RESTORATIVE SERVICES

TOOTH EXTRACTIONS

Sometimes a tooth needs to be removed. We aim to make your dental extraction as comfortable as possible

While it is unfortunate, sometimes a tooth becomes broken or damaged by decay, and is beyond repair. When this happens, the tooth will need to be removed. There are many reasons that a tooth may need to be extracted. These may include the following:

  • If you have a damaged or decayed tooth that cannot be saved

  • If you have extra teeth that are blocking other teeth from coming in

  • If baby teeth do not fall out in time for permanent teeth to come in

  • If your wisdom teeth need to be removed

  • If you are receiving braces and need to create more room in the mouth

While nobody wants to have their tooth removed, sometimes it is necessary to ensure a healthy and happy you. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the tooth extraction process, do not hesitate to ask us questions- we want you to be as comfortable as possible during your procedure.

What to expect

When it comes to dental extractions, there are two types: a simple extraction and a surgical extraction.

Simple Extraction- A simple extraction is performed when a tooth is visible in the mouth. During this procedure with minimum instrumentation, the dentist is able to remove the tooth with the least amount of trauma to the area.

Surgical Extraction- Surgical extractions require more complex instrumentation to safely remove the tooth and can involve sutures to help the area heal.

Following your dental extraction ice packs can be used to reduce swelling. It is advised that you eat soft and cool foods for a few days, and avoid smoking and using a straw, as these actions could result in a dry socket.

NATURAL AND BEAUTIFUL DENTURES

People who have lost all or some of their teeth can often benefit from dentures!

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. They are custom-made so that they fit comfortably into your mouth. When you are missing teeth, it can cause your facial muscles to sag, making you appear older. Dentures can help to support your facial muscles, as well as help you eat and speak more comfortably for a more confident you.

There are many kinds of dentures available today:

Full Denture- A full denture is used to replace all of your natural teeth. It is placed into the mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and all tissues have healed, which may take several months.

Immediate Denture- An immediate denture is placed as soon as the remaining teeth are removed. With immediate dentures, you do not have to be without teeth during the healing period.

Implant Supported Denture- An implant supported denture can be fabricated in two ways. One would be fully supported by implants and is only removed by a dental professional every six months for routine cleaning. Another is supported by both implants and soft tissues and is removable by the patient for regular maintenance. The benefits of an implant supported dentures are increased support of the denture and decreased mobility of the denture, which can ultimately increase comfort and functionality.

Partial Denture- A partial denture is used to replace a few missing teeth.  It attaches to your natural teeth or implants in some cases.  Partial dentures are removable, unlike bridges.

Tips to care for your dentures

After receiving your dentures, you must care for them just like your natural teeth. You should clean them every day using liquid soap or denture cleaners. When you are not wearing your dentures, you should place them in water to keep them moist. Be gentle with your dentures, and take care not the bend or damage them.

TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS

In the past, cavities were filled with amalgam, which is a mix of silver and mercury. Because these fillings can damage the teeth over time, many dental offices have phased out this material.

At Southern Roots Dental, we offer tooth-colored fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are used to restore teeth that are experiencing decay, or cavities. These fillings are created to closely match the natural color of your teeth, so they are not as noticeable as silver fillings.

DENTAL CROWNS AND BRIDGES

Crowns and bridges can help restore strength and functionality to your teeth.

What are crowns and bridges?

Crowns and bridges are fixed prosthetic devices that are cemented onto teeth or implants to help restore strength and functionality to missing or damaged teeth.

Crowns

A dental crown is placed over a tooth to protect it from further damage or to improve its appearance.  At our office, we offer porcelain crowns, which can be made to match the color of your natural teeth. A crown may be needed for many reasons:

  • Replace a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth left to support a new filling

  • Protect a weak or brittle tooth

  • Restore a fractured or cracked tooth

  • Attach a bridge

  • Restore a dental implant

Bridges

A dental bridge may be used to replace one or more missing teeth. Bridges are cemented to your natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space where teeth are missing. These teeth, called abutments, act as anchors for the dental bridge with a replacement tooth in between. At our office, we offer porcelain bridges, so they match the natural color of your teeth.

What to expect:

Before your crown or bridge is made, the affected tooth or teeth must be reduced in size, so the crown or bridge will fit properly. After the tooth or teeth are reduced, an impression will be made to create an exact mold for the crown or bridge. The impression will then be sent to a dental lab, where they will create your crown or bridge. During this time, a temporary crown or bridge will be placed to the appropriate tooth or teeth. When the permanent crown or bridge is ready, the temporary placement will be removed, and the new crown or bridge will be cemented over your tooth or teeth.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental Implants are a permanent solution to a missing tooth or teeth

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gum line.

Implant Crown – Implants can allow your dentist to mount a replacement tooth or bridge to replace a missing tooth. Dental implants can look and feel like a natural tooth. Many patients choose to receive dental implants if they are unhappy with their smile due to missing teeth and wish to keep the adjacent teeth intact.

Implant Retained/Supported Dentures – Implants can also provide support for dentures and partial dentures. Depending on the number of implants placed in the edentulous (or toothless) area, the denture can either snap onto and off of the implants or be permanently attached to the implants.

What to expect

Individuals who are considering dental implants must have healthy gums and enough bone to support the implant. Once the implant is placed and has integrated with the bone (can usually take 4-6 months), the restoration process begins to fit the crown or denture.