Namrata Upadhyay, DDS
Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Making dream smile a reality
Dental filling
Fillings are usually needed if you have decay in your tooth, also known as a cavity. Composite tooth fillings are made of resin and are mercury-free. Composite fillings can be matched to the natural color of the tooth, providing a more natural and seamless appearance. Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, which allows for more conservative tooth preparation. They can be used to repair small to moderate-sized cavities, chipped or broken teeth, worn-down teeth, or teeth with minor cosmetic imperfections. There are size limitations to composite tooth fillings, so if your cavity or the damage to your tooth is more severe, we can use a dental crown to restore your tooth
Dental inlays and onlays
Dental inlays and onlays are restorative dental treatments used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. They are conservative alternatives to dental crowns and are often used when the damage to the tooth is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a crown.
Inlays and onlays are typically made from durable materials such as porcelain, composite resin, or gold. They are custom-made in a dental laboratory to fit precisely into the prepared cavity or onto the damaged surface of the tooth.
Diifference between dental inlays and onlays:
1. Dental Inlays: Inlays are used when the damage or decay is limited to the chewing surface of the tooth, within the cusps or points. They are placed inside the tooth, providing a more conservative restoration compared to a dental crown. Inlays are typically recommended for larger cavities or when the tooth structure is weakened but the cusps are intact.
Dental Onlays: Onlays, also known as partial crowns, are used when the damage or decay extends beyond the chewing surface of the tooth, involving one or more of the cusps. Onlays are designed to cover a larger portion of the tooth, including one or more cusps, providing more extensive coverage and protection compared to inlays.
The process of getting a dental inlay or onlay is similar to that of a dental crown. It usually involves two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and an impression is taken to create a custom-made inlay or onlay. A temporary restoration may be placed to protect the tooth while the permanent restoration is being fabricated. In the second visit, the temporary restoration is removed, and the permanent inlay or onlay is bonded or cemented onto the tooth.
Dental inlays and onlays are designed to blend in with the natural color of the teeth, providing a more aesthetic and conservative option compared to traditional dental crowns. They offer strength, durability, and a precise fit, restoring the function and appearance of the damaged tooth.
Dental Crown
Dental crowns, also known as dental caps or tooth caps, are restorations that are placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. They are commonly used when a tooth is extensively decayed, fractured, or has undergone root canal treatment to restore natural appearance, size and shape of tooth.
Each crown is custom-made to fit your tooth precisely and is typically fabricated from materials such as gold, porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal. Dental crowns can be made of gold, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. Porcelain crowns are a popular choice, as our dentist can match porcelain to the natural color of your smile. Each material has its own advantages and is chosen based on factors such as the location of the tooth, aesthetic preferences, and functional requirements.
The process of getting a dental crown typically involves multiple visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared by removing a portion of its outer structure to accommodate the crown. An impression of the prepared tooth is then taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where the crown is custom-made. In the meantime, a temporary crown may be placed to protect the tooth. During the final visit, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is cemented or bonded onto the tooth.
After placement of the dental crown it is important to practice good oral hygiene, avoiding excessive biting forces on the crown, and regular dental check-ups. They provide both functional and cosmetic benefits, improving the appearance, strength, and function of the treated tooth
Dental bridge
A dental bridge is a prosthetic restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between two healthy teeth or dental implants. It is a fixed restoration, meaning it is cemented or bonded into place and cannot be removed by the patient.
A dental bridge consists of two main components:
1.Pontic: The pontic is an artificial tooth or teeth that fill the space left by the missing tooth or teeth. It is designed to resemble a natural tooth in shape, size, and color. The pontic is supported by the adjacent teeth or dental implants
2. Dental Crowns: The dental crowns, also known as abutments, are placed on the teeth adjacent to the gap to anchor and support the pontic. These teeth are prepared by removing a portion of their outer structure, similar to the preparation for dental crowns. The dental crowns serve as anchors for the pontic and provide stability and support to the bridge.
The process of getting a dental bridge typically involves multiple visits to the dentist. During the initial visit, the abutment teeth are prepared, and an impression or digital scan is taken to create an accurate mold of the teeth and the gap. This mold is sent to a dental laboratory, where the bridge is custom-made to fit the patient's mouth. A temporary bridge may be placed to protect the exposed teeth and gums while the permanent bridge is being fabricated. In a subsequent visit, the temporary bridge is removed, and the permanent bridge is placed and cemented or bonded into position.
Dental bridges offer several benefits, including restoring the appearance and functionality of the smile, improving chewing and speech abilities, preventing adjacent teeth from shifting, and distributing bite forces evenly. Proper oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, are crucial to maintain the health and longevity of a dental bridge.
Dental implant restoration
A dental implant is a prosthetic restoration designed to replace your tooth after it has been lost or extracted. Implants are designed to replace both the root and crown of your teeth to give you a solution to restore aesthetics and function just like your original tooth. Implants consist of three main parts, the implant post, abutment and the implant crown.
Once the implants have fused with the bone through a process called osseointegration, they provide a stable foundation for the attachment of implant abutment and implant crown.The abutment extends above the gum line and serves as a support for the final restoration. Implant crown is then attached to the abutment, completing the implant restoration process. Implant restorations provide several benefits, including improved chewing ability, enhanced speech, preservation of bone and facial structure, and a natural appearance.
For more information about dental implant restorations and to schedule an appointment with our experienced dentist, contact our office today.
Dentures
Dentures are a removable oral appliance that serve as a replacement for multiple missing teeth. If you are missing most or all your teeth, you may benefit from your own set of dentures. Dentures can restore the natural function and appearance of your smile and give you back your confidence in eating, speaking and smiling. Dentures can restore your facial volume, as missing teeth can cause your facial muscles to sag over time without support. There are two types of dentures:
● Complete dentures are used to replace all the teeth in the upper and bottom arches. Depending on the condition of your smile, our dentist may recommend complete dentures to restore one or both of your arches and help you regain a full smile.
● Partial dentures are used if you have lost multiple teeth, but most of your natural teeth remain. A partial denture is a metal framework that attaches securely to your existing teeth to complete your smile.
Typically fabrication of Dentures requires multiple appointments. While dentures provide functional and aesthetic benefits, they may require an adjustment period as you get used to wearing them.
It is important to know that dental implant-supported dentures are also an option for individuals who desire increased stability and support. These dentures are anchored to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone, providing a more secure fit and improved chewing ability.
Root canal treatment
It is a dental procedure performed to treat a tooth that has become infected or severely damaged due to decay, with the aim of saving the natural tooth rather than extracting it. Without root canal treatment, the tooth will most likely die and need to be extracted. Root canal treatment is a type of endodontic therapy that removes infected, damaged and injured tissues within the tooth. Root canal treatment also involves cleaning the tooth and filling it with a medicated material to renew the health of the tooth. Once the treatment is completed, the tooth will require a crown to restore its original structure and appearance.
Root canal treatment is typically performed over one or more dental visits, depending on the complexity of the case. The procedure is generally painless due to the use of anesthesia, although some post-treatment soreness or discomfort may occur, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
After the procedure, it is essential to practice good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups, to maintain the treated tooth and prevent future issues.