Restorative Dentistry

Root Canal

A root canal procedure is also referred to an endodontic treatment. It is surgery to replace infected or dead pulp in the cavity of the root of a tooth. Our dentists may notice an issue with your tooth visually and infection may also be detected during dental x-ray exams. An infected root canal should be treated expeditiously to avoid further oral health problems.

The professional team at Reflections Dental can effectively diagnose and treat root canal issues. Root canals are perceived as painful procedures but our team makes sure that pain is minimized. If you’re particularly anxious, we can discuss the best sedation options for your dental surgery to minimize discomfort and put you at ease.

After successful root canal, it is time to restore your tooth, which can be done in several ways including using dental crowns or bridges. The post-root canal restoration depends on the strength of the remaining tooth.

Dental Implants

Dental implants simply refer to replacing missing teeth using an artificial root (a titanium post) that is surgically placed into the jawbone. A crown or bridge is then used (screwed into) and secured to the implant. Our team has the requisite multi-faceted expertise required for replacing the root.

A dental implant may be an effective approach for patients that have healthy gums and jawbones. Once in place, your artificial implant and tooth feels comfortable and natural! Other procedures for replacing teeth, however, may also suit your needs.

Our dentists will gladly review your options and provide recommendations for restoring your missing teeth.

Dentures – Partial or Complete Dentures

When you have lost teeth, you can get a removable partial denture and if you have lost them all complete dentures may be required.

A partial denture uses surrounding healthy teeth as anchors for an artificial tooth, or up to several artificial teeth, to be held in place. Partials should be removed by you for everyday care and cleaning and at night time to allow the gums to relax. (Fixed partial dentures are referred to as “bridges”).

Complete dentures replace all of your teeth. Generally, this is for people who have lost the majority of their teeth. Patients find dentures quite easy to care for and they can restore a bright, healthy-looking smile.

In assessing if partial removable or full dentures are right for you; our dentists discuss your oral health and best available options for you.

Bridges

Much like partial removable dentures, noted above, patients can often opt for partial tooth restoration via fixed partial bridges. As the name implies, gaps of missing teeth are restored with a “bridge” of artificial teeth that remain in place. Healthy teeth on each side of the missing teeth anchor the artificially bridged teeth in place.

As bridges are non-removable, they are to be treated and cared for at home by patients just as they care for their own real teeth. Your dentist examines the bridgework during your regularly scheduled visits.

Crowns

Crowns are used to restore teeth that are damaged but do not require removal or entire replacement. You may need a crown to cover a large filling, a chipped tooth or after root canal treatment. Once in place, crowns can be cared for as part of your normal brushing routine.

Crowns are also referred to as “caps” and can be formed out of several materials that allow you to regain tooth function and aesthetic looks. Most popular for their appealing aesthetic look are porcelain crowns. Metal, composite, and metal-porcelain crowns also have their benefits and drawbacks.

Our dentists are pleased to discuss dental crowns and the different types of options available to meet your specific needs.

Fillings

Cavities found in your teeth can often be repaired using fillings, sometimes during the same visit in which they are found. Fillings sometimes loosen or break, and during your check ups the dentist may need to replace a filling. Fillings can also be used to fix small tooth chips.

Tooth-coloured fillings (composite resin) are the most common restorations used today. Metal or amalgam fillings are still used and offered as an option to the patient if they so choose

Most importantly, our dentists monitor your cavities and before they become problematic we will recommend treatment with a dental filling. Failing to address cavities in time will only lead to more problematic oral health issues.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders

TMJ disorders refer to problems of the jaw joint, the area in front of the ears where the upper and lower jaws meet. Pain associated with TMJ disorders can be considerable, and may include headaches, ear aches, ringing sounds in the ears, clicking or locking jaws and dizziness.

What can cause TMJ Disorders? Common causes of TMJ disorders include teeth grinding or clenching (often patients are unaware of this behaviour), gum chewing, nail biting, dental misalignment causing an uncomfortable bite, injury to the jaw such as fractures and even stress.

Our dentists can diagnose TMJ disorders and discuss treatment options with you.

Although some restorative oral procedures are surgical in nature, it is important to note that at Reflections Dental we take great care to assure patient comfort. In many cases sedation is available during oral surgery.

For your restorative dentistry needs, contact Reflections Dental today!