Restorative Dentistry
Arlington, TX teeth are strong! You may already know the enamel they’re coated in is the hardest substance in the body, but this doesn’t mean they’re impervious to infection or injury. If their form or function is compromised, restorative measures can save your smile.
What do we mean when we say compromised form and function?
- Tooth decay is the second most common disease in America.
- Saliva carries minerals and enzymes that neutralize acids in your mouth, which prevents enamel erosion.
- More than 15 million root canals are performed in America each year—that’s 41,000 root canals per day.
- 120 million Americans are missing at least one permanent tooth.
- Dentures in the 1700s were made of ivory obtained from walruses, elephants, or hippopotamuses.
Cavities, caries, tooth decay—these terms are interchangeable.
If you’ve got a tooth (or multiple teeth) with a cavity, we can remove the diseased tooth structure and restore form, function, and beauty with BPA-free tooth-colored fillings. Cavities can happen to anyone, so don’t feel ashamed—we just advise acting quickly to avoid the need for more extensive procedures later.
- Tooth decay is the result of enamel erosion that occurs when the acids from your diet meet the bacteria in your mouth.
- Without remineralization of your enamel, the erosion can reach your dentin and create a hole (cavity) in your tooth.
- Cavities cause intense pain and can spread infection elsewhere throughout your body.
- Tooth-colored fillings are safe, blend in beautifully with your smile, and can last 10 or more years!
Your crown is the visible part of your tooth, and keeping it intact is part of ensuring your roots (the structure protected by your gums) remain healthy, too.
Human teeth can apply up to 292 pounds of pressure when biting down. This amount of force can do serious damage to what’s being bitten and your teeth, so we recommend sticking with the 20-40 pounds of pressure applied when you chew food. Anything exceeding that can damage your crowns and cause the need for replacement, as can tooth decay and infections that reach the pulp chamber within your root.
- Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps secured to your tooth root.
- Crown materials include porcelain fused to metal, all porcelain, and zirconia.
- With proper care, dental crowns can last up to 15 years.
Start your journey to better oral health!
Contact us today to schedule a visit with Dr. Hawkins.
Dental bridges are a tooth-replacement solution.
If your smile has lost a tooth, it’s important to replace it to maintain optimal oral health. Dental bridges are an excellent way to get you back to eating and smiling confidently. We place traditional bridges for spaces between two teeth, and we can place implant-supported bridges for the most security. Your bridge’s materials may be porcelain fused to metal, all porcelain, or zirconia. We’re happy to help you determine which option is best for you.
The dentures of today have a more natural appearance and comfortable fit.
Losing one permanent tooth is not an easy experience, so losing several or all your teeth can be a deeply painful experience both physically and emotionally. Your smile and quality of life do not have to suffer, and we’d be honored to revive your hope with a new set of dentures or partial dentures that fit comfortably and look natural.
- Dentures today are made of comfortable, natural-looking, and durable materials.
- Your dentures can ensure you speak and eat with ease.
- Over 36 million Americans are living without their natural teeth.
- Missing teeth leads to jawbone deterioration, which causes a sunken-in facial appearance.
Root canals are given a bad reputation, but the truth is, the removal of infection provides pain relief and can save your tooth.
Root canals are an endodontic procedure. Endodontic means inside the tooth—that’s enough to make most people squeamish, but root canals are actually the removal of an infection that’s already reached your inner tooth. These infections are usually the result of deep decay or a crack or chip in your affected tooth.
- After numbing, the infection will be removed through a small opening in your crown.
- After the removal of infection, sterilization and a crown will complete the procedure.
- Without treatment, infection can cause an abscess and other dangerous infections.
Gain new hope in your smile.
Contact your Arlington restorative dentist today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hawkins!