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DENTAL FILLINGS

If you have reached adulthood without ever developing a cavity, that is an amazing accomplishment! In America, about 80 percent of the population will develop at least one cavity by age 17. For that reason, at Campus Smiles we offer restorative dental fillings on campus.

Tooth filling materials are used to fix cavities and prevent the spread of infection. Without treatment, tooth decay can spread to the inner pulp. When this happens, root canal treatment on campus is needed to end the infection and save the tooth.

At Campus Smiles we use traditional silver amalgam and white composite materials to repair cavities. Each filling type offers special advantages.

Metal Fillings at Campus Smiles

Traditional Amalgam: Metal fillings have been in use for more than a hundred years. This material is a mixture of silver, tin, copper, and mercury. Traditional fillings are the most cost-effective, durable, strong and safe. But this filling type is also highly visible and require a lot of tooth preparation.

Tooth-Colored Fillings at Campus Smiles

White Composite: This tooth-colored cosmetic dentistry is a popular options for patients who want a more discreet restoration. Composite white fillings are a mixture of glass and plastic that bonds to the surface of the tooth. More expensive than silver fillings, composites are a newer type of material that is almost as durable as amalgam. Less tooth preparation is required to place a white filling.

Porcelain: Dental ceramics are stain-resistant, natural-looking, and strong. Porcelain tooth fillings tend to cost more because they require more specialized advanced technology and the use of a dental lab. This high-glass dental material is brittle and used more for aesthetic purposes.

After getting a filling placed it is normal to experience some tooth sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks for a short time. If discomfort persists, or if you feel pain when biting, you may need to have an adjustment made to the filling. Brush and floss as you normally would and visit out nearest dental office every six months.

DENTAL CROWNS

A dental crown at Campus Smiles is a cover that is placed over an impacted tooth, a post or exposed portion of a dental implant. Typically, tooth crowns are crafted of strong porcelain for optimal durability.

At Campus Smiles, each custom designed crown matches the color and shape of the natural tooth perfectly. Your college dentist uses the highest quality restorations to strengthen your weakened tooth and ensure your dental crown lasts for many years.

Reason for placing a tooth crown at Campus Smiles

Damaged or worn-down tooth
Large cavity
A missing tooth in need of a dental bridge
Root canal therapy
Discolored, stained, or misshaped tooth
Tooth replacement with a dental implant

Crowns at Campus Smiles

Placement of a crown varies depending on the tooth replacement method or how a tooth is repaired. For most Campus Smiles patients, a crown is used to fix a tooth with a cavity too large to be restored with filling material. Large dental fillings are at risk for fracture. The tooth preparation process involves the removal of the outer tooth structure and all decay. In cases where the tooth structure is damaged heavily by decay, it may need to be built up to support the tooth crown.

After our dentist determines that a dental crown is the best option, an impression must be taken to create a model to be used o design the crown. A temporary restoration will then be placed on the affected tooth while the final crown is being made. Once completed, the temporary is removed and the final crown is fixed in place.

Digital Dental Impressions

At Campus Smiles, we take digital dental impressions using a high-tech scanner. The modern digital process involves a more pleasant experience compared to the messy traditional method. In addition, the process produces instant results instead of waiting several days for the completed impression. Our custom-made dental crowns perfectly match the natural look of the rest of your teeth.

ROOT CANALS

The phrase 'root canal' can incite fear or anxiety in many individuals, as they immediately think about a painful procedure that will have negative effects. However, our team at Campus Smiles provides safe, quick, and effective root canals that help to transform your smiles and improve your overall oral health. What are root canals and how can a root canal treatment affect your smile? Continue reading on to learn more about root canal treatments.

What are root canals?

Root canals are not all bad. The actual root canal is the space located inside each individual tooth, also known as the pulp. Inside contains the vital aspects of a tooth, including the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. When bacteria enters and causes infection, a treatment is required to clean out the tooth and remove any signs of infection.

Isn't it painful?

The actual procedure to clean out the pulp is not painful. It is the infection itself that often causes intense pain. This is because the nerves of the tooth are being attacked and damaged. If this is the case for you, we recommend seeking treatment.

What is involved in root canal treatment?

If you are in need of a root canal treatment, you very well may be worried about what the procedure entails. Prior to your treatment, your Campus Smiles dentist will go over the steps and any further information you should know. They will provide you with the needed anesthesia and medications to avoid any pain or discomfort during the procedure. To begin, your dentist will create a small opening in the tooth with the help of a dental drill. They will remove the pulp, along with the infection, and properly disinfect the area. A small restoration will be needed to help seal off the area and prevent bacteria from re-entering in the future.

If you are in need of a consultation for your tooth pain, then we encourage you to contact our Campus Smiles team today to set up your appointment. Don't wait another day in hopes of you pain leaving; our team is eager to help!

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DENTURES

Dentures, like all dental appliances, will require repair, especially if in function for a long period. The materials used in the making of dentures will wear and erode over time.

The doctors and the oral healthcare professionals at Campus Smiles, located near you, want to educate their patients, new and current, on the common breakages and the repairs to dentures.

The Common Breakages

The most common cause for the break or the fracture of a denture is a poor fit. If the upper and lower sets do not properly align, there will be too much pressure placed on one area rather than being evenly distributed.

Another common cause is the dentures being dropped, damaging either the teeth or the gum line portions of the appliance. If damage should occur to the metal clasps of a denture partial, then the devise should not be placed back into the mouth

Fortunately, dentures and partials are made from materials that allow for repair rather than a full replacement.

The Time Factor

Over time, dentures will wear thin and will be prone to breaking. The worn teeth portion of denture will lead to the uneven distribution of the forces and the pressures of biting and chewing. An imperfect alignment will negatively affect not only the denture appliance, but also the gums and the bone structure of the jaw.

The Approaches to Denture Repair

Dentures need to be relined, and this is considered a repair. The gums and the bone under the denture will naturally shrink over time until the fir needs to be reset. If this occurrence is caught early, the dentist can add back material to the denture to improve the fit.

The relining can be done in the dentist's office if a large change is not required. Otherwise, the dentures need to be sent to a dental laboratory for relining.

Dentures and partials are made from an acrylic resin. This material is durable, comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and easily repaired.

How a Patient Can Help

It is advisable to have a towel under the dentures when they are being cleaned to avoid dropping onto the floor or into the sink. A denture wearer should periodically heck the appliance for wear or fatigue and report these to the dentist before the problem worsens.

If you would like a consultation regarding denture repairs, then please contact the oral healthcare professionals at Campus Smiles, where new patients are always welcome.

Campus Smiles is trusted and highly recommended for dentures and repairs, as well as other treatments in restorative dentistry.