Restorations
Silver amalgam used to be the norm when it came to materials for restorations, such as fillings. However, silver fillings do not have much aesthetic appeal to the patient and can even cause damage to your tooth years down the road. The amalgam can break down the tooth, causing a fracture and the need for a crown to salvage the tooth.
After much research, some new tooth-colored materials have been developed that are stronger, longer lasting and more aesthetically pleasing to our patients. Composed of porcelain and composite resin, these new tooth-colored restorations bond directly to the tooth, strengthening it by restoring most of its original shape. The restorations can even be custom-colored to match your teeth to help give you the most natural-looking smile possible.
These new restorations require less removal of your healthy tooth structure to place than those with amalgams and especially with new cavities. Dramatically smaller holes are needed with a tooth-colored restoration. They are also healthier because no traces of mercury are used, unlike silver amalgams.
Ask us about our new tooth-colored materials and how we can restore your smile!
Stainless Steel Crowns
Stainless steel crown is considered an ideal restoration for primary molars, as they are very durable, rarely come off (are cemented with a dental cement), and cannot get recurrent decay as the crown completely covers the Stainless steel crowns are prefabricated and used to restore primary anterior and posterior teeth and permanent molars. They are indicated with large tooth decay with considerable missing tooth structure, decalcification, multi-surface decay on primary molars, developmental defects and following pulpotomies or pulpectomies.
Pulpotomy/Pulpectomy (Baby Root Canal)
When a primary (baby) tooth’s nerve becomes infected, a pulpotomy (baby root canal) is necessary to save the tooth. A pulpotomy involves removing the infected part of the nerve and placing a sedative medication inside the tooth to encourage healing and prevent sensitivity. Following the pulpotomy, a crown or filling will be placed over the tooth to protect it from further decay. We will use a local anesthetic to numb the targeted area and ensure your child is as comfortable as possible throughout their treatment.
Space Maintainers
Baby or primary teeth are significant to your child’s current and future dental health. They promote normal development of the jaw bone and muscles, preserve space for the eruption of permanent teeth and guide them into their proper positions. If your child loses baby teeth due to injury or decay, we may recommend space maintainers.
Made of metal or plastic, space maintainers are small and unnoticeable in appearance. They are customized to fit in your child’s mouth. Space maintainers hold open the empty space left by a lost baby tooth. They stabilize the remaining teeth by preventing movement until the permanent tooth erupts; taking its proper place in the jaw. Space maintainers are affordable and comfortable. Avoid giving your child sticky sweets or chewing gum. Do not allow them to push or tug on the space maintainer with their tongue or fingers. Assist your child with brushing and flossing daily. Your child should continue to see Dr. Campbell regularly for dental visits.
Sealants
The grooves and depressions that form the chewing surfaces of the back teeth are extremely difficult (if not impossible) to clean of bacteria and food. As the bacteria reacts with the food, acids form and break down the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Recent studies indicate that 88 percent of total cavities in American school children are caused this way.
Tooth sealants protect these susceptible areas by sealing the grooves and depressions, preventing bacteria and food particles from residing in these areas. Sealant material is a resin typically applied to the back teeth, molars and premolars and areas prone to cavities. It lasts for several years but needs to be checked during regular appointments.