GENERAL DENTISTRY
SEALANTS​
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It can be difficult to clean the deep pits and fissures with just a toothbrush.
When food, plaque, and bacteria are left on teeth, tiny openings and holes can develop, permanently damaging teeth. Sealants can be placed on these deep pits and fissures to prevent tooth decay before they happen.
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COMPOSITE FILLINGS
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What type of Filling Materials are Available?
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There are several types of materials that can be used for dental fillings. Depending on the condition of your tooth, aesthetics, and budget, your dentist will help you choose the option that optimally restores the look and function of your tooth. The most common materials are gold, amalgam (silver), and composite (tooth-colored) resin, and porcelain. Silver fillings are more common on back teeth (molars) because they do not show when you smile.
However, many patients prefer a tooth-colored, metal-free option, regardless of where the filling needs to be placed. At Rockville Dental Studio, we prefer to use the most advanced tooth fillings made of tooth-colored materials. Ultimately, the decision on which material to use for your dental filling will be determined with a well-informed conversation between you and your dentist.
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Procedure Overview
The dental filling procedure is a routine and relatively simple procedure
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Local anesthetic can be used to numb the area, if necessary. Very small fillings can be completed without local anesthetics but chat with your dentist if you have any questions or concerns if that is an option.
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Dental decay will be removed
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Acid etch is used to cleanse the tooth surface allowing the dental composite filling to microscopically bond to the tooth.
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Composite filling will be placed and shappend.
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Special light will cure the dental filling, hardening it.
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Polishing instruments will be utilized to make your tooth sparkle to match the rest of your teeth.
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Metal Crowns​​
Metal crowns have the advantage of being exceptionally strong. They can be made of gold or other alloys (metal mixture). They are the most durable type of crown but they are unable to blend to your natural tooth color.
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Ceramic Crowns
Ceramic crowns are made from porcelain and mainly used for their aesthetic qualities. They can be matched to the exact color of your teeth and are great options for anterior (front teeth). However, they are the least durable crown material available.
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Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) crowns have a porcelain exterior and a metal interior. PFM crowns combine the strength of a metal alloy with the aesthetic qualities of ceramic crowns.
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Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia is a type of metal that is naturally tooth-colored making it a popular crown material for many dentists. Zirconia is not as aesthetically pleasing as ceramic.
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Procedure Overview
Once determining the best crown for you, the crown and bridge procedure is a two appointment visit. The first appointment is when the dentist prepares your tooth for a custom made crown. The second appointment is when the permanent placement of the crown or bridge.
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Local anesthetic will be utilized.
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All decay must be removed from the tooth.
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Tooth will be built up with core material.
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Tooth will be drilled and shaped to the proper reductions and dimensions.
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An impression will be taken to be sent out for your personalized crown.
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A temporary (provisional) crown will be created in office while we allow time for your permanent crown to be fabricated in the lab.
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Once fabricated, your permanent crown will be cemented in with a comfortable fit.
Dental crowns can be treated with the same care as regular teeth. While the crown can not develop decay itself, it's the margin where the crown meets the natural tooth surface that can develop decay. Routine brushing and flossing, as well as your @Routine Exam and @Cleaning is essential to maximizing the lifespan of your crown.
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CROWN / BRIDGES
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Dental crowns (caps) are one of the most important restorations we offer. Severe tooth decay can destroy a tooth where a filling cannot keep intact. Left untreated, these teeth can fracture into the nerve or may need extraction. A crown can save and protect a broken down or highly decayed tooth by distributing the forces along the margin. A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance.
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