Restorative Dentistry in Ardsley, NY
Did you know…
Left untreated, dental issues can become more severe and expensive the longer you wait.
What to expect at your initial restorative appointment
Comprehensive Exam
Oral health exams are an integral aspect of every appointment. A comprehensive oral examination, sometimes referred to as a “full mouth exam,” covers the entire mouth, gives us an opportunity to screen you for oral cancer, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and other issues that may affect your oral health.
Personal Treatment Plan
After your exam is complete, you and your dentist will discuss your oral health, to develop a personal treatment plan tailored to your unique dental needs. Treatment plans are a detailed outline of your recommended care, and typically include a timeline for each procedure, as well as information about what you can expect from each service.
Options and Alternatives
Everyone is unique, and so are their smiles. With this in mind, no two treatment plans are the same. We’ll take the time to educate you about all of your available treatment options, so you can choose the right treatment for your needs, budget, and lifestyle. We’re with you every step of the way.
Sedation Solutions
We’re happy to offer sedation options to keep you feeling comfortable and safe during your visit. Sedation is especially helpful for more complex restorative procedures, as well as for patients who experience dental anxiety or have trouble sitting still. We’ll discuss sedation options while making your treatment plan.
Appointments & Follow-Ups
If you’re coming to our office for a dental emergency, it is important to get the care you need as soon as possible. In some cases we may be able to offer same-day care, depending on the severity of your problem and our availability. For non-emergencies, we’ll simply schedule your next appointment after your initial cleaning and exam. We’ll work with you to schedule in a way that fits with your schedule.
Restorative Treatment Options
Tooth-colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings are an improvement over traditional silver fillings in almost every way you can imagine. The composite resin material is extremely strong and durable, and it can also be color-matched to a patient's teeth to ensure it doesn't alter the appearance of their smile. Plus, it allows our team to restore the teeth using smaller fillings, enabling us to preserve more of the tooth's natural strength and structure. The end result? A tooth that looks great and can be trusted to stand the test of time.
dental Crowns
Dental crowns or caps are restorations designed to restore damaged teeth. They can be made from a wide variety of materials, including metal, porcelain, or porcelain-fused-to-metal. While crowns are usually ideal for repairing teeth damaged by cavities, they can also replace entire portions of teeth due to injury. These are the most common reasons people need dental crowns.
However, crowns are also ideal for covering teeth that are permanently discolored. This can be either from external or intrinsic stains, or as a result of injury that permanently discolors the tooth. In this case, a porcelain crown would be most appropriate. If a tooth is misshapen in any way, either naturally or from an injury, crowns can make it appear more even.
Finally, crowns can also be used in tandem with dental implants. These are referred to as implant-retained crowns and are custom-made to attach to a titanium post via an abutment.
Dental Bridges
If you are trying to replace two to four teeth at a time, our dentists will likely recommend a dental bridge. Bridges are made up of three to four dental crowns. A crown on either side is attached to prosthetic teeth that sit in between them, also knows as pontics. The pontics are meant to replace teeth missing in your smile, while the crowns on either side sit on top of existing natural teeth, much like traditional crowns would if they weren't part of a bridge.
Bridges can also be fitted with dental implants. Instead of relying on natural teeth to anchor them into place, they can be held with implants on either side.
Root Canal Therapy
A root canal is a restorative dental procedure that involves removing the pulp from the inside of a tooth that has become infected or damaged. The procedure can be done on any of your teeth, but is most commonly performed on molars or premolars.
During root canal therapy, all traces of infection from the tooth are removed and replaced with a filling material (usually a material called gutta-percha). This is meant to stop the spread of infection, and can also help to prevent future problems so you can avoid more invasive procedures like extraction and tooth replacement. We’ll always try to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible.
To perform a root canal, your dentist will clean out all infected tissue within the tooth using specialized ultrasonic instruments or hand files before irrigating the root canal system with an antibacterial solution. Once the infection has been removed, most patients will receive a dental crown to protect the treated tooth.
Partial, full & implant Dentures
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are best for those who are only missing a few teeth in a row. These artificial teeth are created using an acrylic, gum-colored base and are connected by a framework that snakes behind your remaining natural teeth to hold them in place. Usually, partial dentures are completely removable and can look and feel much more natural than a dental bridge.
Full Dentures
When you think the word "dentures" you probably think of full dentures. These are an entire set of prosthetic teeth attached to an acrylic base that matches the color of gum tissue. Once inserted into your mouth, they are held in place by denture adhesive and /or your natural suction to give you back your smile and biting power.
Implant Dentures
For a more permanent and stable prosthetic, implant dentures are an ideal solution. Held into place by the jawbone, they are surgically implanted and offer full functionality when eating and speaking. They also deliver continuous stimulation to the bone, reducing the risk facial collapse. Implant dentures are also designed to last 30 years or even a lifetime with proper maintenance.
Oral Surgeries
For some patients, oral surgery may be required to prepare for dental implant treatment, remove impacted teeth, or to correct severe orthodontic issues.
Bone grafts are a common oral surgery that replaces lost jaw bone mass, and promotes regrowth. Patients who are experiencing weakened jawbones due to tooth loss, periodontal disease, or simply the natural aging process may be good candidates for bone grafts. Bone grafts are necessary in many instances to ensure a patient’s jaw bone will be strong enough to retain a dental implant.
Extractions may be required if a patient is receiving a full set of dentures or full-arch dental implants. A full-arch of prosthetic teeth requires an empty arch to be successful. Because we will always try to save your natural teeth, we’ll only recommend this as an option if we can’t restore your smile using another, less invasive procedure.
Did you know…
Over 3 million Americans have restored their smiles with dental implants.
Have questions about restorative dentistry? Find answers here.
What issues can restorative dentistry solve?
Restorative dentistry can restore the form and function of infected, damaged, or missing teeth, while preventing further damage down the line. Additionally, if you’ve experienced any sort of dental trauma due to an injury or an accident, restorative dentistry can return your smile to a healthy, functional state.
What are the benefits of restorative dental procedures?
Restorative dental treatments like root canals, crowns, and implants may seem intimidating to some patients, but thanks to advancements in technology and dental techniques, restorative dentistry is more comfortable and convenient than ever. Getting the restorative dental treatment you need at the earliest opportunity can help you to avoid future issues, dental pain, and more costly procedures. In addition to saving both time and money in the long run, you’ll also get the peace of mind you deserve, knowing that your grin is in good shape. Plus, restorative dentistry can also restore your confidence by improving the overall appearance of your smile.
What is considered a dental emergency?
Any oral health condition or injury that requires immediate attention and cannot be treated at home is considered a dental emergency. Conditions like toothaches that don’t stop, continued oral pain or discomfort, chipped or broken teeth, missing or lost dental work, and bleeding gums fall into this category. If you’re unsure if what you’re experiencing qualifies as a dental emergency, just know that it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Get in touch with us right away to find out if you need emergency dentistry.
Does my insurance cover restorative dentistry?
Many insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of necessary restorative procedures, but the extent of your coverage can vary, depending on your unique policy. As a common example, your insurance may cover the cost of simple fillings or root canals, but may not provide full coverage for dental implants. To gain a full understanding of your own coverage, we recommend reaching out to your insurance provider for details. Also, you can always get in touch with our knowledgeable and friendly team, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you maximize your benefits at our practice.
Did you know…
About 25% of American adults are missing all of their teeth. We can help restore your smile.