Restorative Dentistry in Griffith, IN

Tooth damage can leave cracks or gaps in the overall structure of the tooth, resulting in a weakened tooth that is prone to more damage in the future. Proper treatment can reinforce the overall structure of the tooth, using composite fillings to fill in the empty space.

Not only are dental fillings strong and durable, but they are customized for each patient. A composite tooth filling contains no metal and are carefully shaped to give you a smile that looks and feels as natural as the original tooth.

When major damage occurs to a tooth, composite fillings aren’t enough to restore the structure of the tooth. In this situation, the placement of a porcelain crown might be recommended. Dental crowns are used to cover the existing structure of the tooth, protecting the remaining, undamaged areas. This treatment is often used for fractured or broken teeth, cosmetic enhancement, severe decay, large fillings, or teeth that are weakened after root canal treatment.

During your first appointment, the tooth is prepared and impressions are taken to create a custom tooth crown. A temporary crown will be placed while you are waiting for the fabrication of a new dental crown in the lab. Then, you will return to our office for the permanent placement of the dental restoration, including careful adjustments to ensure the accuracy of your bite and spacing.

Sometimes non-removable appliances are used for dental restorations to replace missing teeth. A dental bridge is supported by teeth or implants on either side of the open space. Traditional bridges are often recommended for filling in space with teeth that are missing, maintaining the facial shape, preventing remaining teeth from shifting in the mouth, and restoring speaking and chewing ability.

Multiple appointments are usually required for a fixed dental bridge. First, the anchoring teeth are prepared for the placement of a crown. Our team takes a mold of the anchoring teeth so the dental laboratory can fabricate the bridge with crowns that fit on the support teeth. You will use a temporary bridge until the follow-up appointment when the permanent tooth bridge is cemented in place.

Missing teeth can be replaced using a removable dental appliance, known as dentures. These prosthetics are designed to look like your natural teeth, and can also be used to enhance your smile. When all teeth are missing, permanent dentures, also called complete dentures, are often recommended. If only some teeth are missing, then partial dentures may be the ideal solution. 

Dentures are designed to last for years, giving patients a long-term solution for dental treatment. However, occasional denture relines or dentures repair may be necessary. It is important to maintain regular visits with the dentist for oral cancer checkups, denture repairs, and adjustments because of normal wear and tear. Also, gum shape and bone density can change with time, which might require a new design or denture reline in the future.

If an infection or tooth decay reaches the nerve area of a tooth, it is necessary to remove the living tissue within the tooth (the pulp) to preserve the tooth. After the bacteria, pulp, and nerves are removed, then space is filled with quality dental materials to restore the full function of the tooth. A root canal is an option to save the tooth as an alternative to tooth extraction.

Our team offers root canal therapy, but in many instances a local specialist is called upon to assist in treatment. With modern treatments, root canals can be almost as simple as a basic filling. Special dental instruments are used to create access for the inner area of the tooth, then remove the decay and treat the infection. After a thorough cleaning, the remaining tooth structure is sealed so a permanent root canal filling can be placed. Finally, a crown is placed on top of the tooth to restore the full function of the tooth.

The Wand Anesthesia System is a computer-assisted system for delivering local anesthesia to the tooth and gums. This pain-free anesthetic allows for more precise numbing than traditional anesthesia. The Wand offers patients an increased level of comfort, without the pain of a syringe injection or collateral numbness of the surrounding tissues. In fact, the Wand is so accurate, that in most cases we can numb only the single tooth that is being worked on.

If you have dental anxiety, you can rest assured that we will do everything we can to make you more comfortable during your treatment. If you are in need of a dental restoration, the Wand Anesthesia System may be the perfect pairing to help you relax in the dental chair.