Restorative Dentistry in Winlock, WA
While our goal is to protect your smile from damage and additional restorative treatments, that’s not always reality. Lifestyle habits, genetics, and a variety of other factors play a role in your dental health. At Winlock Family Dentistry, we offer high-quality restorations that both look natural and improve your smile’s functionality.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Dental fillings are placed to support a tooth’s structure once the decay has been removed. We offer tooth-colored, composite fillings which are more cosmetically appealing and safer for your overall health as they are completely mercury-free. Composite fillings are applied in layers and cured with a special light. Once your filling is in place, it will be shaped to ensure your bite still feels comfortable.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns, also known as dental caps, are used to completely cover the visible portion of your tooth. They may also be used in conjunction with dental implants as an option for tooth replacement. The process of creating a dental crown involves shaping and modifying your natural tooth then taking impressions. These impressions will be sent to an off-site lab where your custom crown will be created. Once we’ve received your crown, we will bring you in to inspect the shape and fit, then permanently attach it to the tooth.
Dental Bridges
For those missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge may be used to close the gap. Bridges are composed of two or more crowns with false teeth in between. The crowns will be permanently attached to the teeth or dental implants surrounding the gap and the false teeth will fill the empty space. The dental bridge process is much like that of dental crowns. Dental bridges are composed of porcelain or ceramic material, both of which can be created to match the exact shade of your natural tooth.
Full & Partial Dentures
Dentures are a more traditional method of restorative dentistry and are used to replace one or more missing teeth. These prostheses consist of a gum-colored acrylic base with false teeth attached. The variation between full and partial dentures lies within the number of teeth they are replacing. Full dentures may be used to replace an entire top or bottom arch of teeth and are held in place by a dental adhesive. Partial dentures are used when you still have a few natural teeth remaining in the gumline and they’re secured with metal clips.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are quickly becoming a preferred method of tooth replacement as they offer a more permanent, natural-looking solution. First, implants are surgically placed into your jawbone and given time to fuse with the bone. Once you’ve healed from the procedure, a connective structure, also known as an abutment, will be attached to the implant so your restoration can be placed on top. When paired with either a dental crown, bridge, or dentures, implants eliminate gaps in your smile and blend in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.
Root Canal Therapy
When a tooth is too far damaged for a filling to repair, root canal therapy may be used to disinfect it. During this process, a small hole will be created in the top of the tooth to give us access to the infected pulp. Next, we will remove the pulp and thoroughly clean the tooth’s canal. Once only the healthy portion of your tooth remains, the canal will be sealed with tooth-colored material to protect it and prevent future infection. If the structure of your tooth has been compromised, a dental crown may be placed to support your natural tooth.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are simply a third set of molars that develop and erupt later than the others. Oftentimes, wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding or become painfully impacted, which are two of the leading causes of removal. Rather than referring you out to another practice or oral surgeon, we strive to perform all wisdom teeth surgeries in-house. During your initial consultation, we’ll thoroughly discuss what to expect during the procedure and provide you with detailed aftercare instructions.
Tooth Extractions
It’s completely normal to feel a bit of apprehension when preparing for a tooth extraction. However, it’s a fairly simple procedure and our team performs them with the utmost care and precision. We’ll carefully assess your unique dental needs, determine whether your extraction is simple or surgical, and create a treatment plan that prioritizes your overall wellness. Once your tooth has been removed, we can begin discussing options for tooth replacement.
Bone Grafts
Before getting dental implants, your jawbone density must first be assessed. For those whose jawbone is not healthy enough to support a dental implant, a bone graft may be performed. This procedure involves placing materials into the insufficient areas of the jawbone to promote new growth and support the existing bone.
Pinhole® Gum Treatment
We utilize the revolutionary Pinhole Surgical Technique to correct receding gum lines. If left untreated, gum recession can weaken teeth, cause sensitivity and root damage, and even increase the risk of tooth loss down the road. In addition to the potential health consequences, gum recession can cause the teeth to look longer than normal and can age the look of the patient’s smile. The Pinhole Surgical Technique is a minimally invasive way to reshape the gums back to where they belong without using uncomfortable scalpels or sutures.
