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 stop 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. These 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 an alternative tooth replacement option to dental implants. Traditional bridges do not require dental surgery; they rely only on the external support of your surrounding teeth. Bridge hardware holds a prosthetic tooth in the space of a missing tooth. However, we often recommend implants to increase the lifespan of bridges.
Dental Crowns
Do you have worn, discolored, or broken teeth? Dental crowns are durable, tooth-colored caps that fully cover damaged or discolored teeth. Crowns can also protect large fillings and secure bridges.
We create dental crowns with CEREC. CEREC uses CAD/CAM technology, computer-aided design and manufacturing. This technology lets patients receive dental crowns in just one office visit.
Dental Implants
A single dental implant includes a titanium implant post, abutment, and dental crown. Implants can replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. Dentures and dental bridges can be supported by 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
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 often during the night, or have difficulty concentrating during the day may have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea blocks the airways and makes breathing difficult. Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of heart problems like heart attacks and stroke. 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 a full mouth rehabilitation, a full mouth reconstruction uses multiple restorative dental treatments. We can restore the form and function of the upper and lower teeth with a reconstruction.
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 gum disease first. Then, we will 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
Are you interested in learning more about restorative dentistry in Owens Cross Roads, AL? 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 tooth-colored material that we mold on the tooth. Then, we harden the material for strength. Dental crowns can also protect and support weakened teeth for a more balanced and healthy smile.
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. This is 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.
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. Contact Dr. Duling for restorative care today by calling 256.202.4186. You may also schedule a dental appointment online.
Let us know if you have tooth damage, missing teeth, or infection. We can find the best restoration for your needs.