The One-Visit Crown!

We know your time is valuable. That's why we've invested in CEREC technology that allows for an easier experience when you need crowns or fillings. With CEREC, there's usually no need for a temporary and return visit. Everything is done in one visit, in about an hour, leaving more time for whatever is important to you. CEREC one-visit dentistry, ask us how!

To find out more about CEREC please visit www.cereconline.com.

Dental Crowns

Crowns are a type of dental restoration and when cemented into place fully cover the tooth. Crowns can be made out of porcelain, gold, or a combination of both. A dentist might recommend a crown for a variety of reasons, but generally they are used to restore a tooth to its original integrity or to improve the appearance of a tooth.

It typically takes two appointments for a dentist to make a dental crown. During the initial crown preparation appointment your dentist will shape your tooth to ensure the crown has adequate strength and proper aesthetics. If the dentist feels too much of the tooth has broken off they may "build up" the tooth with a filling material before the final shaping for the crown.

Once your tooth has been prepared your dentist will need to take an impression. A dental laboratory will use this impression to fabricate the new crown.

During the time your crown is being fabricated, your tooth will be covered with a temporary crown that your dentist has made. Temporary crowns are typically made from plastic.

Cementing your permanent crown in place will happen at your second appointment. Your dentist will remove your temporary crown and evaluate the fit of the permanent crown. Once you and your dentist have agreed on fit and aesthetics your new crown will be cemented into place.

Dental Implants

A natural tooth consists of two parts: a crown that is above the gum line, and the root which is hidden below the gum. The root holds the tooth in place.

Dental implants are substitutes for the roots of missing teeth. They act as an anchor for a replacement crown. Dental implants are placed into the jawbone where original teeth once existed.

Placement of dental implants is a minor surgical procedure which is performed in one or two office visits. After placement the bone attaches to the implant which permanently anchors it within your jaw.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain which are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to make a cosmetic improvement. Porcelain veneers are routinely used to improve the appearance of discoloured, worn, chipped or slightly misaligned teeth.

Porcelain veneers have many advantages over other types of cosmetic dental bonding materials. For example they appear more lifelike and resist staining. Like enamel, porcelain is also translucent. When they are bonded onto a tooth's surface they mimic the light handling characteristics of enamel.

Other cosmetic bonding materials are susceptible to staining and discolouring. This is especially a problem for people whose teeth are exposed to tea, coffee, red wine or tobacco. Porcelain veneers are ceramic and glass-like, which makes the surface extremely smooth. A smooth surface will resist permanent stain.

Root Canal Therapy

Root Canal therapy refers to the treatment of the inner aspects of a tooth. Root canal therapy removes bacteria, nerve tissue and bacterial toxins from within the inner aspects of a tooth. Once this space has been cleansed the interior of the tooth is filled and sealed.

The tooth is first isolating the tooth with a dental dam. A small opening is made in the tooth to remove the damaged pulp. A number of small files are used to remove the pulp, enlarge, shape, and clean the canals.

When all of the damaged pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned and shaped, the root is ready for a filling. The dentist will then fill and seal the root canals, and finish with either a temporary or a permanent filling.

Tooth Whitening

"At home" tooth whitening method has become the most popular way for dentists to help their patients obtain whiter smiles. This technique utilizes a clear plastic tray that is fabricated to fit comfortably over the teeth. The whitening gel is placed into the tray. This tray is then worn several hours a day over a period of a few weeks.

The most common side effects of tooth whitening is tooth sensitivity and occasional irritation of the soft tissues in the mouth. Tooth sensitivity often occurs during the early stages of treatment. Tissue irritation, in most cases, results from an ill-fitting tray rather than the tooth whitening agents. These conditions are usually temporary.