When our patients have dental issues, we help them restore their teeth and gums to their natural function and beauty. Dr. Elizabeth Duling offers comprehensive dental services and restorative dentistry in her Owens Cross Roads, AL, office. Restorative dental care can treat problems like TMJ disorders, missing teeth, gum disease, and sleep apnea. Dr. Duling and her experienced dental team can treat these problems using high-quality materials and treatment methods.
Restorative Dentistry in Owens Cross Roads, AL
Receiving restorative care can prevent future dental problems and difficulties. For example, replacing a missing tooth can prevent remaining teeth from shifting and overcrowding. Natural teeth may shift to fill the gap left by a missing tooth. Overcrowded teeth are difficult to clean and are a common risk factor for developing tooth decay or gum disease.
Addressing early symptoms of gum disease can prevent gum loss and the need for more complex treatments. Early intervention and professional care can stop tooth and gum loss.
Even if you lose one or more teeth, restorative care can help. Dental restorations help revitalize the look and function of the smile. Our restorative dental treatments include:
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a common option for replacing a missing tooth without surgery. It works by using the teeth next to the space for support. Dr. Duling prepares these surrounding teeth to hold the bridge in place. A prosthetic tooth, which looks like a real tooth, is placed into the gap where your missing tooth was. The bridge is held securely in place by crowns that cover the supporting teeth, and it helps restore your smile and bite.
Traditional dental bridges are a great choice because they don’t require surgery, meaning less recovery time and a simpler procedure than dental implants. However, we often recommend combining a dental implant with a bridge for better results. The implant provides a stronger foundation, which helps improve the bridge’s stability and increases its lifespan. Using an implant with a bridge prevents the surrounding teeth from shifting over time and helps keep your bite in proper alignment.
If you’re missing a tooth and considering a dental bridge, we will help you choose the best option. Whether you go for a traditional bridge or one that includes an implant, both options can restore the function of your teeth and give you a beautiful smile.
Dental Crowns
Do you have worn, discolored, or broken teeth? Dental crowns are a great solution. They are durable, tooth-colored caps that fully cover damaged or discolored teeth, giving them a natural look. Crowns are custom-made to match the size, shape, and color of your other teeth so they blend in seamlessly with your smile.
Crowns can help protect teeth that are weak or have large fillings. If a tooth has been filled multiple times, it may become fragile over time. A crown can strengthen it and prevent it from breaking. Crowns can also secure bridges, which are used to replace missing teeth. By placing a crown on each side of the gap, the bridge is held in place, restoring the function and appearance of your smile.
We create dental crowns with CEREC. CEREC uses CAD/CAM technology, computer-aided design, and manufacturing. This technology allows patients to receive dental crowns in just one office visit.
Dental Implants
A single dental implant comprises three main parts: a titanium implant post, an abutment, and a crown. The titanium post is placed into the jawbone, acting like the root of a natural tooth. The abutment connects the post to the crown, the tooth’s visible part. The crown is custom-made to match the shape and color of your natural teeth, so it looks and feels like a real tooth.
Dental implants can replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. In some cases, they can support dentures or dental bridges. Fewer implants are needed to replace several missing teeth, and the restoration will last much longer than traditional options.
One of the main advantages of dental implants is that they replace the missing tooth at the root. This gives the implant strength and stability, which helps maintain the jawbone’s shape. Since the implant fuses with the bone over time, it also prevents bone loss, which can happen when a tooth is missing. This makes dental implants a reliable and long-lasting solution for tooth replacement.
Dental implants are a great choice for people who want a natural-looking and durable way to replace missing teeth. They provide strength, improve chewing ability, and restore smile appearance. Dr. Duling can help determine if dental implants are the right option based on your oral health and needs.
Dentures and Partials
Patients who have lost all or most of their teeth can benefit from full or partial dentures. Dentures are custom-made prosthetic teeth that fit over the gums and help restore the appearance and function of missing teeth. Full dentures are used when all teeth are missing, while partial dentures are for those with some natural teeth remaining.
Traditional dentures are removable, meaning you can take them out for cleaning or while you sleep. However, they often require adhesives to stay in place, which can be messy and uncomfortable. Some patients prefer implant-secured dentures fixed in place with dental implants. These dentures don’t need adhesives and are more stable, allowing for easier eating and speaking.
Implant-secured dentures also require less maintenance than traditional dentures. Since implants hold them in place, they don’t shift or move around, providing a more natural feeling. This option can improve the overall comfort and quality of life for people who need full or partial tooth replacements.
If you are missing many teeth, your dentist can discuss the best denture option for you based on your needs and preferences. Whether you choose traditional or implant-secured dentures, both can help restore your smile and improve your confidence.
TMJ Treatment
TMJ disorders, also known as temporomandibular joint disorders, can lead to jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and frequent headaches. These issues occur when the jaw joint or surrounding muscles become inflamed or misaligned. If left untreated, TMD can make everyday activities, like talking and eating, very painful.
Treatments like oral appliance therapy and Botox can help relieve TMD symptoms. Oral appliances like custom nightguards fit over your teeth and help hold your jaw normally while you sleep. This can reduce pain and prevent grinding and teeth from wearing down. Botox can also relax the muscles around the jaw, reducing pain and discomfort.
We offer custom nightguards to help protect your teeth and reduce jaw strain. Wearing a nightguard while sleeping can prevent further damage to your teeth and jaw, relieving you from the painful symptoms of TMD. If you suffer from TMJ-related pain or headaches, talk to your dentist about these treatment options to find the best solution for your needs.
Gum Disease Treatment
Irritated, bleeding, and inflamed gums are early signs of gum disease. As gingivitis progresses, it becomes periodontitis. We provide gum disease treatment for our patients.
Dr. Duling can treat gingivitis and gum disease through preventative dental care, scaling, and root planing. Scaling and root planing deeply clean the gum area and remove decay-causing bacteria. Routine dental cleanings in our office
Sleep Apnea
Patients who snore, wake up frequently at night or have trouble focusing during the day may have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea blocks the airways and makes breathing difficult. Left untreated, it can increase the risk of heart problems like heart attacks and strokes. Our oral appliances can open the airways for more comfortable sleep as an alternative to bulky CPAP machines.
What is a Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Also known as full-mouth rehabilitation, a full-mouth reconstruction uses multiple restorative dental treatments. With a reconstruction, we can restore the form and function of the upper and lower teeth.
Patients with several dental problems requiring restorative care are good candidates for this treatment. For instance, we may recommend dental crowns and implant treatment if you have broken and missing teeth. If you need to replace missing teeth but have gum disease, we will treat the gum disease first and then restore your teeth.
We will plan your full mouth reconstruction and recommend treatment for your specific needs. After your full mouth reconstruction, you will benefit from improved tooth and gum comfort. Your restorative treatment will also help improve the full function of your smile.
Restorative Dentistry FAQs
Do you want to know more about restorative dentistry in Owens Cross Roads, AL? Here are some answers to common questions dentists get about some restorative dental treatments:
What’s the difference between restorative dentistry and general dentistry?
General dentistry focuses on preventative care and preventing severe oral health problems in their earliest stages. Restorative dentistry returns teeth and gums to a healthy condition when you have more severe oral health issues. This includes repairing any tooth damage and treating infections.
Can dentists rebuild the tooth enamel?
Dentists cannot fully rebuild tooth enamel once lost, but they can help protect and strengthen your teeth. If enamel is worn down, your dentist might recommend treatments like fluoride varnishes or special toothpaste to help rebuild some of its strength. In cases where the enamel is severely damaged, your dentist might use fillings, crowns, or veneers to restore the tooth’s function and appearance. It’s important to take care of your enamel by brushing gently, flossing daily, and avoiding sugary foods to prevent further damage.
What are the most common causes of TMD?
Stress or injury to the temporomandibular joints often leads to TMJ disorders. Additionally, if you have arthritis or crooked teeth, you may be more at risk of developing TMD. Symptoms of TMJ, like bruxism or facial pain, can manifest if you do not treat your risk factors.
How does CEREC work?
CEREC is a method we use to create dental crowns. This dental tool uses CAD/CAM, which stands for Computer-aided Design and Manufacturing. This software uses images of the teeth to make the tooth crowns.
With CEREC, Dr. Duling can take dental impressions, create dental crowns, and place the crowns in one day. Dr. Duling will take the dental impression with a handheld device connected to computer software.
The software creates a 3-D image of the impression Dr. Duling can edit and use to create the crown. Then, Dr. Duling sends specifications to the milling machine that makes the crowns.
Does restorative dentistry hurt?
Dental restorations don’t usually hurt, especially for simple procedures. We use local anesthesia to numb the area we’re working on. If you need multiple procedures, feel nervous, or require much work, we offer sedation to keep you comfortable.
Is restorative dentistry worth it?
Absolutely. Restorative dentistry restores functionality in your smile. If you’re missing teeth, speaking or eating properly is difficult. You have to remove certain foods from your diet.
Multiple oral health conditions can cause pain when trying to do everyday functions. Not only that, but it also can replace or change things about your smile that make you insecure. Restorative dentistry can change your life.
Restore Your Smile Function
Do you want to replace one or more missing teeth? Are you looking for treatment for sleep apnea? Try restorative dentistry in Owens Cross Roads, AL.
Call 256.202.4186 to contact Dr. Duling for restorative care today. You may also schedule a dental appointment online.
If you have tooth damage, missing teeth, or an infection, let us know so we can find the best restoration for your needs.