Restorative dentistry simply means that we restore your teeth from dental decay. We’re actually helping you retain your natural teeth for as long as possible. Dr. Sequeira works to create the most comfortable and stress-free dental experience possible. Please feel free to call her or the office, with any questions you have.
Fillings
Fillings are used to restore tooth damage caused by tooth decay. Once she removes the decay and cleans the area, Dr. Sequeira adds filling material. Fillings are made from traditional amalgam (silver colored), gold, silver, or a composite resin material (tooth colored). Composite fillings, in addition to being more esthetically pleasing, bond directly to the tooth surface unlike traditional fillings.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is composed of a ceramic resin that is applied to the tooth and hardened with intense light. Prior to bonding application the tooth surface must be prepared to accept the bonding. This is accomplished by roughening the tooth surface and applying a gel to micro-etch the surface. A primer agent is then applied so the bond will adhere properly. Dental bonding is often used for:
• Repairing tooth decay damage
• Improving tooth alignment
• Filling gaps between teeth
• Cosmetic reasons (improve tooth appearance)
Dental Crowns
Crowns are used to restore severely damaged teeth due to fracture or decay. After the tooth surface is cleaned and prepared, the crown is fabricated in the dental laboratory and placed to cover the remainder of the tooth. The crown strengthens the tooth structure and helps prevent future decay. Crowns also improve the tooth’s look, shape, and alignment.
Dental Bridge
Bridges are used to replace a missing tooth in both a cosmetic and functional fashion. A bridge structure is one or more artificial teeth anchored in place by natural teeth, crowns, or implants, on each side of the bridge. Using a bridge to fill the gap from missing teeth helps restore proper bite and prevent teeth from shifting to fill the gap (which may lead to additional bite and jaw joint issues). Bridges can be constructed from gold, porcelain and metal, or all ceramic. Ceramic bridge color is made to match your natural tooth color. Material choice will depend on structural requirements, wear, and esthetics.
Dental Implant
Implants may be the best option for replacing a single or multiple missing teeth. An implant is a metal post that is attached directly to the jawbone. After the bone and surrounding tissue have healed, an artificial tooth is attached to the implant. Implants provide superior benefits compared to bridge work as they do not depend on neighboring teeth for structural support, although they are more expensive. Implants are the closest dental structure in durability to natural teeth and have greater cosmetic appeal.
Implants are used to:
• Replace missing teeth
• Prevent teeth from shifting
• Correct bite issues due to missing teeth
• Help prevent jaw joint problems from altered bite
• Improve appearance (cosmetic reasons)
Root Canal
A root canal becomes necessary when tooth decay is so badly neglected it reaches the tooth pulp. Once the pulp is infected it can’t heal on its own. Sometimes a tooth trauma, say a fracture, can lead to the need for a root canal as well. In addition to being painful, untreated infections can reach the root tip and compromise the entire immune system.
Please note: Depending on the complexity of your situation, Dr. Sequeira may refer your root canal procedure to a specialist.
