People are living longer than ever.
While regular brushing, flossing, and checkups allow many of us to maintain our natural smiles for a lifetime, sometimes our teeth just can't keep up. The need for dental restoration is inevitable, but we are here to help.
Fillings
Fillings are a very common treatment for decay found in teeth. When the enamel begins to weaken, the tooth becomes susceptible to bacteria found in the mouth. This process can lead to small areas of decay, or cavities, forming on the surface of your tooth. If the area of decay is still small, a filling may be diagnosed to treat the cavity.
Composite is one of the most commonly used materials in modern dentistry. Composite is a tooth-colored material that is used for fillings. We will match your tooth to a specific shade of composite, making your filling blend in to your natural tooth.
Post-Treatment Care
Following the completion of your filling, your mouth may still be numb in the area where treatment was completed. You should be cautious when chewing on that side for a few hours, to avoid damage to your cheek, tongue, or lip. We also recommend you stay away from hard, crunchy, and sticky foods for up to 24 hours following the completion of your filling, as this might cause the filling to fracture, or sensitivity in the tooth to arise.
Deeper fillings, which are typically found in areas where the cavity is more extensive, can cause temporary sensitivity in the treated tooth. This sensitivity can last anywhere from 2 weeks to one year post-op. This occurs due to the filling being placed close to the nerve of your tooth. Although it is temporary, we recommend you make an appointment to see Dr. Pitt for a follow-up if the sensitivity becomes unbearable or gets worse over time.
Crowns
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A crown, also known as a cap, is a restoration used to replace damaged or missing tooth structure. Crowns are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn, or unable to be filled due to extensive tooth decay.
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Crowns are cemented onto existing tooth structure and fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth's new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain, ceramic, resin, metal, or a mixture of these materials.
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Crowns are needed when there is insufficient tooth structure remaining to hold a filling. Unlike fillings, crowns are fabricated in a lab. Our assistants will make sure your crown is a perfect fit, making sure it seamlessly blends into your smile. Because your crown is always custom-made, you will have completely normal function of the treated tooth.