Restoration - U9 Dental

Composite Fillings

A composite (tooth-colored) filling is used to restore a tooth affected by decay, cracks, fractures, or other damage. The decayed or compromised part of the tooth is removed, and the space is filled with a composite material.

There are various types of filling materials, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. You and your dentist can discuss the best options for your specific situation. Composite fillings and silver amalgam fillings are the most common choices. Since composite fillings are tooth-colored, they blend well with natural teeth, making them an ideal choice for front teeth or other visible areas. While composite fillings are highly durable, they are not permanent and may need to be replaced over time. However, they are long-lasting and can provide years of a beautiful, natural-looking smile.

Common reasons for composite fillings:

Chipped teeth
Closing gaps between teeth
Cracked or broken teeth
Decayed teeth
Worn teeth

How are composite fillings placed?

Composite fillings are typically completed in a single appointment. After numbing the tooth, your dentist will remove any decay and thoroughly clean the area. Once prepared, the composite material is placed, shaped, and polished to restore the tooth to its original form and function. If the decay is near the tooth's nerve, a protective medication may be applied. It is common to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold following the procedure, but this should subside as the tooth adjusts to the new filling. At the end of your treatment, you will receive instructions for care. Practicing good oral hygiene, maintaining healthy eating habits, and attending regular dental check-ups will help extend the life of your new fillings.

Crowns

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns are restorations that cover or cap the entire visible portion of a tooth. They are used to restore the shape, size, strength, and appearance of teeth that are severely damaged, decayed, or discolored. Crowns can also support dental bridges and implants, making them versatile for both individual tooth restoration and more extensive dental work.

At U9 Dental in Houston, TX, we provide high-quality dental crowns, made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, zirconia, and porcelain fused to porcelain to restore and enhance the natural beauty of your smile.

Types of crowns

At U9 Dental, we offer several types of crowns to suit our patient's needs and preferences, including:

Porcelain Crowns- Porcelain crowns are highly popular due to their natural look and feel. They are strong, durable, and resistant to stains, making them ideal for restoring both front and back teeth.
Zirconia Crowns- Made from advanced dental ceramics, these crowns are stronger and more durable than porcelain. They can be customized to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth, making them an excellent choice for restoring front teeth.
Metal Crowns- Metal crowns, made from gold, silver, or other metals, are known for their durability and longevity. They are often used on back teeth where strength is crucial, and they are less visible compared to porcelain or ceramic crowns.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns- PFM crowns combine the strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain. The metal base offers durability, while the porcelain overlay gives them a natural look, making them a great choice for both front and back teeth.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Crowns provide many benefits, including:

Restoring the strength and function of damaged or weakened teeth
improving the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth
Protecting teeth from further damage or decay
Supporting dental bridges and implants
Enhancing the overall beauty of your smile

Crowns Procedure

The process of getting a crown typically involves two visits. During the first appointment, your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay or damage and shaping it to fit the crown. Impressions will be taken to ensure a precise fit and a temporary crown will be placed to protect your tooth until the permanent crown is ready.
At your second visit, the temporary crown will be removed, and the permanent crown will be fitted. Your dentist will check the fit and color to ensure it matches your natural teeth and make any necessary adjustments before cementing the crown in place.

Caring for your crowns

Crowns are durable and long-lasting but require proper care for longevity. It is essential to brush and floss regularly and avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods that could damage or dislodge the crown. Routine dental checkups and cleanings are also vital to maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. If you need a crown to restore a damaged tooth or improve the appearance of your smile, the experienced team at U9 Dental in Houston’s Energy Corridor is here to help. We offer a range of high-quality crown materials to meet your individual needs and preferences. Our skilled dentists will work with you to create a natural-looking and long-lasting restoration.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey toward a healthier, more beautiful smile function of compromised teeth.

Porcelain Fixed Bridge

A porcelain fixed bridge is a non-removable dental appliance designed to replace missing teeth and restore both function and appearance. It is a highly effective solution that provides a natural look and feel, making it a popular choice among patients.

There are various types of dental bridges, and your dentist will work with you to determine the best option for your individual case.

· The most common type is the traditional bridge, typically made of porcelain fused to metal, which closely mimics the appearance of natural teeth. A traditional porcelain fixed bridge consists of: Two crowns- placed over the two anchoring teeth, known as abutment teeth. Pontics (artificial teeth)- attached to the crowns, filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth. These bridges are durable and can last for many years, although they may eventually need to be replaced or re-cemented due to normal wear

With advancements in dental materials, both zirconia bridges and porcelain-fused-to-zirconia (PFZ) bridges provide excellent strength and aesthetics.
Zirconia bridges are known for their exceptional durability, making them a strong choice for restoring teeth, particularly in areas with heavy biting forces. They are also highly biocompatible reducing the risk of allergic reactions or irritation.
Porcelain-fused to zirconia bridge combines the strength of zirconia with the esthetic appeal of porcelain. This allows for a natural tooth appearance while maintaining durability. Zirconia itself has an opaquer appearance, but the porcelain overlay enhances its translucency and mimics the natural enamel, providing a more life-like finish.

Reasons for a fixed bridge

To fill the space left by missing teeth
To maintain the natural shape of your face
To prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of position
To restore proper chewing and speaking functions
To restore your smile
To upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent solution

The process of getting a fixed bridge

First Visit:

Numbing the Area: The procedure begins with numbing the teeth to ensure comfort.
Preparing the Abutment Teeth: The two teeth adjacent to the gap (abutment teeth) are prepared by removing a portion of the enamel to create space for the crowns that will support the bridge.
Creating Impressions: A precise impression (mold) of your teeth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be custom-made.
Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge is created to protect the prepared teeth and maintain your smile until the permanent bridge is ready.

Second Visit:

Fitting the Permanent Bridge: During your next appointment, the permanent bridge is checked for proper fit, comfort, and appearance
Adjustments: Adjustments may be made to ensure the bridge fits comfortably, and it may be temporarily cemented to allow your teeth and gums to adapt.
Final Cementation: Once you are comfortable with the bridge, it will be permanently cemented into place during a subsequent visit

Aftercare and Maintenance:

At the end of your treatment, you will receive instructions on how to care for your new fixed bridge. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are essential to maintaining the longevity of your bridge and keeping your smile healthy. If you are missing teeth and considering a dental bridge, Contact our friendly staff at U9 Dental to schedule a consultation. Let us help restore your smile and confidence.

Removable Partial Denture

A denture is a removable dental appliance used to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue. Dentures are designed to closely resemble your natural teeth and can even enhance your smile.

A partial denture not only fills the gaps left by missing teeth but also helps prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of position.

What does getting dentures involve?

The process of getting dentures typically requires several appointments over a few weeks. Accurate impressions (molds) and measurements of your mouth are taken to create custom dentures. Several "try-in" appointments may be needed to ensure the correct shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, your dentist will carefully adjust and place the completed denture to ensure a natural and comfortable fit.

It’s normal to experience increased saliva flow, minor soreness, and temporary speech or chewing difficulties. These symptoms usually subside as your mouth adjusts to the new dentures.

You will be provided with care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning, maintaining good oral hygiene, and regular dental check-ups will help prolong the life of your dentures.

Root Canal Therapy

A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth. The pulp consists of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this delicate tissue becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause significant pain and discomfort. During root canal treatment, the infected or damaged pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The tooth is then filled and sealed with a dental filling or crown to prevent further infection or damage.

When Is a Root Canal Needed?

A root canal is typically required when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed. Common reasons for needing a root canal include deep decay, trauma to the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. Symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal include:

Persistent toothache or discomfort
Severe toothache constantly
Sensitivity to hot or cold
Swelling or tenderness or a pimple-like bump on the gums
Discoloration of the tooth (darkened tooth)
Severe pain when chewing or biting

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to schedule an appointment with our team as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can lead to further damage or infection, resulting in more complex and costly procedures.

The Root Canal Process

Evaluation - The first step is evaluating the tooth to determine if a root canal is necessary. This includes a physical examination and possibly X-rays to assess the extent of the damage or infection.
Anesthesia - Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the tooth, ensuring a comfortable and pain-free experience during the procedure.
Removal of the Pulp - After the area is numbed, the endodontist creates a small opening at the top of the tooth to access and remove the infected or damaged pulp. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned and sterilized.
Filling and Sealing - Once the pulp is removed and the tooth's interior is disinfected, the tooth is filled with an antibiotic gel and sealed with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. The tooth is restored with a dental filling or crown to prevent future infection or damage
Follow-Up Care - After your root canal procedure, our team will provide detailed instructions for caring for your tooth. In some cases, pain medication or antibiotics may be prescribed to ensure a smooth recovery. It’s crucial to follow these guidelines carefully to promote proper healing and avoid complications.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment offers several key benefits, including:

While root canal treatments are highly effective, there are rare cases where retreatment is needed due to:

Pain Relief: Eases discomfort caused by an infected or damaged tooth.
Tooth Preservation: Saves a tooth that would otherwise need extraction.
Prevention- Protects against further damage or infection.
Restoration Restores both the function and appearance of the tooth with a filling or crown.

At U9 Dental, we are dedicated to providing top-quality root canal treatments in Houston’s Energy Corridor. If you are experiencing tooth pain or discomfort, contact us today to schedule an evaluation and find out if a root canal is the right treatment for you.

Retreat and Dental Extraction:

While root canal treatments are typically very effective, there are rare situations where retreatment may be needed due to:

Complex root canal anatomy
Curved or narrow canals
Poor placement of a crown
Recontamination or new decay

If retreatment becomes necessary, our team is fully equipped to restore the health and function of your tooth. However, in cases where saving the tooth is not possible, we offer gentle extractions. After the extraction, we will discuss tooth replacement options, such as dental implants or bridges, to ensure your smile remains complete.

Reliable Root Canal Therapy at U9 Dental

If you are experiencing tooth pain or suspect an infection, our dedicated team at U9 Dental is here to help. We provide safe and reliable root canal therapy designed to eliminate infections and protect the long-term health of your teeth. Our goal is to preserve your natural smile for years to come. Contact us today to schedule your appointment for root canal therapy.

Contact our friendly staff at U9 Dental to schedule your appointment for root canal therapy