Tooth Restoration and Repair In Ashland Oregon – We Can Repair Your Chipped, Broken and Cracked Teeth

The appearance of your teeth is a critical component of your self confidence when the first thing someone sees is your smile. Your teeth are also very important to your health and well being. It is our goal to not only make sure you are happy with your smile but to make sure your health and well being is not affect by your dental health.

Prevention is the core of our dental philosophy. However, we understand things happen even with the best prevention, such as damaged teeth or gums due to trauma, wear and oral disease.

We have a variety of techniques and tools and techniques to restore, repair and maintain your teeth as well as their functionality. This keeps your teeth and gums health while alleviating pain. Our dental practice uses ”Evidence Based Standard of Care”. What this term means is that our office is up to date on the latest dental scientific literature in order to give our patients all their options and help guide them through the decision making process. Recommending treatments that have scientific studies to prove their effectiveness.

Dr. Kitchell and Dr. Omura provide very thorough exams to diagnose the condition of your teeth and exams. After which a consultation of findings and recommended treatments and options will be given. We try to provide as many options as possible to fit within the needs of your medical, personal, aesthetic and financial needs.

Tooth repair and restoration typically covers cracked, broken, chipped and worn teeth, removal of decay and cavities, trauma, infected teeth and gums as well as teeth whitening.

There are different levels of severity and needs for tooth restoration.

No Damage – Even with excellent oral health teeth and gums need to be kept healthy. Regular visits, fluoride and sealants are recommended.

Minor Damage – This may include small cavities, slight sensitivity, slight wear and the beginnings of gingivitis.

Moderate Damage – This may include heavy wear, sensitivity, inflamed gums, dental trauma, infected tooth or gums.

Heavy Damage –   This may include receding gums, bone loss, broken teeth, severe decay or trauma, critically damaged teeth and gums or critically infected nerves and teeth.

Not all damaged teeth can be restored. Tooth restoration will depend on the severity of the damage. Teeth that cannot be restored should be replaced. Replacement options include bridges, implants and dentures.

White or Composite Fillings

These restorations are resins containing a mixture or acrylic plastics and quartz fillers. They come in all different shades to match your teeth. The fillings are held in place by bonding to the tooth and are shown to last as long and can be as durable as silver fillings.

Crowns (Caps)

A crown is a restoration that completely covers the part of the tooth that you can see. A crown is needed when there are cracks in the tooth, when a majority of the tooth is missing or when a root canal is performed. The crown is bonded into place with cements in order to prevent further fracture and give the patient a solid structure to chew with. Two appointments are needed to complete the procedure. During the first appointment, we prepare the tooth, take an impression and make a temporary crown. Then at the second appointment, the new crown is tied in, adjusted and permanently cemented.

Endodontic Therapy- “Root Canal”

A “root canal” is a procedure in which the pulp tissue (the nerve and blood supply in the middle of the tooth) is removed and the left over canal is disinfected. The reason the tooth needs the pulp removed is usually because decay (a cavity) has reached the pulp, or trauma to the tooth (e.g. fracture) are affected the pulp and it are become irreversibly damaged. The tooth is then sealed with an inert material preventing further infection. Almost every tooth that has a “root canal” will need a crown placed on it to keep it from fracturing. The reason for this is that when accessing the tooth to remove the pulp, vital tooth structure is removed and the tooth is hollowed out. The crown reinforces the structure and gives back the tooth it’s normal function and esthetics.

Treatment for Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is usually a painless, chronic, and sometimes smelly processes in which your gums can recede, become inflamed, bleed, and teeth can become loose and eventually fall out. It is caused by the long term build up of plaque and calculous (tartar) on your teeth. Plaque is full of microorganisms (bacteria) after about 24 hours will calcify and become calculous (tartar). The build up of calculous allows for more plaque to attach to it and can eventually cause gums and bone to recede.

We can stop this process early by brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings. If the calculous is below the gum line, more aggressive treatment, such are scaling and root planing or periodontal surgery may be needed. This is a painless disease but an important one because the bacteria found in this disease has been linked to diabetes, heart attacks, infections, pancreatic cancer, and the common cold among many others. PROACTIVITY leads to LONGEVITY!

If you are looking for a great Ashland dentist that will take the time to thoroughly exam your situation and give you options in regards to your teeth restoration. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.