Healthy teeth can last a lifetime. But when infection or cavities strike, timely restorative treatment is the key to preserving your smile. Our office offers a comprehensive menu of restorations to choose from, depending on your situation.
Cavities are bacterial infections that erode the outer and inner structures of teeth. Once the enamel had decomposed, cavities can continue to grow and spread to other teeth in the mouth. To stop this process, we remove the decaying areas and fill them with restorative materials that seal, protect, and rebuild the tooth structure.
Sometimes called “caps,” dental crowns protect and encase your tooth’s surface above the gums. They’re necessary when too much structural damage has occurred (such as large cavities and cracks) or after root canal treatment. Each crown is made of porcelain and can be matched to your other teeth, so that it isn’t noticeable when you’re talking or smiling.
Biocompatible dental implants function like artificial tooth roots. Each one is set into the jaw, where it fuses with the bone and becomes a permanent part of your bite. After integration occurs, we attach a fixed implant restoration such as a crown, bridge, or a denture. The best part? 98% of dental implants last for a lifetime.
One or two missing teeth can have a tremendous impact on your bite’s function and appearance. Bridges take two functional crowns that are anchored onto the adjacent teeth, and suspend an artificial crown (or two) between them, filling in the open space. A bridge can also be attached on top of dental implants to replace several teeth at one time (eliminating the need for a partial denture.)
Replacing missing teeth has never been easier and more affordable than with our custom dentures and partial dentures. Each removable prosthesis is handcrafted to fit your individual mouth for enhanced comfort and confidence. We’ll want to discuss things like your short-term goals, long-term expectations, budget, and the process involved for the type of denture you want.
During your consultation, Dr. Oliverson will discuss advantages to each model and how they fit your particular situation. From there, we’ll create a customized care plan that outlines all of the visits and fees involved, so you know exactly what to expect.
Are missing teeth making it impossible to smile or laugh around your friends? Call Salmon Dental Center today to schedule an evaluation.
A conventional denture stays in place by creating a suction between the acrylic base and your gums. Sometimes there’s not enough bone under the gums to provide an adequate surface area, causing your denture to rock or shift throughout the day. Rather than rely on an adhesive or paste, there’s another alternative to consider: implant stabilization.
With an implant overdenture, there are designs to permanently affix your denture in place, or still have it removable for convenient daily care.
Aside from implant supported dentures, a removable denture can gradually weaken the bone in your jaw or cause a tissue infection if it’s worn too long. That’s why we suggest removing your prosthesis nightly. Soak your denture in a lukewarm cleaning solution and brush it clean the next morning. Not only will this help you avoid conditions like thrush, it will keep your denture fresh and stain free.
Occasionally, emergencies do happen. If you’ve dropped your denture and it has cracked or broken, give our office a call. We can repair or replace it with an even better one. If you’ve had your denture for several years and it’s starting to not fit very well, relining the base may be all you need.
We recommend bringing your denture in with you for your annual dental exam. We can adjust the fit and make sure your gums and bone are as healthy as possible.
On occasion, a sinus lift or bone graft may be needed to make room in the upper jaw. Adding new bone or gum tissues back to areas that have suffered loss can protect your healthy teeth and support prosthetics such as dental implants.
If your jaw lacks bone density, there are two options for the bone graft. The traditional way is the use of a donor site from your own body, usually the hip or possibly a rib. This is usually completed in a hospital, under sedation. Advances in medical technology have provided us a less invasive way to graft bone with the use of xenografts: sterilized mineral content derived from bovine, or cow bone. Synthetic bone is also available. The minerals are absorbed and trick your body into regenerating your own bone.
