The goal of restorative dental care is the comprehensive management of oral health while returning the mouth to an esthetic and functional state. Restorative dentistry is the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of oral diseases. Additionally, restorative dental care offers solutions to dental trauma or developmental related defects.
Dental Implants
A missing tooth or teeth can be replaced by a dental implant without altering the healthy adjacent teeth. Dr. Gordon works with highly skilled oral surgeons and periodontists to plan where your implants will be placed. Once an implant is placed, it takes approximately 4 months to integrate into your bone before we can place the final crown. During the healing time, provisional restorations or removable appliances may be an option to temporarily replace your tooth.
Once your implant is fully integrated, an impression is taken at the level of your implant, most times beneath your gums, at the bone level using special parts and techniques that are customized for you. This ensures the highest quality and longevity for your implants. The impression and parts are sent to our local laboratory and two pieces are custom-made for your implant, an abutment and a crown. Generally speaking, the abutment is the piece that screws into your implant, and after, the crown is cemented onto this piece. Abutments may be fabricated from titanium, like your implant, or zirconia.
Dental implants are the standard of care for tooth replacement because they prevent the type of bone loss we see when teeth are not replaced or when a traditional bridge is placed. Many times dental implants require socket preservation when the bad tooth is extracted, which helps to hold the bone in place and for the extraction site to heal with bone rather than scar tissue. If the tooth being replaced with an implant was lost many years ago, a different type of bone graft may be required. For implants in the upper arch, sinus surgery is sometimes required before implants are placed. The best time to plan for your implant is before you lose the tooth.
Patients with congenitally missing teeth are sometimes candidates for implant replacement. However, children must be fully grown before implants are placed. If your child is currently in orthodontics (braces) and an implant has been suggested as a tooth replacement option, it is imperative to plan for the implant before the braces are removed, even when the implant can not be placed for many years.
Dental implants can be used to hold appliances in place such as dentures and partial dentures. This can be life-changing for patients who have worn appliances for many years. However, replacing all teeth with implants is a very complicated and expensive undertaking. Generally speaking, it is best to maintain your existing teeth and to use implants when a tooth can not be saved (such as root fracture) or when the tooth never formed (congenitally missing).
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns provide an excellent restorative treatment option for tooth decay, injuries or improper wear of your natural tooth. Dental crowns offer several benefits including long term durability, improved chewing functions and protection from further decay, infection or cracking. It will take a few visits to our office for the complete process of installing your permanent dental crown.
Dr. Gordon uses a family-owned dental laboratory located in Palm Harbor. You can rest assured that your crown will be made with the highest quality materials. She has never used corrosive metals or worked with laboratories overseas. You will feel confident with the natural tooth appearance of your dental crown.
Tooth Colored Fillings
Restoring teeth with tooth colored, composite dental fillings is an option that provides a natural finish that blends beautifully with your smile. Due to their natural look, composite fillings are commonly used in the front teeth. However, composite fillings are durable enough to be used on all teeth. Dr. Gordon will explore all restorative treatment options during your exam.