504 Mulberry St SW, Lenoir, NC
Fillings are needed when a tooth is damaged by decay. The dentist will begin by removing the decay, then they will clean the tooth surface and finish by restoring the tooth with the filling. Most fillings are either composite (tooth colored) or amalgam (an alloy of metals including tin, copper, silver, mercury and zinc).
A crown often helps support a tooth that has been badly decayed or broken. They can also be used when a tooth has a failing large filling or needs esthetic improvement. The crown covers the entire tooth and is like a cap.
Partials and dentures are good options for patients to replace from one to all their teeth. These replacement options never feel the same as someones natural teeth but with today's technology they are more esthetic/comfortable than ever.
A dental implant is used to replace one or more teeth. A titanium screw is typically placed in the bone and is connected to a crown by an abutment. This a great way to replace a tooth without harming adjacent teeth.
A dental bridge provides a convenient way to bridge a gap between two teeth. The bridge consists of at least one crown on either side of a gap (the abutments) that is connected to a crown filling the gap (the pontic).
Often teeth need to be removed due to dental decay (cavities), gum disease or from a traumatic event. Extracting a tooth simply involves removing the tooth from the surrounding bone. Healthy teeth are sometimes removed due to orthodontic concerns or to prevent future problems as would be the case with wisdom teeth.
Many patients grind or clench their teeth at night. This behavior causes teeth to wear down and occasionally break. In addition, some patients will experience joint pain with these habits. A nightguard can be worn at night to reduce this damage to teeth and the joint.
The process of cleaning teeth allows for the removal of dental plaque that can cause teeth to break down and form cavities. The hygienist is able to remove both soft plaque and hardened deposits that patients can't remove at home.
When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance and cause inflammation around the tooth, otherwise known as periodontitis. Without treatment this condition can result in the deterioration of the supporting bone and soft tissue. Advanced cases of periodontal disease can result in teeth becoming loose, or in extreme cases, tooth loss.
Whitening is a safe and easy way to improve the color of your smile. This procedure can help remove stains and discolorations.
Intra-oral and extra-oral evaluation of soft and hard tissues for abnormalities .
Dental x-rays can be thought of as pictures of structures in and around your mouth. These would include teeth, bone and other anatomical structures. X-rays help us visualize what we can't see with only a visual examination.
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