When our patients have dental issues, we help them restore their smiles to their natural function and beauty. Dr. Elizabeth Duling is dedicated to helping patients with comprehensive dental services in her Owens Cross Roads, AL office.
Restorative dental care is important because it can prevent dental problems caused by TMJ, missing teeth, gum disease, and sleep apnea. All of these problems can be treated by Dr. Duling and her experienced dental team. For example, replacing a missing tooth can prevent teeth from shifting and overcrowding. Overcrowded teeth are difficult to clean and are a common risk factor for developing tooth decay or gum disease.
Restorative Dentistry in Owens Cross Roads, AL
Dental restorations help revitalize the look and function of our patient’s smiles. Our restorative dental treatments include:
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are an alternative tooth replacement option to dental implants. Instead of requiring a surgical procedure, dental bridges rely only on the external support of your surrounding teeth. A prosthetic tooth is held in the space of a missing tooth using bridge hardware.
Dental Crowns
Do you have chipped or broken teeth? Dental crowns cover damaged or stained teeth and provide durability. Our dental crowns are fabricated with CEREC. CEREC uses CAD/CAM technology so patients can receive dental crowns in just one office visit.
Dental Implants
Dental implants consist of a titanium implant post, abutment, and dental crown. They may be used to replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. Dentures and dental bridges can be supported by dental implants for a longer-lasting restoration. Because dental implants replace missing teeth at the root, they provide strength and stability.
Dentures and Partials
Patients with full arches of missing teeth or rows of lost teeth benefit from full or partial dentures. Dentures are dental prosthetics that can also be secured with dental implants. Traditional dentures are removable, but implant-secured dentures do not require constant maintenance or messy adhesives.
TMJ Treatment
TMJ disorders can cause jaw pain and chronic headaches. Oral appliance therapy and Botox help alleviate painful TMD symptoms. We offer patients custom nightguards that hold the jawbone in a normal position and prevent tooth wear. Botox helps relax the facial muscles and addresses pain at the source. Dr. Duling provides TMJ treatment to patients in Owens Cross Roads, AL.
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease begins as gingivitis or gum irritation. As gingivitis progresses, it becomes periodontitis. We provide periodontal disease treatment for our patients. Dr. Duling can treat both gingivitis and periodontitis through preventative dental care and scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing deeply clean the gum area.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea obstructs the airways and can lead to heart problems if it is not addressed properly. Patients who snore, wake up often during the night or have difficulty concentrating during the day may have sleep apnea. As an alternative to bulky CPAP machines, our oral appliances can open up the airways for more comfortable sleep.
Restorative Dental FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions dentists get about some restorative dental treatments:
Can dentists rebuild the tooth enamel?
Yes, our dental team can build upon the tooth enamel if a tooth is worn or damaged. We use a composite material that is added onto a tooth and hardened. Dental crowns can also be used to protect and support weakened teeth for a more balanced and healthy smile.
What are the most common causes of TMD?
TMD is often caused by stress or injury to the temporomandibular joint. Patients with arthritis or crooked and misaligned teeth are more at risk of developing TMD. Symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders like bruxism or facial pain can manifest if risk factors are not treated.
How does CEREC work?
Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic (CEREC) is a method of constructing dental crowns. CEREC uses CAD/CAM, which stands for Computer-aided Design & Computer-aided Manufacturing. This software uses images of the teeth to create the tooth crowns. CEREC is a fully integrated system that allows Dr. Duling to take dental impressions, fabricate dental crowns, and then place dental crowns in one day.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Do you want to replace one or more missing teeth? Are you looking for treatment for sleep apnea? Try our restorative treatments today. Contact Dr. Duling by calling 256.202.4186 or request an appointment with her online.