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Restorative
Tooth
Colored Restorations
Unlike the outdated amalgam (silver)
filling, composite restorations are fillings using
tooth colored materials. Composite restorations are superior to “silver” fillings
for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the composites
are tooth colored and therefore look like real teeth, no silver fillings
peaking out of your mouth when you smile. More importantly,
the composites actually strengthen the damaged tooth.
Another restoration technique is a custom made “inlay” or “onlay.”
These laboratory fabricated restorations, which are tooth colored,
are chemically bonded internally to the tooth. They are even
stronger and longer lasting than composite restorations and are ideal
for the replacement of old amalgam fillings and for the restoration
of larger decayed tooth surfaces. Inlays and onlays can be
a more conservative option than a crown.
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Crown
and Bridge
When
a composite
restoration or an inlay/onlay cannot repair a broken or damaged tooth, crowns are used as permanent replacements. A crown is a laboratory fabricated,
tooth colored, “jacket’ that is permanently placed over the prepared
tooth. Dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth by crowning
the two adjacent teeth and “bridging” the empty space with a replacement
tooth.
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Extractions
On occasion, a patient may require the removal of a tooth. A
tooth may need extraction (pulled) if it is severely decayed and
can’t be reasonably saved, in preparation for braces, or if it is
positioned in such a way to negatively affect the other teeth. While
there may be other reasons for extractions, Dr. Spadafora’s goal
is to save as many teeth as possible. If necessary, Dr. Spadafora
will refer the patient to a specialist for the extraction.
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TMJ
Disorders/Therapy
TMJ, TMD or TMJ Syndrome is an umbrella term involving
either acute (sharp and short-term) or chronic (dull and long-term)
inflammation of the temperomandibular joint, which connects the mandible
to the skull. This disorder can be severely debilitating, often
causing the patient to seek immediate medical attention. Fortunately,
the most common form of TMJ disorder can usually be treated conservatively
with a dental appliance that covers the biting surfaces
of the teeth. Other treatment options are also available.
Dr. Spadafora has studied TMJ disorders for the past 17 years and has
completed the core curriculum at the prestigious LD Pankey Institute. Dr.
Spadafora can evaluate your TMJ disorder and prescribe a course of
treatment specifically for you.
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Implants
Dental implant procedures have become mainstream
in recent years and offer wonderful advantages. This technology allows
patients to replace a missing tooth without having to alter good
teeth on either side, as is done with dental bridges. Dental implants
are tiny titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone providing
an excellent foundation for a replacement tooth. This
replacement tooth will match the color of the other teeth and function
like an original tooth.
Dental implants give patients with full or partial dentures more
options. For lower dentures that won’t stay in place, as few as two
implants can solve the problem. With six implants, dentures can
be replaced allowing for a whole set of permanent replacement teeth.
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