Restorative dentistry is a term applied to 'restoring' a tooth that has been lost to decay, erosion, fracture, extractions, etc. The most basic form of restorative dentistry applies to fillings. Crowns, bridges, implants, and even dentures all fall under this heading. The concept of a “filling” is replacing and restoring your tooth structure that is damaged due to decay, fracture, erosion, abrasion, etc. with a material to restore your smile and teeth to a more healthy state
Dental crowns and bridges have been two of the most reliable and effective dental restoration methods available for decades. At our Bellingham dental office, we use only the highest quality materials to craft restorations that look and feel natural and last for years with proper care. Crowns are advanced restorations that fit completely over damaged dental structures to protect and repair teeth, and fixed bridges use dental crowns to support one or more replacement teeth.
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For a filling appointment, you can expect to be greeted and to be brought to one of our treatment operatories. Very carefully we will give you a numbing agent in the appropriate area. When you are profoundly numb, we will isolate the area with a barrier and remove the decayed parts of your tooth or teeth. The next step is to fill, or restore, the parts that were removed. We have several options for materials to be used for the filling material. We use gold, amalgam, or composite (white, tooth color) filling materials based on your tooth's need and your desire for esthetics, strength, or longevity.
Gold inlays and onlays are considered where longevity is desired. They require at least two visits, one for the shaping and impression and another for the placement. The common material for inlays or onlays is gold, although porcelains are becoming more and more prevalent. These restorations will generally last longer and provide you a higher quality solution.
Amalgam and Composite fillings are typically done in one sitting. Of course, tooth colored fillings are popular based on their ability to blend with the tooth. Both amalgam and composite fillings have the ability to last a long while, but usually require replacement after a time in service.
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Patients who’ve lost numerous teeth or a full arch may want to consider comfortable, custom restoration using partial or full dentures. These dental prosthetics are crafted by using a gum-colored base material to support numerous replacement teeth. Partials are shaped to fit between remaining teeth, and they are held in place with metal clasps attached to healthy teeth. Full dentures are formed to fit snuggly against the gums creating suction that holds them in place. We also offer dental implant supported partial and full dentures for patients interested in improved dental stability.
A toothache, dental sensitivity, infection at the gum line. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you may need a root canal. Unfortunately, this procedure has a bad reputation for being painful, but the Moreno & Young Dental team have good news. Root canal therapy actually significantly reduces pain when dental damage or decay accesses the sensitive dental nerves inside the tooth. The procedure removes this damaged tissue, replaces it, and protects the tooth from further damage.
Sometimes, restorative dentistry doesn’t solve all your dental problems. Every so often, it’s necessary to perform an extraction. If you have impacted wisdom teeth or a damaged, infected tooth that cannot be saved, we may have to remove it. We put your comfort first and always do our best to make this a quick and comfortable procedure
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The most commonly extracted teeth are the third molars, often called wisdom teeth. These are the last teeth to erupt into the smile, and unfortunately, patients often do not have adequate space in the jaw line to accommodate this additional set of molars. This can lead to numerous oral health concerns including impaction (inability of a tooth to erupt from the gum line), crowding that makes oral hygiene difficult, and potential bite misalignment. For these reasons, we may recommend wisdom tooth extraction.
The term "full mouth reconstruction" refers to cases on a larger scale. The conditions leading up to a full mouth reconstruction are many and varied. In some cases, teeth are lost to periodontal disease and replacements are needed. In other cases, missing teeth due to cavities may have caused a collapse in the bite, which results in over-closing. Reconstruction in these cases not only involves replacing teeth but additionally, the bite may need to be re-opened to establish lip and cheek support. Severe wear and erosion, crowding, or TMJ problems are other conditions that may require full mouth reconstruction.
Drs. Moreno and Young will consider each case carefully, and if your case is one that qualifies as a full mouth reconstruction, great care will be taken to communicate to you the rationale for treatment, treatment sequence, and treatment options.
Our professional, friendly dental team will make sure you have a wonderful experience at Moreno & Young Dental. We provide comprehensive preventive, family, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services for Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Everson, and surrounding areas.
