength is compromised

Crowns can also be used to correct poorly-positioned teeth, stained/discolored teeth, and chipped or uneven teeth. Although a simple filling is sometimes an alternative to a crown, the filling will only rebuild the missing portion of the tooth and will generally not add strength to the weakened tooth.

If your tooth needs a crown, Dr. Zerbinopoulos will work with you to select the most appropriate type for that tooth. Traditionally, a minimum of two appointments were needed to complete treatment with crowns. However, in many cases, we are now able to use CEREC technology to finish your crown in a single visit!

Bridges are used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. In simple terms, a bridge is two or more crowns that have one or more "dummy" teeth fused in between them. The structure forms a "bridge" to fill in a space where a tooth or teeth are missing. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth and are not removable. A bridge should last many years before needing replacement; however, proper brushing and flossing are crucial to the longevity of crowns and bridges.

Implant services

Implants are becoming very popular options for replacing missing teeth or teeth that must be extracted for one reason or another. While we do not place the portion of the implant that goes into bone, our office does offer restorations supported by these implants. For example, we can place a beautiful, natural-looking crown atop your new implant. Alternatively, patients that use dentures can benefit immensely from implants designed to help retain and stabilize their dentures.

Dentures and Partial Dentures

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and the tissues connected to those teeth. It is made of acrylic plastic and sometimes porcelain and metal materials. A denture closely resembles natural gum tissue and teeth. While dentures cannot deliver the same functional ability as natural teeth, they can be a very good option for people missing several or all of their teeth, and most people can adapt very well to using their new teeth.

Complete dentures replace all of the teeth, while partial dentures fill in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevent other teeth from shifting position. Complete dentures are "immediate" or "conventional." An immediate denture is a complete denture or partial denture that is inserted on the same day, immediately following the removal of the natural teeth. The immediate denture acts as a Band-Aid to protect the tissues and reduce bleeding after tooth extraction. The conventional denture is ready for placement in the mouth about 8 to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed.

Even though the natural teeth may be gone, it is still important to continue having regular dental checkups so that the dentist can examine oral tissues for signs of disease or cancer. With age, your mouth will continue to change as the bone under your denture shrinks or recedes. To maintain a proper fit over time, it may be necessary to adjust your denture or possibly remake your denture.

Consultations / 2nd opinions

We are happy to provide 2nd opinions to help you determine the most appropriate course of dental treatment. If no radiographs (x-rays) are necessary, or if you bring yours with you from another dentist’s office, there is no charge for this service.