Technology in the dental world has come a long way. All restorations (Fillings, Crowns, Bridges, Inlays, Onlays) can now be bonded directly to the tooth with a composite material that behaves very much like your natural tooth. These techniques allow for longer lasting more durable dental work. There has been a great deal of controversy over the use of amalgam (silver-mercury) fillings in dentistry. We have followed this debate carefully and have found that there is very good cause for replacing these amalgam fillings.

Tooth-Coloured Fillings

Composite or porcelain laminates that are adhesively bonded to the surface of a tooth to correct and repair chips and cracks, will improve a worn appearance or severe tooth discolouration. Veneers may also be considered if you have gaps between your teeth or if your teeth have not whitened as much as you would like, with whitening procedures alone.

Inlays & Onlays

Inlays & onlays are a long lasting, and extremely cosmetic way to provide restoration of teeth with moderate decay or structural damage. They offer a conservative preparation that preserves as much healthy tooth as possible. Onlays, protect the weak areas of the tooth, without requiring the reshaping of the whole tooth, as for a full coverage crown. They are also know as, “Indirect” fillings, as they are created in a dental laboratory, before being adhesively bonded into place by the dentist. The latest bonding techniques allows us to do this very beautiful and conservative type of dentistry.

Crowns

A crown is full coverage and usually made of porcelain. Crowns cover the entire tooth to protect it and give it strength. Often times after a root canal is done a tooth will require a crown on it. A tooth with significant cracks inside needs a crown to keep the cracks from growing, and the tooth from splitting. It is always best to place a crown when a tooth shows signs of weakness and cracks, and before there is the need for a root canal, or worse yet an extraction due to breakage.

Bridges

A bridge is a cemented prosthetic used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. We use the teeth on either side of the missing tooth as the retainers and they are crowned. An artificial tooth is created to look like your old tooth, and is added to the centre. Bridges can involve as few as two teeth or as many as six or seven. Bridges are generally made from a combination of porcelain and metal depending on your bite. Bridges are designed to look, and function like your natural teeth.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are designed to provide a secure foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. If you are among the many Canadians who suffer from permanent tooth loss, you can eliminate the problems and discomfort caused by poorly fitting dentures or missing teeth. You can begin to discover the joy of eating healthy, speaking clearly, feeling confident and laughing comfortably! dental implants

Root Canals

A root canal is a procedure that involves removing the infected matter from the centre of the tooth. Local anesthetic is given and there is little to no discomfort. A root canal may be needed if the tooth has been traumatized, if there is a crack or fracture, or if the decay or filling gets too close to the centre of the tooth. Most root canals can be completed in one appointment. Once a root canal is completed the dentist may recommend a crown to protect the tooth. This is usually necessary because there is often less tooth structure and strength left in the tooth due to the very large fillings, cavities or cracks that caused the need for the root canal in the first place.

Extractions

Sometimes if a tooth is cracked or fractured below the gum line we are unable to save it, and the tooth must be extracted. We perform extractions, and provide many options to “fill the space”. We may suggest an implant, bridge, or partial denture depending on your circumstances. Your treatment options will be tailored to your needs and lifestyle.

Of course, our philosophy is awareness and prevention. Much can be done to identify and prevent cracks from growing to the extent that a tooth would need to be extracted.