Fillings
Composite fillings are a common solution to tooth decay or small cracks. A composite filling is a tooth-colored resin and glass mixture used to restore decayed or mildly broken teeth. This procedure is also utilized for cosmetic improvements of the smile by fixing any discoloration or reshaping any disfigured teeth. At Dentistry of Arizona, we only use esthetic tooth-colored fillings as opposed to silver fillings.
Dental Bonding can be done as a cosmetic procedure when there isn't decay to amplify the beauty of your smile. Dental bonding is less expensive than porcelain veneers if you want to improve your esthetics while on a budget.
The process of dental bonding can be used to fix the following dental problems:
- Fix chipped or cracked teeth
- Correct the appearance of discolored teeth
- To close gaps between teeth
- To make the teeth look longer
- To alter the shape of the teeth
- As a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
- As a budget-friendly alternative to porcelain veneers
- To protect a tooth's root that has been exposed
Dental bonding and fillings in Surprise, AZ may or may not require anesthesia. The use of anesthesia is usually not required unless the bonding is being used to fill cavities. Dr. Ewell, your Surprise, AZ dentist will closely match the color of the composite bonding to your existing teeth to get a natural, beautiful appearance.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are used to provide strength and esthetics to teeth that have broken, worn down, or have had very large cavities. They are used when simply filling in a tooth is not an option. There are times when the tooth has broken or has had such a large cavity that a filling would not be able to restore the tooth. We also use them with severely damaged teeth or teeth that have already had multiple fillings. Porcelain crowns are attached right to your teeth so that they can function, even when you bite something really hard! There are several types of porcelain crowns so it is important to discuss which type is best for you with your dentist.
Getting porcelain crowns is the best way to have a very natural looking smile. They are used when simply filling in a tooth is not an option. There are times when they decay is so large that a filling would not be helpful to the tooth - instead we need to do a full-coverage porcelain crown. We also use them with severely damaged teeth or teeth that have already had multiple fillings.
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped covers or caps that are placed over damaged or weakened teeth to recover their natural appearance and prevent further deterioration. Tooth crowns are used when teeth are chipped or broken, after a root canal procedure to cover the exposed area of a tooth, for cosmetic reasons, or to replace an old filling. Crowns will provide a long-term solution to improving the function or your teeth and enhance the look of your smile.
Our Dentistry of Arizona in Surprise porcelain crowns are made by a skilled local lab in Arizona. They are custom made to fit your tooth. During your first visit, you are numbed and comfortable. The tooth is shaped appropriate for the crown and an impression is taken. The lab will make a porcelain crown from this impression. You will wear a temporary crown while the lab makes your final crown. The temporary crown is used to protect the tooth. Dental cement is used to bond your final crown to your tooth. Your tooth is now fully restored to a healthy and functional state!
Veneers
Porcelain Veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, or length. We recommend this treatment to anyone experiencing discoloration that cannot be fixed with whitening and Invisalign or if your teeth are damaged. Porcelain veneers are also an option if you’re unhappy with the shape or look of your natural teeth.
What are dental veneers?
Porcelain Veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve the appearance of your smile. If you have misshapen, crooked, or uneven teeth, veneers are a wonderful option to enhance your smile. Veneers are porcelain shells that are bonded to the front of the teeth and create an ideal shape, length, and color of your smile. Veneers cover esthetic problems like small fractures, worn edges of the teeth, discoloration, or gaps between the teeth. Visit us at Dentistry of Arizona in Surprise to discuss if veneers are an option for you to makeover your smile. We recommend this treatment to anyone experiencing discoloration that cannot be fixed with whitening or if your teeth are damaged. Porcelain veneers are also an option if you’re unhappy with the shape or look of your natural teeth.
We use high-quality materials for our veneers
The most common material for veneers is porcelain. We used a local skilled lab in Tempe, Arizona to fabricate our custom veneers. Porcelain are the best way to correct discolored, misshapen, or chipped teeth to give a long-lasting, beautiful result.
How long do veneers last?
Veneers can last several years when they are maintained. It is important to floss daily, brush at least twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste, and maintain your professional cleanings and exams. Veneers may chip over time; it is important that you wear a custom nightguard while you sleep to protect your veneers and prevent chipping. Veneers last around 10 years and may need to be replaced over time.
How much does veneers cost?
Veneers are a cosmetic procedure and are typically not covered by insurance. If insurance does happen to cover them, they are about $800 per tooth. If insurance does not cover them, they are around $1300 per tooth. Porcelain veneers have the best esthetic result for a smile make over, but they are expensive. Another option is dental bonding or composite veneers that are done in the office with tooth-colored filling material. They do not last as long as porcelain veneers, may stain over time, but are about half the price of porcelain veneers. Dr. Ewell is excited to talk to you about your esthetic options and to help you have a smile you are proud of. Schedule an appointment with us at Dentistry of Arizona in Surprise to find out how we can get you the smile of your dreams!
Bridges
When your teeth are missing, it greatly affects your smile or chewing function. At the same time, the missing tooth has the potential to negatively affect the remaining teeth as they can begin to shift and become uneven. Dental bridges are one of many options aimed at improving the appearance and function of your teeth by replacing the missing tooth or teeth. During your exam, we will discuss whether or not dental bridges are right for you.
A dental bridge consists of an artificial porcelain tooth connected to a set or crowns used to fill a gap created by one or more missing teeth. At Dentistry of Arizona in Surprise, Dr. Ewell will create a custom tooth bridge for your mouth that will look and function like your natural teeth. We use either all porcelain bridges or porcelain bridges with a metal substructure. Dr. Ewell will determine which material of bridge is most suitable for long-term success in your unique situation.
What to expect during your bridge appointment:
During your first appointment for a bridge, Dr. Ewell gets the area numb and uses a dental hand piece to prepare the neighboring teeth that are adjacent to the missing tooth. These neighboring teeth are going to support and act as anchors for the bridge. Next, an impression is taken of the prepared teeth. The impression is used to fabricate a model or your mouth on which the final bridge is made. Our skilled dental assistants will make a temporary bridge made from acrylic which you will wear while the laboratory makes your porcelain bridge. At your second visit, the temporary bridge is gently removed and the final bridge is cemented.
A bridge is not removable and gives you excellent chewing function. It is important that you floss underneath the bridge to prevent cavities. Dr. Ewell and team will instruct you on how to clean around and under your bridge. When kept clean, bridges last for many years.
Dental Implants
When you have missing teeth, an alternative solution to dentures is dental implants. They are like a tooth root substitute and act like a regular tooth. They do not require the adjacent teeth to be involved (like in dental bridges) and they are not removable (like dentures or partial dentures). Dental implants provide a permanent new tooth to restore function and appearance. For patients who are candidates, dental implants offer a successful and lasting solution to the loss of some or all of your teeth.
What is a dental implant?
Dental Implants are typically the ideal solution to replacing a missing tooth or several teeth. A dental implant is a titanium tooth root substitute that can replace a natural tooth that has been lost due to trauma, fracture, decay, or severe gum (periodontal disease). A dental implant consists of three parts: the implant itself which is surgically placed under the gums and solidifies to your jaw bone; an abutment, which is the foundation on which your new tooth will be seated; and a porcelain crown, which is the tooth that is visible above the gum.
What are the benefits of a dental implant versus other options?
- Dental implants generally last a very long time because they cannot get cavities. They are made from titanium and the crown is made from porcelain
- Dental implants keep "a one tooth problem a one tooth problem." We do not need to do anything to adjacent teeth like we would if we did a bridge. A Bridge would require us to drill and prepare the adjacent teeth. No other teeth are affected when a dental implant is used.
- Dental implants can replace many missing teeth
- Dental implants can support a bridge for the replacement of multiple missing teeth
- Dental implants can stabilize loose or uncomfortable traditional dentures. Dentures can be challenging to use since the rock and wobble. When they are stabilized by implants, patients find that the dentures are better anchored and stay in place while they chew and talk
- Dental implants give new teeth that both look and feel natural
- Dental implants do not need to be removed
How much do dental implants cost?
Our treatment coordinator will review dental implant cost that is customized to your insurance plan or cash payment. Each insurance plan differs in how much they will cover for your dental implant and they may vary in restrictions. For patients without dental insurance, we offer a helpful Dentistry of Arizona Membership Club that can help make treatment more affordable. In general, a dental implant, abutment, and crown (without the need for additional bone grafting or sinus lifts during surgery to make the implant successful) is around $4000 per tooth.
We are excited to meet with you and discuss if dental implants are the best solution for you.
Extractions
An extraction is performed to remove a tooth, whether because of disease, bone loss, crowding, damage or an over-retained baby tooth that is impeding the eruption of the permanent tooth. When extractions are required, the area around the tooth will be numbed and your dentist will remove the tooth. In some situations, a bone graft will be placed to help guide your body in healing and forming new bone. Bone grafts are recommended if you plan on restoring the missing tooth with a dental implant.
Will a rotten tooth eventually fall out?
A rotten tooth may eventually fall out if there is severe and significant bone loss around the tooth or it may continue to crumble and break away slowly over the years. Rotten teeth harbour bacteria and cause infection of the jaw bone even if you cannot feel it. This infection causes bad breath, can affect the adjacent teeth and spread bacteria to them, or it can abscess. In some circumstances, an abscess can cause severe swelling of the face or neck and can become a life threatening emergency. If you have a rotten or broken tooth, come in and see us for a quick emergency exam so we can remove the infection versus letting it linger in your body.
Root Canals
Root canals are needed when decay and bacteria spread for too long without treatment. At a certain point, this decay makes it to the pulp inside the tooth. This pulp includes nerves, therefore infection generally causes a lot of pain. Since this is happening on the inside of the tooth, you won’t necessarily see the damage. Instead, you could feel it through pain and notice other signs that include bleeding, swelling and bad breath.
During the root canal procedure, the large cavity and infected nerve will be removed and replaced with a filling material. In most circumstances, teeth that have had root canals will need a crown in order to provide them with long-term strength. For front teeth, they often can simply have a tooth-colored filling after they have had a root canal.
Is it better to have a root canal or extraction?
Each tooth is different and each patient has different needs. If your tooth has deep and extensive decay, Dr. Ewell will discuss with you the long-term prognosis of the tooth and whether a root canal should be pursued or an extraction is more predictable. After clinical examination, an updated x-ray and a photo of the tooth will show you the size of the cavity and how much tooth there will be remaining after the cavity is cleaned out. Dr. Ewell will discuss what your particular tooth will benefit the most from and let you make an informed decision.
What happens if you have a tooth pulled and don't replace it?
Sometimes teeth are lost due to catastrophic fracture, very deep decay, or extensive bone loss. When a tooth is removed, the surrounding and opposing teeth will typically shift and move. This malalignment can affect chewing and can cause bone loss of the jaws making tooth replacement or denture wearing more challenging. Some teeth patients do not miss when they are removed and not replace (wisdom teeth or second molars), but other teeth provide more chewing and esthetic function. However, if you are bothered by one or many missing teeth, we provide a few options including dental implants, bridges, removable partial dentures, or complete dentures (with or without implants).
Teeth Whitening
A common request we receive is how to make a smile whiter and brighter. This is a relatively simple and quick treatment option that can be performed periodically. Certain foods and beverages, such as wine and coffee, stain the teeth and contribute to discoloration. The teeth whitening process provides a solution that lightens the shade of the teeth. Additionally, the process actually rids the teeth of plaque and tartar that tend to lead to dental problems. We offer a variety of non-invasive whitening solutions including custom whitening trays and convenient pre-filled trays that can be used at home.
What is the best whitener for your teeth?
Everyone's teeth respond differently to various whitening products. Over-the-counter whitening products that contain carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are safe and moderately effective. It is best to avoid highly abrasive whitening toothpastes because they can accidentally remove tooth enamel if used longer than 4 weeks.
If you are dissatisfied with the results of over-the-counter whitening, professional products may be more effective. We offer both custom whitening trays with gel and pre-filled trays with professional strength carbamide peroxide. To help with comfort and decrease sensitivity, our Opalescence whitening features potassium nitrate and fluoride. Both Dr. Allen Ewell and Dr. Elizabeth Ewell use Opalescence gel twice per year to maintain their white smiles while minimizing tooth sensitivity.
Is tooth whitening bad for your teeth?
In general, tooth whitening is safe for most patients when not done in excess. However, over whitening can result in hyper-translucency of the teeth and the teeth will take on a gray appearance. Using an over the counter or professional whitening product 2-3 times per year is typically a safe and reasonable frequency to maintain a white smile.
Highly abrasive whitening toothpastes should not be used more than 4 weeks at a time. Abrasive whitening toothpaste works by buffing off surface stains. Overuse can result in accidental removal of your enamel. If a toothpaste feels gritty or sandy, it is more abrasive and should be used sparingly.
How can I make my teeth whiter naturally?
There are a few ways to keep your teeth looking healthy and white naturally:
Healthy oral hygiene habits
Use an electric toothbrush twice per day and floss once per day! Brushing regularly removes yellow, fuzzy plaque from the surface of your teeth. You may also use a whitening toothpaste, but it is best not to use them for longer than 4 weeks at a time to ensure it doesn't over-abrade your enamel.
Drink water after consuming high-stain drinks and foods
After you enjoy coffee, red wine, or berries, drink some water to rinse away the highly pigmented food and drink.
Brush with a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste
Baking soda helps remove tooth surface stains due to its mildly abrasive nature and hydrogen peroxide is a natural whitener.
When you mix these two together you get the perfect tooth whitening solution! Take one tablespoon of baking soda and two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. Mix both the contents, and you’ll end up with a paste. Use this paste to brush your teeth regularly. It’s not magic; you wouldn’t get super shiny teeth just after one session. Use this paste daily, and you’ll eventually start to see the difference.