restorative Solutions
Restorative dentistry is the ability to repair and replace diseased, broken and missing teeth in such a way as to restore lost function and beauty. Dr. Coseo, a professional restorative dentist on Cape Cod, uses the latest restorative dentistry procedures available today to give our patients the healthy, attractive smiles they deserve. Using a gentle and carefully thought out approach, Dr. Coseo has successfully treated hundreds of patients, including those with serious and complex oral health problems. Dr. Coseo will work with you to develop a plan to meet your needs and goals with any of the following dental restorative procedures:
White Fillings
At Distinctive Dentistry, we offer dental white fillings to give a you natural smile. White fillings are tooth colored composite resins used to correct defects in teeth created by cavities and fractures. The smaller the filling the longer it will last. White fillings are exclusively used on front teeth. Although the back teeth are often filled with white fillings, we find that they do not hold up as well as traditional silver fillings and may have to be replaced more often. The average life span on front teeth is seven years. The average life span on back teeth is five years or less depending on the size and wear and tear.
Crowns
A crown is recommended when the natural tooth has fractured and needs something stronger than traditional fillings or when a tooth has been weakened by multiple fillings and will no longer support normal chewing without danger of fracture. The average life span of crowns is over twenty years if the patient maintains healthy gums and is seen at least twice a year for exam and prophylaxis.
Crowns consist of three types:
- All Gold - for a stable bite on back teeth
- Porcelain over Gold - when esthetic concerns are present
- All Porcelain - for enhanced esthetics
Dentures
What are Dentures?
Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth typically made out of an acrylic resin which at times incorporate porcelain or metal for additional structural support. There are two main types of dentures. Both Complete Dentures and Partial Dentures are finely crafted, custom-fitted. If you properly maintain your dentures they will appear natural and provide a perfect smile. Additionally, dentures help strengthen muscles controlling your expressions that require the support of your teeth, rid you of pronunciation problems caused by missing teeth and aid with chewing.
Who is a Candidate for Dentures?
If you’ve lost, or are losing, all of your teeth a Complete Denture is something to discuss with your cosmetic dentist. If some of your teeth remain and are healthy, a Partial Denture may be your way to a great smile.
This procedure should be thoroughly discussed with your dentist as there are several personal and medical factors to take into consideration. You may instead be a candidate for dental bridges and dental implants as optional procedures.
Dental Implants
Overview of Dental Implants
Implants are surgically placed in your jaw bone while under anesthesia. It is a very time consuming procedure when having many implants placed. As this procedure is surgical, it is very important to research and find a well credited cosmetic dentist that you are comfortable with. For some people there are varying degrees of discomfort or pain, which subsides in a couple of days. As with similar types of surgery, bruising and minor swelling might also develop shortly after the procedure.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are fixtures of titanium which are surgically screwed into your jaw bone. The implant is an anchor for a naturally-appearing false tooth or a set of false teeth. The success rate of dental implants depends on where the implants are placed and their purpose. They are typically best placed in the front portion of your lower jaw. Implants are great for replacing missing teeth. It is important that you have enough bone in the area of the missing teeth for the implants to be attached to. Implants are not only used to replace one tooth, but rather people missing most, if not all, of their teeth benefit greatly as well. Implants are increasingly being used to replace certain types of bridges and removable partial dentures.
How are Dental Implants Attached in your mouth?
The implant procedure is a surgical placement of the implant or implants in your jaw bone which requires a three to six month healing period before the implant restoration (crown) will be placed. During this healing time, the bone grows in and around the titanium implant creating a very strong support. Dental implants can be rejected. Usually they are replaced with another implant of a slightly larger size. The rejection or “failure” rate is minimal, only 1 to 2% of all implant procedures. You must go without wearing your dentures for one day to two weeks after an implant. After the implant has “taken” and you have sufficiently healed, a very natural crown is placed on the implant.
Are Dental Implants for you?
If you are missing one tooth or all of your teeth, implants may well be for you. So long as you have enough bone in the area of the missing tooth to facilitate the anchorage of the implant, this procedure can yield terrific results. If you don’t have enough bone for this purpose, a bone graft may be necessary. If you have a small dental bridge or partial dentures (removable type), implants will be a welcome alternative. Implants are an alternative to a fixed bridge. The implant will last a lifetime, but the crown on top of it will last ten to fifteen years.
Fixed Bridges
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a false tooth or teeth, known as a pontic, which is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in the area left by a missing tooth or teeth. The two crowns holding it in place are attached on to your teeth on each side of the false tooth. This is known as a fixed bridge. This procedure is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Fixed bridges cannot be taken out of your mouth as you might do with removable partial dentures.
In areas of your mouth that are under less stress, such as your front teeth, a cantilever bridge may be used. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the open space. Bridges can reduce your risk of gum disease, help correct some bite issues and even improve your speech. Bridges require your commitment to serious hygiene, but will last as many as ten years or more.
Who is a candidate for dental bridges?
If you have missing teeth and have good oral hygiene practices, you should discuss this procedure with you cosmetic dentist. If spaces are left unfilled, they may cause the surrounding teeth to drift out of position. Additionally, spaces from missing teeth can cause your other teeth and your gums to become far more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.
