Restorative Treatment for Stronger, Healthier Teeth and Gums

When teeth face decay from the harmful effect of oral bacteria found in plaque and tartar, restorative treatments can remove decay and repair the area to protect the strength and vitality of the tooth. This is usually done through either a dental crown or a filling.

A crown, a type of porcelain “cap”, covers a tooth for superior protection from oral bacteria and other outside forces that could damage a vulnerable inner tooth. The crown restores a tooth’s natural shape and appearance. Dr. Tran may recommend a crown to further protect a tooth with prior restorative fillings, or for a tooth that has suffered a crack or fracture. A crown can also be used to hold a bridge in place.

A filling is a small amount of composite material that is placed in a hollow area of a tooth caused by decay. This prevents further decay and protects the vulnerable tooth. Fillings are used when decay is caught early on, and the damage is not extensive.

A root canal is a treatment used to save a tooth when the inner tooth faces serious inflammation or infection. The pulp, or the collection of soft tissues within the inner tooth , can become infected or inflamed due to corrosive decay, trauma from prior dental procedures, cracked or chipped enamel, or trauma from an accident or injury. During the root canal procedure, the pulp and any present infection is completely removed and the inner tooth is cleaned and filled. Typically, a dental crown is placed to protect a tooth after a root canal procedure is complete.

You are probably familiar with gingivitis, a mild infection of the gum tissues which can cause bleeding, sore, or inflamed gums. But did you know that gingivitis is merely the first stage of periodontal disease? Periodontal disease is an infection of the soft and hard supportive tissues in the mouth and jaw. These include gum tissue, bone tissue, and the ligaments and muscles. While gingivitis symptoms may not seem critical, any irritation or inflammation of the gums should be checked out and treated by Dr. Tran and our team to keep periodontal disease from spreading and becoming more destructive.

We’re proud to offer deep cleaning treatments, for patients with more advanced stages of periodontal disease, as well as routine preventive care such as cleanings and exams, to protect your mouth from the harmful effects of periodontal disease.

Patients who have undergone trauma, tooth loss, or advanced forms of periodontal disease can suffer from jaw bone deterioration. When bone tissue is lost or weakened, dentists and oral surgeons have difficulty placing a dental implant after tooth loss. An implant needs a stable foundation in order to fully integrate into the bone and provide a lasting hold for tooth restoration. Dr. Tran performs bone grafts to increase the strength of the jaw in order to prepare a patient for dental implant treatment.

A bridge is a permanent appliance that replaces one or more consecutive missing teeth. The appliance "bridges" the gap left between two teeth after tooth loss. If left unfilled, this space can allow nearby teeth to drift out of place and can also increase the chances of tooth decay and periodontal disease causing additional tooth loss. Bridges not only correct biting function, improve chewing ability and speech, but they also maintain your appearance by preventing the collapse of facial structure that can create wrinkles and age lines prematurely.

Partial dentures are similar to bridges, but are made to be removable for easy cleaning. Depending on your needs, your dentist will decide whether your partial denture should be constructed from a metal framework or more natural-looking attachments connecting the dentures to your existing teeth.

Dentures are a replacement for missing teeth and gum tissues that can be removed by the patient for easy cleaning. Complete dentures include a full set of artificial teeth, and are used when a patient has lost all of their natural teeth. A gum-colored “plate” fits snugly over the patient’s gums, while artificial teeth line each plate to give a full, realistic smile. Most patients can eat and drink comfortably with full dentures in, while simply avoiding certain sticky, hard, or crunchy foods.

Dental implants are permanent restorations for lost tooth roots. Implants create a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that replace your natural teeth after tooth loss. The benefits of dental implants include improved smile aesthetics, speech, comfort, chewing ability and oral health. Implants are also extremely durable; with proper oral hygiene, most last a lifetime.