Restorative
FILLINGS
Sometimes cavities happen. A filling can help restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. If you have a tooth that requires a filling, we will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned out cavity with a filling material. A filling also helps prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter.
BONDING
To close gaps between teeth, alter the alignment of the tooth, repair damage caused by tooth decay, or for cosmetic purposes bonding may be the answer. Bonding involves adhering composite resin material that is matched to the color of the tooth, to the front of the tooth to build up and shape the tooth. First the surface of the tooth is roughened in order to accept the bonding and hold it. A gel is applied to micro etch the tooth surface and a primer/bond agent is applied so the material adheres to the surface. Then the material itself is placed on the tooth and hardened with intense light. Finally, the composite resin material is shaped and polished to give it a lustrous finish.
SEALANTS
Sealants are used to fill in narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits that accumulate plaque—not because the person doesn’t brush, but because they’re too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. These will develop cavities over time, and no one wants that. We will brush on a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy.
AIR ABRASION
Air abrasion is a gentle, drill-less approach to remove decay from the teeth. An air abrasion unit is a small instrument that blasts a fine stream of air and particles onto the teeth to spray away decay. The small particles are made of silica, aluminum oxide or baking soda and aid in cleaning the tooth surface. Air abrasion allows for decay to quickly be removed while conserving healthy tooth structure. The particles and decay are then suctioned out of the mouth.
Air abrasion is gentle because it generates no heat, sound, pressure or vibration. In addition, it reduces the need for anesthesia, making it an ideal choice for children and those who experience dental anxiety.