Restorative Services

Crowns
Crowns (also known as "caps") are restorations that cover the entire tooth. Crowns are used to correct badly broken or worn teeth, large cavities, or teeth that have undergone root canal therapy . In some cases, large amounts of front teeth are compromised and crowns are used instead of veneers for a cosmetic solution. Crowns are often used to strengthen weaken and cracked teeth. When adjacent crowns are connected (splinted) together, they can stabilize loose teeth. Crowns can be made from various porcelains, porcelain fused to gold cores, or new high strength porcelain. Crowns are fabricated by a laboratory to provide strength, precision, enhanced esthetics and a stable bite. CEREC crowns are also available for certain situations to allow crowns to be made in a single visit. Generally a quality crown, where indicated, will last a very long time.

Bridges
Bridges are very similar to crowns except that they are used to replace missing teeth. They attach to teeth on either side of a space to span the gap of missing teeth. Bridges are permanently cemented. Like crowns, bridges can restore natural beauty and the function of your smile.

Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are used to correct smaller cavities or replace larger mercury fillings. Old fashion silver mercury filling tends to crack teeth over time and turn teeth dark gray in color. Inlays and onlays replace missing tooth structure with porcelain. Our porcelain has many physical properties similar to enamel and can conserve much of the tooth structure using this procedure.

Dentures and Partial Dentures
A denture is a removable dental appliance for replacing missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They are made to closely resemble natural teeth and may even enhance your smile. Complete dentures are made when all of the teeth are missing and partial dentures are made when some of the natural teeth remain. Complete dentures can not only replace teeth but add lost dimension to correct a "shrunken in" smile and lower face. Complete dentures can be supported by dental implants to create a snap in fit. A partial denture not only replaces teeth, it also prevents damage that occurs to other teeth through prevent of shifting. Some partial dentures can be made in conjunction with specially made crowns that create a very precise "button in" fit.

Dental implants
Dental implants utilize heavily researched and proven technology to replace missing teeth and support dental appliances. Implants are a cylindrical titanium replacement of tooth roots that can have a crown or bridge affixed to the top of it or have a prosthesis (denture) snapped into it. Dental implants do not simply screw into to bone. The biocompatibility of the pure titanium material allows osseointergration to bone. While some general dentists place implants, the Kellys practice prefers to have implants placed by a periodontist (gum and bone dentist) or an oral surgeon that has specific highly advanced training and skill in this specialty of dentistry. The Kellys, as the restorative dentists, plan how the implants will be placed and how the teeth will be restored. After the implants are placed and heal, our dentists complete the case by topping the implants with an appropriate crown, bridge, or overdenture. Implants are so solid and predictable that they have revolutionized dentistry.

Fillings
Fillings are used to correct areas of small decay to replace the hole left by removing infected tooth structure. They can either be made with composite resin (white, tooth colored material) or with traditional alloy material. While each have their advantages in restoring small decayed areas, composite resin is generally used, when indicated for a more esthetic and natural appearance. In situations where a great deal of tooth structure is compromised with decay; inlays, onlays and crowns are indicated to restore teeth as a more durable option.

Complete Dental Restoration
In complex dental treatment, a comprehensive approach is absolutely necessary using a combination of procedures. When multiple teeth require extensive treatment the harmony of a patients bite must be considered. Many missing teeth or severe deterioration of most teeth may require complex reconstruction using a combination of periodontal therapy, crowns, bridges, veneers, fillings, and possibly dental implants.