Dental Restoration

The root canal, officially known as endodontic treatment, clears infections and protects teeth from further infections. The most common symptoms that you may need a root canal are:

• Severe toothaches
• Difficulty chewing due to pain
• Sensitivity to heat or cold
• Dark discoloration of teeth
• Tenderness and swelling of gums

What to Expect from a Root Canal

One to three visits may be necessary for the full treatment. An endodontist will first remove the affected tissue, proceeded by a cleaning and sealing of the interior of the tooth. The last step is filling the tooth. Extensive decay may result in a crown. With regular oral hygiene, a restoration can last a lifetime.

Signs Endodontic Treatment May Not Save Teeth

• Severely fractured roots
• Lack of adequate bone support
• Inaccessible location

People tend to believe that tooth wear is a natural byproduct of use and aging. However, if there is a misalignment between your teeth and the upper and lower dental arches, occlusal disease may develop. This disease creates much pain and discomfort.

Consult our dentists if you have any of these occlusal disease symptoms:

• Enamel wear
• Cracking or breakage of teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Recessed gums
• Bone support loss
• Pain in the muscles
• Symptoms related to TMJ

When it’s time to consider dentures, let the compassionate staff at McDougal Dental help navigate the process. Our denture services are designed to be comfortable and result in custom dentures that feel and look natural.

Different Dentures for Different Needs

Full dentures — When patients require full teeth removal, full dentures are course of action. Immediate full dentures are implemented after teeth removal and need frequent adjustments following the procedure. Conventional dentures are fitted and placed after the gums have healed, usually several months after teeth removal.

Partial dentures — A metal frame connects the non-natural teeth and used to fill the spaces where natural teeth used to reside. This is an alternative to bridges.

Caring for dentures

• Always handle dentures over a clean towel or a sinkful of water in case the dentures are dropped.
• Brush every day just like natural teeth, as dentures are susceptible to the same plaque buildup that natural teeth are. Rinse dentures after each meal.
• Traditional toothpastes, household cleaners and mouthwashes are not gentle enough to clean dentures. The American Dental Association approves certain cleaners—be sure to check labels for their logo or ask the dentists at McDougal Dental which method is the best for you. Regular hand soap will suffice in a pinch.
• Keep dentures moist when not wearing. If they are not kept damp, they can dry out and crack, break, and/or lose shape.
• Keep gums and tongue clean, even if you have full dentures.

Uh-oh, My Dentures Broke, Now What?

Call the practice immediately to schedule an appointment.

When a synthetic tooth or a set of teeth are required, an implant might be your best treatment option over dentures or bridges. Removable and permanent synthetic teeth are attached to a root, usually made of titanium, that is implanted into the jawbone. Non-smoking patients with good overall oral health are ideal candidates.

Advantages Over Dentures or Bridges

Implants are fixed to the bone, unlike dentures and bridges, and are much more stable. Implants, as a result, provide more confidence and a natural look and feel that dentures and bridges cannot replicate. Furthermore, implants and much stronger than alternative methods of treatment, and can last a lifetime if cared for properly.

Implant Services

• Sinus Lift Augmentation
• Autogenous Bone Grafting
• Implant Site Development
• Computer-Enhanced Treatment Planning
• Implant Maintenance

When teeth are only partially damaged, broken and/or worn down, crowns are a very common treatment. A crown’s primary function is to improve the strength and share of a tooth. Unlike fillings, crowns are fabricated in a lab to match your tooth in order to fit your natural bite smoothly.

Bridges may be used in three circumstances: replace missing teeth, maintaining the shape of faces and easing the stress on biting motions. There are many different materials the artificial teeth can be made from, but bridges require good oral health to support them.

The simplest way to fix chips and other minor ailments, like discoloration, is dental bonding. Our dentists will match the shade of the bond with the surrounding teeth to create the illusion of natural teeth. Bonding may also be used as a filling, as it mimics the natural color of teeth.

This less expensive solution for minor cosmetic needs can usually be completed in one visit. However, there are drawbacks to bonding, which our staff will help walk you through when deciding on a course of action. Staining and chipping of bonds is common.