Dental Bridges
Tooth loss not only affects how your smile looks, but also the way you eat, how you speak and the alignment of your other teeth. A dental bridge is a device used to replace missing teeth that attaches to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth.
Dental bridges can be fixed or removable. Fixed bridges are bonded into place, while removable bridges can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts. A dental bridge is usually completed in two visits. We will begin by preparing the natural, abutment teeth so that the ends of the bridge will fit comfortably on each one. Next, we will take an impression of your teeth create your new dental bridge. In the meantime, we’ll fit you with a natural-looking temporary restoration. During your second visit, your new dental bridge will be fitted comfortably into your mouth. We’ll make every effort to ensure that the new bridge looks and feels natural. Then we’ll cement the bridge, leaving you with a beautifully restored smile.
To learn more about Dental Bridges, please contact our office at (205) 221-9190 to make an appointment.
Tooth Colored Fillings
A dental filling is a restoration used to repair minor to moderate tooth damage. We may recommend a filling if your tooth has been damaged by decay, has a cavity or suffers from minor fracturing or chipping. The dental filling is used to restore the tooth to its original structure and function and to return your smile to good health. Tooth-colored fillings are dental fillings that closely match natural tooth color and appearance. Tooth-colored fillings can also be used to change the size, color or shape of your teeth. For example, cosmetic dental fillings can close gaps between teeth, repair chipped teeth or make teeth appear straighter and more even. Tooth colored fillings can also be used to replace old, silver amalgam fillings.
To learn more about Dental Bridges, please contact our office at (205) 221-9190 to make an appointment.
To learn more about Tooth Colored Fillings, please contact our office at (205) 221 – 9190 to schedule an appointment.
Root Canal Therapy
Tooth decay, repeated dental procedures, large fillings, cracks, chips and trauma to the face can cause a tooth’s nerve and pulp to become irritated, inflamed or infected. If left untreated, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form. If this happens, a root canal procedure may be necessary to repair and save the affected tooth. The procedure involves removing the nerve and the pulp from the center of the tooth, then cleaning and sealing it, most likely with a crown.
We may recommend root canal therapy for one of the following reasons:
- The decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth)
- An infection or abscess inside the tooth or at the root tip has developed
- Trauma or injury to the tooth has occurred
- You are experiencing pain
To learn more about Root Canal Therapy, please contact our office at (205) 221-9190 to make an appointment.
Bone Grafting & Socket Preservation
Most dental bone grafting procedures are done to restore your bone to its previous form following tooth loss, gum disease or trauma. Bone grafting may also be used to maintain bone structure and preserve the tooth socket after a tooth extraction. Restoring and maintaining facial bone structure is important for several reasons. Many dental procedures, such as dental implant placement, require that the bone be as close to its original dimension and position as possible for optimal results. The jawbone and other facial bones also support the skin and muscle that are responsible for our outward cosmetic appearance. Without the support of the underlying bone, our faces can look prematurely aged.
To learn more aboutBone Grafting & Socket Preservation, please contact our office at (205) 221 – 9190 to schedule an appointment.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. They allow you to regain the ability to eat virtually anything and smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Dental implants are tiny metal posts which are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the metal, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, dental implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing.
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually bonding with the jawbone. After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Our dentists will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. An impression will be taken and a post will be connected to the implants. Lastly, the replacement teeth are attached to the post completing your new strong smile. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months.
To learn more about Dental Implants, please contact our office at (205) 221-9190 to make an appointment.
Dental Extractions
Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth. While we strive to avoid the need to remove a tooth whenever possible, certain conditions may make tooth extraction the most effective option for returning your smile to good health and function, including:
- Severe infection that has destroyed a significant portion of the tooth and supporting bone structure
- Serious decay that has damaged a tooth beyond repair, making a successful restoration impossible
- Crowding caused by too many teeth to properly fit in the mouth
Our dentists use great care and skill when performing a tooth extraction to ensure that your dental experience is as comfortable and painless as possible.