How Teeth Get Damaged
How your teeth got damaged can affect the type of damage and may influence the best restorative dentistry approach for your damaged teeth. There are several common causes of tooth damage. These include:
- Tooth wear and erosion
- Tooth decay
- Trauma
- Tooth wear and erosion
- Tooth decay
- Trauma
Tooth wear and erosion occur as a result of everyday tooth use. Your teeth get damaged while biting, chewing, and other daily activities. Wear occurs when teeth come into contact with something hard, physically breaking them down. This may be food, or it may be your other teeth, especially if you clench your teeth. Using your teeth as tools can also speed tooth wear. Erosion occurs when exposure to acid breaks down your teeth chemically. Soda, fruit juices, stomach acid, and vinegar are all familiar sources of tooth erosion.
Tooth decay is the process by which oral bacteria damage your teeth. Oral bacteria live in your mouth, consuming sugars and other carbohydrates. When they do, they excrete acids that attack your teeth. This can attack your tooth enamel, removing the minerals that make it strong and creating holes in your teeth. If a hole penetrates the inner part of your tooth where the living part of the tooth is located, the tooth can become infected. This threatens not only your tooth–it can endanger your life.
Our teeth are powerful, but they can be damaged by trauma. Car accidents, falls, sports accidents, and violence are all familiar sources of tooth trauma. Tooth trauma might affect just one tooth but can also affect multiple teeth, sometimes requiring full mouth reconstruction.
Restorative Dentistry Procedures We Offer
We offer a wide range of restorative dentistry procedures at Collins Family Dentistry. We are prepared to help your entire family with restorative dentistry, including:
- Dental bridges
- Dentures
- Dental implants
- Full mouth reconstruction
- Fillings
- Dental bonding
- Dental crowns
- Root canal therapy
- Fillings
- Dental bonding
- Dental crowns
- Root canal therapy
- Dental bridges
- Dentures
- Dental implants
- Full mouth reconstruction
We’ll help you understand what each of these procedures is and how it can help restore your smile.
Fillings
Fillings fill cavities in your teeth. When oral bacteria start making these holes in your teeth, they will use the holes for shelter, enlarging the holes. A filling closes the gap so food and bacteria are not trapped inside.
We offer two types of tooth-colored fillings: composite fillings and ceramic. Composite fillings are effective for many situations, but ceramic fillings look better and are more durable.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding uses a material similar to composite fillings to repair chipped teeth. This is a quick and inexpensive solution to damaged teeth. However, it is less durable than other repair approaches. People often choose it as an immediate repair while considering a longer-term solution like porcelain veneers.
Patient Testimonials
“I had to take my daughter that is terrified of dentists in to get her cavity taken care of. A friend recommended Collins Dentistry and said they would make the experience a good one (as good as going to the dentist can be!). They used really good numbing gel and she didn’t even cry. I have recommended them to friends.”
– Amy H.
“This is a second generation business in Cheney. They are supportive of this community and are well liked and respected. The Collins brothers provide professional service and do a great job cleaning your teeth and making sure you leave with a great smile. I would recommend.”
– Jeffrey B.
“I used to be terrified of the dentist and of having any work done on my teeth due to terrible past experiences, but Dr. Chris and his team are amazing. They make me feel so comfortable, they explain everything, and they never hesitate to help me with whatever it is that I need.”
– Lacee G.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are caps that fit over a damaged tooth. They can cover the entire visible portion of the tooth. This protects the damaged tooth while strengthening and giving it a new, attractive surface. With our advanced CEREC system, we can make your crowns while you wait–no need to send impressions to the lab or return for a second dental visit.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is a treatment for infected teeth. Dr. Collins will get into the tooth’s interior, the infected part, and clean out all the living material. Then, he will replace it with an inert material that can’t be infected but mainly functions like the tooth’s core. Typically, he will cover the treated tooth with a dental crown. The tooth should function normally for 10-15 years or more.
Dental Bridges
If you have a tooth that can’t be saved because of gum disease or infection, you will want to replace it. A dental bridge is a traditional tooth replacement option. Dental crowns on neighboring teeth support an artificial tooth called a pontic. The tooth will look and function like a natural tooth–it’s completely secure and won’t come out.
Dentures
Dentures are removable tooth replacements. They can either be partial dentures or full dentures. Partial dentures replace some teeth lost in an arch, but not all. Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth.
We also offer removable dentures secured by dental implants to hold them in place more firmly. This helps you with chewing and ensures your dentures won’t fall out when talking or laughing.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the tooth replacement option most like your natural teeth. With an artificial tooth root that anchors in your jawbone and an attractive crown or bridge on top, dental implants look and function like natural teeth. We offer single implants and the All-on-4 system, which replaces an entire arch of teeth with just four dental implants.
The implants can last a lifetime, with some documented cases lasting 50 years or more. The crown or bridge on top of the implant might only last briefly, though these can sometimes last up to 30 years.
Full Mouth Reconstruction
This is a custom procedure that uses a combination of restorative dentistry to repair your entire smile comprehensively. The exact mix of operations depends on the extent and type of damage to your teeth. You and Dr. Collins will discuss the options to decide on the best approach for your full mouth reconstruction.
Get Restorative Dentistry in Cheney, WA
You don’t have to live with damaged teeth. You can eliminate dental pain, improve the function of your bite, and get back your beautiful smile. Let Dr. Chris Collins show you how.
Please call (509) 235-8451 or use our online form today to request an appointment at Collins Family Dentistry in Cheney.
