Restorative Dentistry
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are often referred to as partial crowns. They use the existing tooth as a base and fit the inlay or onlay onto the tooth. This is done to strengthen the tooth, restore its shape, and prevent further damage. An inlay is done when there is no damage to the cusps of the tooth and the inlay can be placed right on the tooth. An onlay is used when the damage is a little more extensive.
The decayed area of the tooth is first removed during the procedure. A mold of the tooth is then taken and sent to a dental lab. They create a restoration made from porcelain, gold, or a composite resin. The restoration takes about 2-3 weeks to make, so a temporary inlay or onlay will be placed on the tooth for that time. During your next visit the inlay or onlay will be placed into your mouth and set with cement. Your tooth will look natural and you or anyone else won't be able to tell the difference.
Dental Implants
A straighter, consistent smile.
Isn't it time you finally got that dental implant taken care of? You deserve the best dental care and services available. We work side by side with an implant specialist to create an implant for your individual needs.
The most common type of implant is an endosteal. This implant holds one or more prosthetic teeth. An endosteal is also an alternative for patients with bridges or removable dentures.
Are you a candidate for dental implants?
The ideal candidate for a dental implant is an individual in good general and oral health. Our dentist and implant specialist will work together to decide a treatment plan tailored specifically for your needs.
Our services include:
- Replacing a single tooth
- Replacing several teeth
- Replacing all your teeth
- Replacing a removable appliance
A dental implant is a permanent new root for a missing tooth. It is a titanium screw that is placed into the jaw bone. An abutment and crown is then placed on the implant to provide a new tooth that is permanent and looks just like a natural tooth.
Dentures are a removable set of teeth or partial set of teeth that need to be removed and cared for in a special manner. They can often feel bulky and are difficult to get used to. Dental implants are a permanent replacement for missing teeth that can be cared for just like natural teeth.
Dental implants look and feel just like real teeth, they are permanent, you can eat the foods you want without any fear of embarrassment, and they procedure is very successful and fairly inexpensive.
Your dentist may be able to perform implants in their own office based on their training. If not, they will recommend you to an implantologist, cosmetic dentist, or another specialist that will perform the procedure.
The price of your dental implants will vary based on the level of experience of your doctor, how many implants you are having placed, amount of insurance coverage, and more. Schedule a consultation with us to determine a price for your implants and a financing plan if necessary.
No. A local anesthetic will be given before the procedure so that you do not feel any pain. If you have anxiety or fear you should discuss sedation options with your dentist.
When cared for properly, implants should last a lifetime. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential to the success of your implant.
Bridges
Dental bridges are a great way to replace missing teeth. Your existing teeth are used to literally create a bridge to cross the area where your tooth is missing. Bridges are made from gold, metal, alloys, or porcelain to ensure that they are strong and durable.
The process of creating a bridge begins by creating abutments out of your existing teeth where the bridge will be attached. The existing teeth are recontoured to provide a base for the bridge. After the abutments have been created, a mold is taken off the area which is sent to a dental lab. The lab is able to use the mold to create a bridge that will fit properly and feel as close to your natural teeth as possible. The bridge consists of two crowns on either end to place on the abutments and a pontic, which is the new tooth that replaces your missing tooth.
We will fit you with a temporary bridge while we wait for the lab to craft your permanent bridge. This will protect the abutments and the exposed gum areas and look more appealing than having a missing tooth. When the permanent bridge has been created, you will have a follow up visit to set the bridge. It will be placed on the abutments and the dentist will then use an adhesive to make sure that the bridge is set.
The bridge may take a little while to get used to, but after a few days it should feel like you have your own teeth back again. You should eat soft foods for the first few days after having your bridge placed. After the initial phase, you will be able to eat whatever you want with no issues.
If you are missing a tooth you should strongly consider having it replaced. Besides the aesthetic disadvantage of missing a tooth, it could also cause structural changes to your mouth and jaw, as well as making it difficult to eat or speak properly. Set up an appointment today to restore your smile.
Crowns
Over time our teeth begin to weaken and become more susceptible to problems such as decay, cracks, discoloration and others. If you feel your smile isn’t what it once was, crowns can help you recover your smile. If your dentist notices that a tooth is decayed or seems weakened/cracked a crown may be necessary to make sure that there are no additional problems with the tooth. In cases like this a filling or bonding will not be sufficient.
Crowns can be made from porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or a full gold crown. To maintain a natural look and feel a porcelain finished crown is best, as it can be matched to the shade of your other teeth. This will allow it to blend in and appear just like one of your natural teeth.
The process of installing a crown takes 2-3 visits to the dentist. On the first visit the tooth will be reshaped by filing down the enamel so that the crown can be placed over it. You will be given a local anesthetic before this part of the procedure so that you do not experience any discomfort. Once the tooth has been reshaped, a mold will be taken of that tooth and the surrounding teeth. This mold will be sent to a dental lab so that your new crown can be made so that it fits in the spot created for it and looks the same relative to the surrounding teeth. Before leaving, your dentist will fit you with a temporary crown until your permanent crown is ready.
The crown takes about 2-3 weeks to be returned to your dentist. At this time you will have another appointment to place and fit the permanent crown. You will again have a local anesthetic to numb the area and the tooth will be placed using a cement to ensure the tooth sets in place. When you look in the mirror, you will see your old smile back. Crowns are durable and will usually last about 10-15 years. You should care for it as you would any of your other teeth with regular brushing and flossing. Call us today if you would like to learn more about how crowns can help restore your smile.
Dentures
Have a healthy smile for life.
When you are looking into dentures, there are two different types for you and your dentist to consider. Complete dentures are made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue is healed. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth still remain.
At Brad W. Sundstrom, DMD, we will take an in-depth look to decide which denture is best fit for your lifestyle. Dental implants may be an alternative for you as well.
Never be embarrassed by your teeth again.
Stop shying away from the camera or covering your mouth when you smile. When you reach out to Brad W. Sundstrom, DMD regarding dentures, we will examine your distinct requests to provide the results you are looking for.
The process of dentures goes as follows:
- A series of impressions of your jaw are made and measurements are taken to see how your jaws relate to one another and how much space is between them.
- Models, wax forms, and/or plastic patterns are created in the exact shape and position of the denture to be made. You will "try in" this model several times. The denture will be assessed for several elements, including color, shape, and fit before the final denture is cast.
- The final denture is then cast.
- Adjustments will be made as necessary over time.