Restorative Dentistry
Restorative Dentistry Services
We recognize that fillings are the most frequently performed procedures in dental practices. Neglecting proper oral hygiene can often result in decay, commonly known as cavities. Dental fillings play a crucial role in repairing the damage caused by this decay, effectively restoring both the structure and function of the affected tooth.
However, for cases with significant decay or fractures, crowns may be the more appropriate solution. We offer a comprehensive range of treatments, including fillings, cleanings, root canals, dental implants, crowns, and bridges. Our aim is to address your dental needs while ensuring you have a pleasant experience during your visit.
Fillings
To treat a cavity, we start by removing the decayed portion of the tooth and then filling the area that has been affected by decay. Fillings are also effective in repairing cracked or broken teeth, as well as those that have suffered wear from habits such as nail-biting or grinding.
Nowadays, there is a range of dental filling materials to choose from. Options include gold, porcelain, and more frequently, tooth-colored composites made from plastic and glass. The choice of filling depends on factors such as the location and severity of the decay, the cost of the material, the patient’s insurance coverage, and the dentist’s professional advice to find the most suitable solution for your needs.
Root Canals
When a tooth experiences significant decay, trauma, or gum disease, the nerve can become inflamed or infected, resulting in pain and a possible dental abscess. A root canal procedure addresses this issue by removing the damaged nerve and pulp, followed by a thorough cleaning and sealing of the tooth’s interior.
Successfully completing a root canal allows you to retain the tooth, preventing nearby teeth from shifting and reducing the risk of jaw complications. This also eliminates the need for artificial replacement. Thanks to advanced dental techniques, undergoing a root canal at UBC Vancouver Dentist at Lelem Village can be a comfortable experience, as our skilled team is dedicated to providing effective root canal therapy.
Oral Surgery
Certain oral conditions may necessitate minor surgical interventions for correction. Issues like impacted wisdom teeth, dental implants to fill gaps from missing teeth, and the removal of oral lesions can be addressed by our experienced dentists using local anesthesia. For more complex cases that exceed the general dentist’s expertise, we collaborate with a network of board-certified Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons to guarantee you receive the highest standard of care.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays provide a stunning restoration for your teeth using custom-made porcelain or resin materials. These aesthetic options serve as an appealing alternative to traditional fillings, seamlessly blending with your natural tooth.
Inlays are designed to fill the spaces between the cusps of your teeth, while onlays cover the chewing surface, effectively protecting and restoring significant areas of decay much like a larger filling. We frequently recommend inlays and onlays as they offer exceptional quality, preserving more of your natural tooth structure and providing enhanced durability compared to some other treatment choices
The procedure:
Restoring your teeth with inlays or onlays involves two visits to UBC Vancouver Dentist at Lelem Village. During your initial appointment, we will meticulously prepare your teeth and take an impression, which is then sent to a dental laboratory. There, a model of your teeth is crafted to create your custom inlay or onlay using high-quality materials such as porcelain, gold, or resins.
At your follow-up visit, we will place the inlay or onlay, making precise adjustments to ensure a perfect fit. Once everything is optimized, we will securely cement it in place, polish it for a smooth finish, and conduct one final check to ensure your bite is accurate, effectively restoring both the appearance and functionality of your teeth.
Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed appliance designed to replace one or more missing teeth, effectively “bridging” the gap between two surrounding teeth.
Unlike removable partial dentures, a fixed bridge is permanently cemented in place next to the abutment teeth, which are the teeth on either side of the gap. Typically composed of three units—a false tooth known as a pontic situated between two crowns secured to the abutment teeth—a fixed bridge offers a natural solution for filling the void left by missing teeth.
If you are missing teeth and are dedicated to maintaining good oral hygiene, you may be an ideal candidate for a bridge. Leaving the space unfilled can lead to the surrounding teeth shifting out of alignment, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease that may result in further tooth loss.
In addition to restoring proper bite function, enhancing chewing ability and speech, fixed bridges help maintain your appearance by preventing the collapse of facial structure, thereby avoiding premature wrinkles and age lines.
Crowns
A crown is a dental restoration that encases a tooth, restoring its original shape and size while reinforcing and enhancing its appearance. Crowns become essential when a tooth is too damaged for fillings to be effective. In cases of a cracked tooth, a crown securely binds the tooth together, preventing further deterioration. Additionally, crowns are beneficial for supporting large fillings when there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure left, safeguarding vulnerable teeth from fractures, repairing broken teeth, or concealing teeth that are misshapen or discolored.
How is a crown placed?
To prepare a tooth for a crown, the dentist reduces its size to create a proper fit for the crown. An impression of the teeth and gums is taken and forwarded to the lab for the crown’s fabrication. Meanwhile, a temporary crown is placed over the tooth to protect it until the permanent crown is ready. During the subsequent visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and secures the permanent one onto the tooth, ensuring a perfect fit and finish.
Will it look natural?
Absolutely. The primary aim of the dentist is to create crowns that closely resemble natural teeth. This is why taking an impression is essential. In order to achieve the desired appearance, several elements are taken into consideration, including color, bite, shape, and length of your natural teeth. Any one of these aspects can significantly influence your overall look.
An Ounce of Prevention Is Still the Rule!
After your crown is placed, ensure you thoroughly brush the area and floss beneath the gum line. Although the crown serves to protect your remaining tooth from additional decay, it is essential to safeguard the base of the crown from bacterial buildup and gum disease. By maintaining a routine of regular brushing and flossing as you would with your natural teeth, you can help ensure your crown remains secure for many years to come.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a meticulously crafted titanium screw designed to act as a substitute for the root of a missing tooth. This implant is inserted into the jawbone, where it gradually fuses with the bone, providing a sturdy foundation for a replacement tooth. Dental implants are versatile and can effectively replace a single lost tooth or multiple missing teeth, allowing for a natural appearance, feel, and function. With a proven track record and extensive clinical history, dental implants help maintain facial structure and alleviate the challenges associated with tooth loss. Individuals who have lost teeth due to injury, disease, or decay may qualify for this procedure, which is offered at numerous clinics across Greater Vancouver.
Whether you are missing one tooth, several, or even all of them, dental implants can be paired with crowns or bridges for a comprehensive solution. Some older patients may worry that their age could limit their eligibility for dental implants, but overall health plays a more significant role than age itself. If you are fit enough to undergo a tooth extraction, you are likely a suitable candidate for dental implants. Following a thorough assessment of your dental and medical history, your dentist will help determine your eligibility and address any questions you may have.
Is there any pain or discomfort involved?
Many patients find that the discomfort associated with the procedure is minimal, often reporting a level of comfort afterward that exceeds their expectations. The implants are inserted with great care and gentleness, ensuring attention is given to all the surrounding tissues. To prevent any pain during the procedure, your dentist utilizes anesthesia and sedation techniques. You may also be encouraged to speak with a former patient who has undergone tooth replacement therapy, allowing you to gain insight into their personal experience.
How will I benefit from dental implants?
Implant treatment offers numerous advantages, including improved aesthetics, a greater ability to chew and savor your favorite foods, and often helps safeguard your remaining teeth and jawbone. Dental implants provide a range of benefits that were previously unavailable for addressing missing teeth. In essence, these implants are designed to look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth.
How long will the treatment take?
The duration of treatment can differ based on your unique circumstances. Today, it is often achievable to attain well-functioning and visually appealing teeth within just a few days, whether you reside in Vancouver, Delta, Abbotsford, or beyond. However, in some situations, it may be necessary to extend the timeline before completing the restoration to ensure the best possible outcome.
Will I ever be without my teeth?
The answer varies based on individual circumstances, but typically, most patients are able to leave our office fitted with a type of temporary prosthesis.
How much will it cost?
The cost of replacing teeth with dental implants varies based on several factors, such as the number of teeth that need replacement and how many implants are required to adequately support those replacement teeth. It’s important to understand that not every missing root necessitates an individual implant. Additional procedures might also be needed before implant placement to ensure the long-term success of your dental implants. To receive a personalized fee estimate, it is essential to have a dental examination conducted by a professional. Following a thorough diagnostic assessment, your dentist will provide recommendations tailored to your needs along with an overview of the investment required for the procedure.
How long do implants last?
Many patients can anticipate their dental implants to last a lifetime. The very first recipient of dental implants received them in 1965, and they functioned effectively until his death in 2006, showcasing an impressive lifespan of over 40 years. For decades, dentists in and around Greater Vancouver have been successfully placing dental implants.
How do implants compare to normal dentures?
Dental implants offer a level of quality of life that dentures simply cannot match. In a recent survey of patients who transitioned from dentures to implants after having their teeth extracted, the results were telling: while natural teeth received an impressive rating of 10, dentures fell short with a rating of just 2, whereas implants came in strong at 9. Your friends may not even realize you have implants, but chances are you’ll be eager to share your experience with everyone.
Dentures
There are two main types of dentures available: partial dentures and full dentures, both crafted in a dental lab using a mold of your mouth. Partial dentures consist of one or more artificial teeth, securely held in place by clasps that attach to adjacent teeth, allowing for easy removal for cleaning and overnight use.
These are ideal when nearby teeth are insufficient to support a bridge or when multiple teeth are absent. Meanwhile, full dentures, also known as complete dentures or false teeth, are designed for individuals missing all of their natural teeth, and like natural teeth, require diligent care to maintain their condition.
As your mouth continually changes, it is essential to have your dentures adjusted periodically to ensure a proper fit, and if you wear a partial denture, regular check-ups are crucial for the health of your remaining natural teeth and gums.
Periodontal Services
Periodontal disease is an infection affecting the tissues that support your teeth, with the gum tissue not attached to the teeth as firmly as it appears. Between the tooth and gums lies a shallow v-shaped crevice known as a sulcus, where periodontal diseases initiate their attack just below the gum line, leading to the breakdown of the attachment between the tooth and its supporting structures.
As these tissues suffer damage, the sulcus transforms into a pocket; typically, the severity of the disease correlates with the depth of this pocket. Periodontal diseases are categorized based on their severity, with the two key stages being gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis represents a milder and reversible form of periodontal disease that primarily impacts the gums, while it can escalate into the more serious and destructive form known as periodontitis.
