Diamons

Restorative Dentistry

Photography by Dr. Padval

Listen to Your Teeth

An aching tooth’s a warning. Often it's a cavity, but not always. Other Toothache Causes... After a filling, a tooth can sometimes be a bit sensitive. It’s a normal reaction that should soon correct it-self. In the morning, an aching tooth could be the result of grinding or tooth-clenching overnight. Not a cavity, but a habit you need to shake. Aches can also come from unfamiliar pressures due to tooth movement, especially when a tooth has shifted because a lost tooth wasn't replaced. Sinus [...]

By |2024-09-03T10:01:13-07:00November 26, 2024|Restorative Dentistry|

MMMMMM! It’s Mouth-Watering

You stand to speak to a crowd of thousands–and your mouth is desert-dry. That’s normal. But under less stressful circumstances, a dry mouth is not normal. In fact, it’s cause for concern. Saliva has a critical role in the health of your mouth and your body. It flushes out the plaque that causes tooth decay and periodontal disease and acts as a buffer against overly acid mouth. Dry mouth, then, can lead to cavities—and to any of those sometimes serious disorders lately linked to [...]

By |2024-09-03T10:00:51-07:00November 19, 2024|Restorative Dentistry|

Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)

News to Make a Mouth Water… A thick, juicy prime rib of beef surrounded by a baked potato—all the trimmings—asparagus with drawn butter, fresh apple cobbler a la mode. Got your mouth watering? Good. Your salivary glands have been stimulated. And saliva’s a whole lot more important to you than helping you enjoy that special meal. A Few Other Things You Might Find Good to Know About Saliva... It has a critical role in the health of your mouth—and your body. It's a natural [...]

By |2024-09-02T14:48:11-07:00August 6, 2024|Restorative Dentistry|

Sense about Sensitivity

When teeth hurt, the sooner we reach the root of the problem, the sooner the pain disappears. What triggers tooth pain? Heat, cold, touch, air, sweet or sour foods. If you recently had a cavity filled, that area may be sensitive for awhile. Other causes of sensitivity are: Erosion of tooth enamel. Gum shrinkage down below the crown exposing the cementum beneath, an area sensitive to heat and cold. One or more teeth shifting into a position where they strike too hard against other [...]

By |2024-09-02T14:46:55-07:00July 9, 2024|Restorative Dentistry|

Treating Halitosis

Whether you call it dragon breath, morning breath, or halitosis, persistent bad breath is not only socially embarrassing, it can also be a sign of poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, digestive problems, and even sinus trouble. And all the mouthwashes and breath fresheners in the world won’t solve the problem. A simple visit to our office is the real answer to finding the source and extent of the offensive odor and treating the cause. We now offer a wide range of diagnostic and preventive [...]

By |2024-09-02T14:40:43-07:00April 16, 2024|Restorative Dentistry|

Composite Fillings

What is a composite resin (white filling)? A composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide). Introduced in the 1960s, dental composites were confined to the front teeth because they were not strong enough to withstand the pressure and wear generated by the back teeth. Since then, composites have been significantly improved and can be successfully placed in the back teeth as well. Composites are not only used for restoring decay, but are also used for cosmetic improvements of the [...]

By |2024-09-02T14:36:52-07:00February 13, 2024|Restorative Dentistry|

Dentures: Get Your Smile Back

What is a denture? A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It is made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals. Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position. Who needs a denture? Candidates for complete dentures have lost most or all of their teeth. They improve chewing ability and speech, and provide support for facial muscles. They will also [...]

By |2024-09-02T14:31:31-07:00December 19, 2023|Restorative Dentistry|

Implants—The New and Improved Tooth Fairy

For the right patient missing the right tooth, the Tooth Fairy has bailed us out again. A lot of people are missing a single tooth. Until recently, the only options for replacement took the form of a bridge. Dentistry calls this gizmo a fixed or removable partial denture and, for it to fit properly, a fair bit of work is involved to remove enamel from neighboring teeth. Ta-dah. The single-tooth dental implant. Implants in general boast a good track record for stability and natural [...]

By |2024-09-02T14:28:14-07:00November 7, 2023|Restorative Dentistry|

The Hi-Tech Art of Restorative Dentistry

When a tooth is lost, nothing is ever the same. The entire balance of a healthy mouth is lost: the bite goes off, opposing teeth overgrow in unpredictable directions, facial appearance ages. Restorative dentistry is all about bringing mouths back into use. How? Let us count the ways. Bridges are partnered with crowns to resolve gaps left by missing teeth. The idea is to replace teeth with false, or “pontic” teeth, anchored to crowns at either end, and fixed in place. Quality bridgework looks [...]

By |2024-09-02T14:27:06-07:00October 17, 2023|Restorative Dentistry|

Dental Implants to Restore Your Teeth

Esthetic, Strong, Lasts a Lifetime Modern dentistry has done wonders in the area of missing teeth, and dentists believe that everybody should have both the confidence that comes with a great looking smile, as well as the functionality provided by a strong, full set of teeth. Perhaps you have had an accident in which a front tooth was lost. In this case it can be a blemish on your appearance, and impede your ability to bite and enjoy food. Teeth that are less visible [...]

By |2024-09-02T14:24:33-07:00September 19, 2023|Restorative Dentistry|