Your Natural
Teeth for Life
The
prevailing belief behind restorative dentistry is a
simple one: you can keep all of your
natural teeth for a lifetime. Grand Rapids Dental
Care can help you do just that.
Fillings -
When tooth decay occurs, one repair option may be to
place a filling. Modern dental filling
materials may be tooth colored and virtually
undetectable visually. While no restorative
material is as good or as long lasting as natural tooth
structure, today’s dental materials are very good and
constantly improving. Dr. Hagley exercises the
most sophisticated and gentle procedures possible to
repair damaged teeth. While initial correction of
the problem is important - so is continual monitoring of
existing fillings. Fillings are not a permanent
solution to decay because even the best materials
available break down over time. New cavities also
may form next to fillings, which may necessitate their
replacement.
 |
 |
|
Silver
Fillings |
Tooth Colored Filling |
Porcelain Veneers
are ceramic shells applied to the front of the teeth to
improve cosmetics or structural integrity appearance.
They can help brighten front teeth that have permanent
stains or discoloration that cannot be whitened.
They may be used to correct small gaps between the front
teeth, or to fix teeth that are poorly shaped or
slightly crooked. The veneers are thin,
custom-made porcelain facings that are bonded to the
teeth in a simple, comfortable procedure.
Porcelain veneers are aesthetically pleasing, natural
looking and durable. If you have healthy teeth and
gums, but are unhappy with the way your smile looks, ask
Dr. Hagley if porcelain veneers might be right for you.
Crowns and Bridges
-
When tooth decay is more extensive than can be repaired
with a filling, a crown (cap) may be needed.
A crown is a covering to replace the part of your tooth
above the gum line. Crowns are necessary when
teeth are
 broken
down due to decay, fracture, bite problems, or if a
patient is unhappy with their appearance. Crowns
can be used to restore a fractured tooth, to cover badly
shaped or discolored teeth, to cover an implant, to
protect weak teeth, or to attach a bridge. A
bridge is a replacement for a missing tooth (or
teeth). It is anchored in place by the teeth on either
side of the one that is missing. The anchor teeth
require crowns to support the bridge. When single
or multiple teeth
 are
missing, a bridge may be the answer. Dr. Hagley
uses crowns and bridges to replace missing teeth, to
correct bite dysfunction, and functional or structural
problems. Prostheses such as these are available
in porcelain, gold, or all ceramic. All ceramic
crowns are now available that are up to 8 times
stronger than those available up until very recently.
These crowns can be made to appear almost
indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Dentures and
Partials
-
If you’ve lost all of your natural teeth, whether from
periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury, dentures or
partials can replace your missing teeth and restore your
smile. Replacing missing teeth will benefit your
appearance and your health. Without support from
the denture, facial muscles sag,
making a person look older. You’ll be able to eat
and speak—things that people often take for granted
until their natural teeth are lost. Dr. Hagley
will assess your dental needs and, if appropriate, can
restore your smile through use of dentures.
Dental
implants
replace single missing teeth or fasten multiple teeth together as
with a bridge or a denture. They are "anchors"
that permanently support replacement teeth. Unlike
dentures or bridges, implants involve surgically
placement by an oral surgeon of a titanium fixture into
the jaw bone. An artificial tooth is then
constructed and attached to the implant. If you
have lost a tooth, or have badly-fractured teeth that
need to be fully replaced, dental implants are a great
way to will restore your smile. If you are a long
term denture
wearer and because of bone loss over time, dental implants can be a
godsend. The placement of implants to be used for
retention of a denture can make an incredible difference
in stability and function of the denture. The
advantages of dental implants are:
·
Artificial teeth are secure and durable.
·
Implants can be cleaned and cared for much like natural teeth.
·
Other teeth are not disturbed in the process.
Dental implants have been in use worldwide for over 30 years and
have proven to be a very reliable and many times ideal
replacement for natural teeth. Our office works
closely with board certified Oral Surgeons and
Periodontists to provide successful rehabilitation of
our patients.
The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good
health, does not smoke (smoking inhibits healing) and
has healthy gums and plenty of supporting bone in the
jaw. Certain conditions such as uncontrolled
diabetes, bleeding disorders, a weakened immune system
or cognitive problems can interfere with postoperative
care and increase the risk of implant failure. Dr.
Hagley will review your dental history and current
health factors to help determine if dental implants are
an option for you.
Searching
for a Grand Rapids Dentist?
Call
Grand Rapids Dental Care today at 218-326-3438.
Let us partner with you to achieve a lifetime of health,
happy smiles!
 Grand
Rapids Dental Care
220 SE 21st Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Phone: 218-326-3438
Fax: 218-327-1475
Email:
smile@grdental.com |
