Crowns are used in cases of severely chipped or broken teeth, to cover the exposed area of a tooth following a root canal procedure, to replace a large old filling or for cosmetic reasons. When a filling is not a viable solution to correcting the damage sustained by a tooth, crowns can provide a long-term solution to restoring the function of your teeth and enhancing the appearance of your smile.
Crowns can be made of all metal, all porcelain, or a combination of both. Because all crowns are custom made for each patient, it may take more than one appointment to complete. At your first visit, the area is numbed to make you comfortable. We will use a dental handpiece to shape and prepare the tooth so that the crown can properly fit over it.
Next, impressions are taken of the prepared tooth. Often times, a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the final crown is being made. The impressions are used to fabricate a model of your mouth on which the final crown is made. When your final crown is ready, dental cement is placed into the crown and it is cemented to the prepared tooth. Your tooth is now restored to a healthy and functioning state!
Our dentists will create a custom bridge for your mouth that will look and function like your natural teeth. At your first visit, the area is numbed and a dental handpiece is used to prepare the neighboring teeth that will support the bridge. Next, impressions are taken of the prepared teeth and a temporary bridge is placed to protect the teeth. The impressions are used to fabricate a model of your mouth on which the final bridge is made. The final bridge is then cemented and anchored to the neighboring teeth, so you do not have to worry about removing or repositioning the bridge once it is cemented in your mouth. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental exams, bridges and crowns can solve the problems created by missing and damaged teeth and last for years to come.
We have an in-office plan that is potentially better than insurance.
We will custom-fit dentures for your mouth and consult with you on how to properly clean and maintain your dentures. Dentures are often used for replacing your teeth when dental implants are not an option. Dentures are custom-made specifically for each patient. A dental impression is taken of your mouth and is sent to a dental laboratory for your denture to be made.
Partial dentures are a basic option to replace multiple missing teeth in your mouth. A partial denture rests on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Your natural teeth act as an anchor for the partial denture to stay in place. A partial denture is a removable alternative to a bridge.
Call Alpine Creek Dental of Elmhurst at 630-941-9299 today to discuss your teeth replacement options.
Throughout your lifetime, your denture will need to be relined, remade, or rebased due to wear and bone loss that occurs over time. Relining or rebasing is the process of reshaping the denture to make sure it is comfortable and functional for your needs. Loose dentures may irritate your gums and wiggle when you are chewing. Routine exams are still important even if you have no teeth. The exams evaluate the fit of your denture, your joints, muscles and the doctors and hygienist also screen for oral cancer during your visit.
Tips to care for your dentures:
A root canal is a procedure used to treat severely decayed or infected teeth. The inside of a tooth contains a soft material called pulp, which contains a nerve and blood supply. If the exterior of a tooth becomes damaged to the point where the pulp is exposed, infection may occur. Symptoms of a root canal infection include swelling of the gums and face, increased sensitivity to temperature, and severe toothache. There are other situations where the nerve may die without any symptoms, however, infection of the tooth will spread into the surrounding structures. If left untreated, the infection can result in abscesses and ultimately, tooth and bone loss.
If you are experiencing a severe toothache or sensitivity, call your Alpine Creek Dental of Elmhurst at 630-941-9299 immediately for emergency treatment.