Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dental care is an area of dentistry focused on restoring normal function to teeth that have been damaged as a result of decay or disease. Repair can be accomplished using a variety of treatments, such as the following:

Mercury-Free Tooth Colored Fillings

Tooth colored fillings are made from a new space age material called composite resins. Similar in color and texture to natural teeth, the fillings are less noticeable and much more attractive, then old-fashioned silver mercury fillings for cavities and tooth ailments. These natural-looking composite resin fillings contain no mercury.

Porcelain and Onlays, Crowns, Bridges

Crowns, inlays and onlays are dental restorations that are placed in or over a tooth when conservative restorations such as bondings are not enough to restore form or function to a tooth. Inlays and onlyas are like a partial crown, usually made of porcelain. An inlay usually replaces a filling, while an onlay covers more tooth surface - it typically replaces a filling and covers one or more of the cusps of the tooth and may cover the entire biting surface.

A bridge is a custom-made artificial tooth that fills in the gap where a tooth or teeth are missing, and attaches to the two teeth on either side.

Dental Implants

Dental implants replace lost or missing teeth. Implants are precision created pieces of bio compatible metal that are surgically placed beneath the gums to fuse to the jawbone. They are artificial tooth roots, to which a new tooth (crwon) is attached.

If are interested in learning more about dental implants at our New Canaan Dentistry practice contac us and we will be happy to discuss it.

Treatment fo Bruxism / Tooth Grinding

Bruxism is the medical term for grinding or clenching your teeth. The condition affects both children and adults.

Some people with bruxism unconsciously clench their teeth together during the day, often when they feel anxious or tense. This is different from tooth grinding or clenching that occurs at night, which is called sleep bruxism. Most children who are bruxers do so at night, while adults are either daytime or nighttime bruxers.

Bruxism may be mild and may not even require treatment. However, it can be frequent and severe enough to lead to jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth and other problems. Unfortunately, people with sleep bruxism usually aren't aware of the habit, so they aren't diagnosed with the condition until complications occur. That's why it's important to know the signs and symptoms of bruxism and to seek regular dental care.

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is probably the most objectionable of all dental procedures, but the reputation of pain typically associated with having a root canal is really not deserved.  This procedure is uncomplicated and allows our patients to retain their natural teeth as long as possible. Root canal treatment is performed when the nerve of a tooth is too diseased to be saved and must be removed.  This means replacing the diseased or dead nerve with a substance that will help preserve the function of the tooth.  Modern techniques have made this tooth saving procedure much more effortless and painless and here at New Canaan Dentistry office we put into practice those techniques.

Intraoral Camera Technology

The intraoral camera is a revolutionary breakthrough in dental diagnostics. It is a tiny video camera that moves within the mouth capturing images that can be transferred to a computer screen. This tiny device gives the doctor visual access to areas of the mouth that would otherwise be difficult to see. Data collected from the equipment provides a more accurate assessment of the mouth to ensure that patients receive the most appropriate treatment plan. Dr. Harbottle and Dr. Sovich also uses the intraoral camera to enhance patient education by providing patients with a visual of proposed procedures.

X-Rays

Dental X-ray examinations provide valuable information that your dentist could not collect otherwise. With the help of radiographs (the proper term for pictures taken with X-rays, we can look at what is happening beneath the visible oral tissues. They pose a far smaller risk than many undetected and untreated dental problems.