Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental Implants
Our number one choice when replacing a missing tooth is a dental implant. Implants are tiny titanium screws that are surgically placed in the bone, and then small posts are attached protruding through the gums. The replacement tooth is then attached to the post.
This procedure normally takes three or four visits. First we start with a consultation and then the implant is placed. After a few months of healing, we take an impression and prepare a crown for the implanted tooth. Some people decide to go with a bridge opposed to an implant, but it does require the shaving down of healthy teeth.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Tooth Whitening
For a whiter smile, Oakwest Dental offers a bleach-free product called LUMIBRITE Chairside Whitening System. This professional whitener eliminates teeth sensitivity, doesn’t require UV rays, only takes 30 minutes to apply, and results last up to 6 months. For more information and to determine if this product is right for you, call Oakwest Dental to make an appointment.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental Veneers
Dental or porcelain veneers are a shell that is placed over the original tooth to cosmetically correct appearances. Veneers can improve the look of uneven, chipped or cracked teeth, discoloration or unwanted gaps. When applying the veneer, the removal of your natural tooth is required and permanent. Dr. Murray Yull may suggest less invasive procedures that will give you the same results.
If porcelain veneers is the best option, the dentist will take an impression of your original teeth when fabricating the veneers. The day of the procedure, a local anaesthetic will be administered and your natural teeth will be shaped for your new veneers.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Crowns & Bridges
A crown is normally required when a tooth is fractured, has a large old filling that is in need of repair, had a previous root canal or is severely damaged by decay. Crowns protect and strengthen the tooth and can also be cosmetically pleasing. There are various types of crowns, such as metal, porcelain or ceramic. We can discuss your options and determine which crown works best for you. This procedure usually takes two visits: the first visit we remove the decay and shape the tooth, make an impression and fit the tooth with a temporary crown of either plastic or metal, and the second visit we place the final crown and cement it in place.
A bridge is used when replacing one or more missing teeth by joining permanently to adjacent teeth. The supporting teeth are reduced in size to accommodate the bridge and help correct the alignment and contact with the opposing teeth. Similar to the crown, two visits are usually required for this treatment because an impression of the area is needed to fabricate the bridge.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Composite Fillings
When we recognize a cavity in your tooth we will arrange another appointment to fix it. First we remove the rotted part of your tooth with a special drill, and then fill the hole with a “filling” material either made from porcelain or ceramic.
A composite filling or porcelain/ceramic white filling can be used instead of the traditional silver filling and is more aesthetically pleasing because it restores the natural look of the tooth. Other than the look of white fillings, there are other benefits compared to the silver fillings including teeth are less sensitive to hot and cold, requires less removal of the original tooth and bonds better to the original. The only disadvantage is the price and that some benefits may not cover the additional cost.