Restorative Dentistry

Damaged teeth need to be restored as close as possible to original form and function for a number of reasons, including:

• To stop and prevent further decay
• To optimize your bite and the aesthetics of your smile
• To preserve the integrity of your jaw, gums, and surrounding teeth

We’ve helped thousands of patients develop personalized treatment plans that take into account their overall goals and lifestyle in a workable timeframe. We honor our patients’ individual needs and preferences and see to it that no detail is overlooked. Whether you’ve been in an accident, experienced dental decay, structural damage, or tooth loss, or your teeth have shifted over time as they do with age, you deserve a wonderful smile that reflects your personality!

Sometimes there’s an obvious choice in terms of which treatment would serve you best, but a hybrid solution might be ideal. We take the time to explain exactly what, how, and why so you’ll know what to expect during your procedure and the outcome will be appropriate for you.

If you’re missing teeth, you may feel self-conscious, but these days you have a variety of options to restore your bite and smile. Dental implants are recommended if existing teeth and gums aren’t healthy enough to support a conventional bridge. Each case is unique, and the number of implants needed depends on the viability of the surrounding teeth and gums.

An implant is a titanium root that is placed into your jaw. Once the bone heals around the implant, we place an artificial crown on top. The dental crown is customized to match your bite and the color of your teeth. Implants can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth, or they can be used to help retain dentures. They can also be used in conjunction with bridges and dentures (overdentures).

If you have multiple missing teeth and you want a permanent fixed solution for a full arch, All-on-4^® implant dentures (also referred to as “retained restorations) might be the best option for you. Typically four (and sometimes six) implants support a full set of permanent, fixed prosthetic teeth. The implants fuse into your jawbone for a secure hold. With proper care, they can last a lifetime.

Many patients choose All-on-4^® because four implants can maximize the function and appearance and symmetry of your smile with fewer appointments and less hassle. Our team will take your wishes and needs into consideration to establish a treatment plan that feels right for you.

If you’ve lost a tooth, but the surrounding teeth are healthy and intact, a dental bridge might be the best restorative option. Often the cost of a 3-unit bridge vs. a single unit implant is similar. Reasons one may elect to get a bridge: less treatment time start-to-finish, no implant surgery necessary, and depending on the amount of bone, a bridge may be more aesthetic.

Dental bridges and dental implants are fixed options and serve a similar function. The decision is best made after weighing all the factors. At BOCO Dental & Prosthodontics we take the time to make sure you thoroughly understand the pros and cons of various restorative procedures so that you’re pleased with the appearance, fit, and feel of the final result!

Crowns can help preserve a tooth that’s worn, weak, cracked, or severely discolored. Sometimes damage or decay has progressed to the point where a filling won’t be adequate. Crowns (also known as caps) are versatile from both a cosmetic and functional standpoint.

Dental crowns are made of either a white ceramic material or gold, and cemented onto an existing tooth — extending the life of your original tooth — while offering durability and a natural appearance. If properly cared for, dental crowns can last for years! Candidates for same-day CEREC® dental crowns can restore the strength and beauty of a natural tooth in one appointment.

If you have a cavity, dental fillings can be a good option for minor repairs on teeth that have structural integrity and/or decay. Thankfully, fillings have come a long way since they were made with a silver-mercury metal alloy. Today, they are tooth-colored and virtually unnoticeable to others.

Grinding and clenching can shorten the lifespan of a filling. Over time, fillings may need to be replaced due to marginal leakage of the restoration. If a filling has become dislodged or worn down, your tooth is vulnerable to bacteria and further decay. New sensitivity in a tooth is an indicator that it might be time.

Today’s fillings are made from a mixture of glass and synthetic material that’s durable and blends seamlessly with natural teeth. Some people even opt to reverse the signs of aging by swapping out degraded or loose silver fillings for a natural-looking tooth-colored composite. As always, we are happy to discuss your options!

You may be a candidate for dentures if you’re missing some or all of your teeth. Dentures are removable, prosthetic teeth that act as a replacement for your natural teeth. Basic functions like eating and speaking are compromised with missing teeth, but the jaw also begins to change shape as bone and gum tissue fill the tooth socket. Dentures (full or partial) can help maintain the shape of the jaw, restore a proper bite, and enhance functionality.

One of the more popular teeth replacement options here at Dr. Patt’s practice is what’s known as the implant overdenture (also known as an implant-supported denture). Implant overdentures are custom dentures that are fixed in place by a select number of dental implants. This treatment essentially reduces the need for denture adhesives to provide stability of the denture, and works to prevent the denture from slipping or shifting along the gums. Implant overdentures are revolutionary treatments that can help patients who have lost all of their teeth on one or both dental arches achieve more comfortable dentures that feel and function more like natural teeth.

Some individuals are affected by white spots that appear on the teeth. Often referred to in the dental profession as “white-spot lesions,” these spots can sometimes occur after an orthodontic treatment, or they can be caused by decay, a congenital/developmental condition, or other factors. Icon Resin Infiltration is an advanced treatment that can address these concerns without the need for drilling or other forms of more invasive dental techniques. This treatment can often be quickly performed in a single visit, and many patients don’t even require a numbing solution for comfort.

During the Icon Resin Infiltration treatment process, the teeth will first be thoroughly cleaned, and then the outer enamel layer will be removed. The Icon Resin Infiltration solution will be applied to the teeth and given some time to set in. Once it has dried, a curing light will be guided along the teeth as the finishing step of the process. For many patients, this innovative procedure can significantly diminish signs of white spots without the need for a more invasive treatment, such as porcelain veneers, to sufficiently improve the concern. Icon Resin Infiltration usually takes no longer than one hour to complete for most individuals, and the results can last years for most patients before retreatment is necessary.

An occlusal guard, commonly known as a “mouthguard”, is a custom-designed, removable oral appliance that can be an ideal solution for patients who clench or grind their teeth at night. Occlusal guards can ultimately reduce grinding (bruxism) from wearing down the teeth and producing extensive damage. Also, they can be designed to alleviate discomfort associated with TMJ and clenching.

If you would like additional information on our restorative dentistry options, or if you are ready to schedule an appointment, please contact our office today.