Dental Restorations

Dental restoration treatments might be right for you if you are unhappy about the way your teeth look. There are various treatments that a dentist can use to restore teeth. Each has its pros and cons, so the dentist will educate you about the best options for you.

Reasons that you might be unhappy with the appearance of your smile include:

• Discolored/stained teeth
• Poor teeth alignment
• Cracked, chipped or broken teeth
• Short or deformed teeth
• Worn-down teeth
• Decayed teeth

What to expect during dental restoration treatments

Dental restoration treatments start with the dentist evaluating the patient’s teeth. X-rays and other diagnostic tests might be performed to evaluate what is going on underneath the gums. The dentist might then recommend procedures like the following.

1. Teeth whitening

These treatments use bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide to remove stains from teeth. The bleaching agent penetrates teeth enamel, whitening the tooth’s inner layers as well. A single whitening treatment done at a dental clinic can improve the color of a person’s teeth by eight shades after a single treatment. For some people, that is enough to get the desired shade of white, while others need more treatments to reach the color they desire.

2. Veneers

These are thin shells that are used to cover a tooth’s front surface. It can hide issues like stains that do not respond to whitening treatments or deformities on a tooth. Veneers can also be used to make teeth appear better aligned. These restorations are popular with celebrities so actors can have smiles that suit their roles. They are now available to everyone.

3. Crowns

These are the most valuable players when it comes to oral restorations. Crowns have many uses in dentistry. They can be used to address cosmetic issues like stains and deformities. They can also be used to restore the function of damaged teeth or to protect them from bite forces and irritants in the mouth.

Also called caps, crowns are designed to cover up the visible part of teeth. They look just like real teeth and can be color-matched with the patient’s teeth.

4. Teeth straightening treatments

For some people, it is the alignment of their teeth that ruins the aesthetics of their smile. Teeth straightening appliances, like metal braces, ceramic braces and clear aligners, can be used to improve the alignment of a person’s teeth. Issues that orthodontic appliances can be used to fix include overbites, underbites and crossbites.

5. Composite bonding

Here is another versatile procedure that can be used to restore damaged teeth. It involves using composite resin to repair damaged teeth. The composite is made up of plastics and glass and applied to the patient’s tooth in layers. It can be molded as desired to restore the look and function of the tooth.

We can restore your damaged teeth

Call or visit our Indianapolis clinic to learn more about how our dentist can fix your damaged teeth.

Request an appointment here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk or call Mass Ave Family Dentistry at (317) 218-9901 for an appointment in our Indianapolis office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Restorations in Indianapolis, IN.

Looking for dental restoration information? Dental restorations are used every day in general dentistry. They are designed to repair and restore teeth that are in bad shape, whether it be due to an infection, injury, or genetic imperfection. The most common dental restorations are fillings, crowns, veneers, and composite bonding. Each is used for a number of problems, all of which can be diagnosed and treated by a general dentist. However, a lot of individuals are not 100% sure as to when a dental restoration is needed. Read on to learn more about when to consider a dental restoration.

Reasons to consider a dental restoration

Outlined below are a few scenarios when a dental restoration should be considered. It can be helpful to refer to the following information when looking into different procedures.

Cavities

The number one time that a dental restoration should be considered is when there are cavities. Tooth decay can eventually lead to complete tooth loss, which would require a replacement. In order to get out in front of this issue, a dentist may recommend a dental restoration, such as a filling, root canal, or dental crown.

Chips or cracks

When a tooth chips or cracks, there is a risk of further damage. A chip can turn into a sharp edge that may cut the soft tissues in the mouth, whereas a crack can result in a full-on fracture, which can require a complete replacement. Additionally, both chips and cracks are not very aesthetically pleasing. Teeth that have chips or cracks in them should have dental restorations placed in order to prevent further damage. Dental crowns are usually recommended for both problems as they completely cover a tooth and seal it off.

Stains or white spots

Over time, the teeth can stain due to heavily dyed beverages or foods. While the teeth can be whitened using professional products, at a certain point, they may no longer respond to these products. Additionally, the teeth may experience white spots, which are also impossible to remove without the help of dental restoration. Thankfully, dentists can recommend a number of dental restorations to cover stains and white spots. Dental crowns, veneers, and composite bonding all work to cover up imperfections.

Uneven teeth

Another cosmetic problem that may require patients to consider dental restoration is uneven teeth. When certain teeth are shorter or slightly pushed back amongst others, a dental restoration can be quite helpful. Dental veneers, composite bonding, or even crowns can help make the arches of teeth more even with one another. In some scenarios, more aggressive measures are required, such as braces or aligners, however, those are not considered restorations, but rather orthodontics.

Getting started with a dental restoration

Individuals who are considering a dental restoration can consult with a general dentist to get personalized information. Any questions or concerns can be appropriately addressed, and an evaluation can be done in order to determine what restoration is most suitable. Reach out today to find out more or to get started with an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk or call Mass Ave Family Dentistry at (317) 218-9901 for an appointment in our Indianapolis office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Restorations in Indianapolis, IN.

Regardless of how well you take care of your teeth, it’s easy to end up with a chipped tooth or, even worse, a cracked or broken one. That’s because chips can arise from a number of mundane activities like opening a package with your food, eating hard crunchy foods, or accidents that lead to you getting hit in the mouth.

A chipped tooth can be painless, or it can come with intense pain. What is certain about a chipped tooth is the fact it takes away from your smile and can even make you feel self-conscious.

The best way to deal with a chipped tooth is to have it checked out and fixed by a dentist as soon as possible. The procedure your dentist will opt for depends on the specifics of your situation.

First aid for a chipped tooth

It might take a few weeks before you are able to go to the dentist when you chip a tooth, but there are some things you can do before your scheduled appointment that can make it easier for you to live with it until you can get professional help. For starters, save any piece of the tooth you can find. Your dentist might be able to attach it back with an adhesive.

If there is pain associated with the chip, take over-the-counter pain medication. That will help to minimize the pain and control the swelling. Rinsing your mouth often can also help you to remove food particles that can end up aggravating the tooth.

If brushing your teeth leads to pain and discomfort because of the chip, clean the areas furthest from the tooth in question and use a quality mouthwash to clean the rest of your mouth.

If you still experience lots of pain even after taking over-the-counter painkillers, apply an ice pack to the area around the tooth. This will further reduce any swelling and pain associated with the injury.

Procedures used to address chipped teeth

Your dentist has a handful of options when it comes to addressing chipped teeth. These include:

1. Dental bonding

If you are dealing with a minor chip, your dentist might decide to use a dental bond to address the issue. The dentist applies a soft resin to the chip and molds it into the gap. The dentist then hardens the resin using a special light. Dental bonding can also reattach a piece of your tooth that breaks off if you are able to save it.

2. Dental crowns

Crowns are often for more serious cases of chipped teeth. Also known as caps, these crowns act as a protective cover for any natural tooth that sustains damage. It protects the pulp and nerves from damage due to exposure to food particles and high/low temperatures.

3. Veneers

These act as covers that are used to cover imperfections on a tooth like a chip. The enamel of the tooth is filled off by your dentist to ensure a naturally-looking fit.

Contact us to find out more about what can be done about a chipped tooth and restore your smile.

For more information on chipped teeth or to schedule an appointment with Mass Ave Family Dentistry, request an appointment in our Indianapolis dental office here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk. Or call us at (317) 218-9901.

A Dental cavity is a hole that develops in your tooth after damaging the enamel. This occurs when plaque in the mouth produce acids from food particles that stick on or between the teeth.

Proper oral hygiene removes these harmful acids from mouth before any damage to the teeth can occur. While having small amounts of plaque on the teeth is normal, it should not remain on the teeth for more than two days. After two days, it eventually turns into tartar, which turns sugar into acid.

These bacteria thrive when you consume sugary products. When left unchecked, cavities can lead to more serious issues like tooth root infections. The earlier you detect a cavity, the better. That gives you a chance to fill it up with a filling and prevent it from damaging the tooth any further.

Not sure if you have cavities? Here are a few things you should look for:

1. Unrelenting toothaches

If you are having a hard time getting any sleep or completing any other tasks for that matter due to a persistent toothache, chances are you have a cavity. The pain is often increased when the damaged tooth comes in contact with anything from hot or cold beverages to food.

Food particles will often become stuck inside your tooth when you’re dealing with cavities, increasing the pain.

2. Bad breath

Bad breath sometimes indicates the presence of cavities. In fact, many people find that bad breath also includes a sour taste in the mouth. Cavities are excellent breeding grounds for bacteria since food particles easily stick to them.

The acids that the bacteria produce in cavities can also affect your gums and lead to gingivitis if your oral hygiene habits do not improve. If you notice your breath persistently smells bad, you are due for a visit to the dentist.

There are a few other oral health issues that can cause bad breath. Your dentist knows what the solution is for whatever you are dealing with.

3. Bleeding when brushing

It is not uncommon for people with cavities to bleed while brushing their teeth. Cavities can grow deep enough to reach the nerves in your teeth, and these often bleed when aggravated. Bleeding gums can also be a sign of gum disease. Either way, you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately.

4. Visible holes in your teeth

Depending on the location of the cavity, you might be able to see it when you stand in front of a mirror. You can also use a finger to feel your teeth if you think you have cavities. If you are exhibiting other symptoms of cavities like bad breath and toothaches, a personal examination of your mouth is a good idea.

How can you really use this?

These are only a few symptoms of dental cavities. While it is important to be able to recognize what these symptoms mean, visiting a dentist is even more important. A dentist will also help you explore the options available to you.

Request an appointment in our Indianapolis dental office here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk. Call us at (317) 218-9901 for more helpful information from Mass Ave Family Dentistry.

In our Indianapolis office, we use dental restorations to preserve teeth that would otherwise have to be pulled.  It is incredibly important to keep your natural teeth in place for as long as possible.  Most people think of their teeth and consider their smile or how they need teeth to chew.  Both are true and good reasons to keep your smile in excellent health.  Still, there is an even greater reason – your jawbone.  If your tooth falls out and isn’t replaced, with something like an implant, you could experience significant bone loss that eventually changes the appearance of your face.  Considering how everything in the body works together, our job is to restore teeth so that they can continue performing their critical functions.

There are several ways that we can do so, and the recommended treatment plan will depend on the extent of the damage.  If, for example, you simply have cavities, we will remove the decayed portion of your tooth and use a dental filling to restore it.  This can be done with a tooth-colored filling that looks entirely natural. If the damage is more extensive like a crack, chip or the enamel has worn away, we will need to consider other cosmetic solutions. Dental restorations like veneers and crowns are often preferred for adults while youths may prefer dental bonding.  A bonding procedure can be completed in one session as a tooth-colored material is applied to the tooth, shaped, then hardened using a dental light.  Even chipped teeth can be restored using this method.

A dental veneer and dental crown work to restore the more significant damage and both operate in a similar fashion.  The main difference is that a veneer is a thin shell that is placed on top of the natural tooth where a dental crown surrounds the tooth.  In order to prepare a damaged tooth for either of these procedures, enamel must be removed from the surface of the tooth so that the restorative material will lay flat once placed.  This is done in the first visit where an impression is also taken of the teeth.  In order to protect the damaged and exposed tooth, a temporary veneer or crown will be placed on it that can be worn until the dental lab is done creating the permanent one.

Once the permanent veneer or crown is ready, patients return to our Indianapolis office to have it bonded into place.  First, we will make any last minute adjustments and ensure that it is a perfect match.  In the case of a dental crown, we also need to check the bite to ensure that it fits correctly with the surrounding teeth.  If it does, we can complete the procedure.  Both of these dental restorations are designed to match your natural teeth so they will look perfect once in place.  Our restorations will allow you to eat like normal and bite down without discomfort.  Most importantly, your smile will remain healthy and intact.  To get started, call (317) 218-9901 and schedule a dental exam.