A filling is the best way to treat a decayed tooth, prevent further complications related to cavities, and restore your smile. At our Ambler dental office, we offer tooth-colored composite fillings.
Unlike metal amalgam or silver fillings, composite fillings contain no metal, and are made from a special type of dental resin. Dr. Waibel will color-match the resin to your tooth, so your filling will be undetectable to the naked eye. Composite fillings also provide more durability, and preserve more of your natural enamel than metal fillings.
Porcelain dental crowns are designed to look and feel just like a natural tooth. Crowns are built to fit over your existing teeth after they have been prepared, replacing the natural enamel 360 degrees. Because they cover and protect your entire tooth, they are usually used to treat serious cavities, cracked and broken teeth, and to restore teeth after root canal therapy.
Dental bridges are used to restore one or more adjacent missing teeth. They consist of a pair of dental crowns, which are permanently attached to two of your healthy teeth. Between these crowns, one or more false teeth (pontics) are suspended to replace your missing teeth. Bridges do not shift and move, unlike partial dentures, and are an economical alternative to dental implants.
What To Expect
2 Appointments:
#1 At your first appointment Dr. Waibel will make sure your tooth feels completely numb. She will remove 1mm all around the tooth to make room for the crown. She will then take a 3D scan of your prepared tooth and our lab will start working on your crown. You will leave the office with a temporary crown.
#2 At your second appointment which is usually not more than 15 minutes, the temporary crown will be removed and replaced with your new custom porcelain crown. You’ll be provided with all the necessary instructions to take proper care of your new crown!
If you have a serious toothache that won’t go away, it’s possible that your tooth has become infected. Sometimes untreated decay, or even an oral injury that has broken the hard outer layers of your tooth, can lead to infection.
Some signs that you may need a root canal include:
- Persistent toothache when not eating or drinking
- Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold beverages and foods
- Tooth pain when biting or pressure is applied
- Swollen or tender gums
- A dark or discolored tooth
If left untreated, an infected tooth will only get more painful, lead to further complications, and may even require extraction and replacement. If you think you may be experiencing the symptoms of an infected tooth, Schedule an appointment at Nova Cosmetic Dentistry for a consultation and evaluation today!
What to expect:
Usually, a root canal can be completed in a single visit. You won't feel a thing because we'll ensure your tooth and gums are fully numbed for the entire procedure. In most cases, once the root canal is done, we'll protect your repaired tooth with a porcelain crown to prevent further damage.
During your root canal treatment:
Dr. Waibel will make sure your tooth is completely anesthetized throughout the procedure. The infected nerve of the tooth will be removed and replaced with the sterile core material. Root canal teeth are very brittle and tend to fracture if left unprotected with the crown.
After your root canal treatment:
You may experience some level of sensitivity in the first couple of days after the root canal procedure but the symptoms will be mild and subside shortly after. Please avoid chewing on that side until the tooth is protected with the crown.
"This is my true passion. This is why I love dentistry; it is so rewarding – I can help people transform their lives for better."