Restorative Dentistry in Washington, PA
Maintaining a healthy smile isn’t just about brushing and flossing—it’s also about restoring damaged or missing teeth. Whether it’s a cracked tooth, a cavity, or the loss of an entire tooth, restorative dentistry offers solutions that help you regain both function and confidence. Treatments like dental implants, crowns, fillings, and bridges are designed to repair or replace teeth so you can chew comfortably, speak clearly, and smile without hesitation.
At Elizabeth L. Wakim, DDS, we provide comprehensive restorative dentistry solutions tailored to your needs. Our approach combines advanced technology with precise techniques to restore your oral health while ensuring your results look and feel natural. If you’re struggling with dental discomfort, structural damage, or missing teeth, we can help you find the best treatment option to regain a strong, healthy smile.
How Root Canal Treatment Saves a Tooth
When a tooth becomes infected, it can cause severe pain and lead to complications if not treated promptly. Root canal treatment removes infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, preventing further decay or abscess formation. This procedure helps save the natural tooth and eliminates the need for extraction.
A root canal involves cleaning out the infected tissue, disinfecting the inner tooth, and sealing it to prevent future issues. While many people assume root canals are painful, modern techniques make the process as comfortable as getting a standard filling. In most cases, a dental crown is placed afterward to restore strength and function to the treated tooth.
Avoiding root canal treatment can lead to increased discomfort and eventual tooth loss. If you experience prolonged tooth sensitivity, swelling, or persistent pain, it’s essential to seek treatment as soon as possible. Addressing the issue early helps preserve your natural teeth and prevents more extensive dental work in the future.
The Role of Dental Crowns in Restoring Teeth
A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are used when a tooth is weakened due to decay, fractures, or after root canal treatment. They help protect and reinforce the tooth, preventing further damage while blending seamlessly with natural teeth.
Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, metal, and zirconia. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are popular because they match the natural color of teeth and provide a strong, aesthetic solution. The process typically involves preparing the tooth, taking digital impressions, and having the permanent restoration designed, milled, and placed the same day.
With proper care, crowns can last many years, preserving your smile and preventing additional dental problems. Regular dental checkups ensure your crown remains in good condition and functions as intended. If you have a tooth that’s been weakened or damaged, a crown may be the best way to restore its durability and appearance.
How Dental Implants Replace Missing Teeth
A missing tooth affects more than just appearance—it impacts chewing, speaking, and jawbone health. Dental implants are the most reliable option for replacing missing teeth, as they function like natural teeth and prevent bone loss. Unlike traditional bridges or dentures, implants integrate with the jawbone, offering a long-lasting and stable solution.
The implant process involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which serves as an artificial root. Over time, the bone fuses with the implant, creating a solid foundation for a custom-made crown. This secure fit allows for comfortable chewing and speaking without the inconvenience of removable appliances.
Implants also help maintain facial structure by preventing the bone loss that occurs when teeth are missing. While the process takes several months to complete, the long-term benefits make it one of the best investments in dental health. For those with multiple missing teeth, implant-supported bridges or dentures offer additional restoration options.
The Purpose of a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth, preventing adjacent teeth from shifting out of place. Bridges are supported by natural teeth or dental implants and help restore chewing function while improving the appearance of your smile.
There are several types of dental bridges, including traditional, cantilever, and implant-supported options. A traditional bridge consists of artificial teeth held in place by crowns on adjacent teeth. Implant-supported bridges, on the other hand, rely on dental implants for a more stable and long-term solution.
Bridges not only enhance the look of your smile but also prevent problems such as bite misalignment and difficulty speaking or eating. Maintaining a bridge requires good oral hygiene and regular dental visits to ensure longevity and continued function.
The Importance of Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are one of the most common restorative treatments used to repair cavities. When decay damages a tooth, a filling restores its structure and prevents further deterioration. Without treatment, cavities can lead to pain, infection, and eventual tooth loss.
There are different types of filling materials, including composite resin, amalgam, and ceramic. Ceramic fillings are preferred for their natural appearance and durability, making them a great option for both front and back teeth. The process involves removing decayed tooth material, cleaning the affected area, and filling the cavity to restore strength.
Getting a filling is a straightforward procedure that helps protect your teeth from future damage. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene are key to preventing cavities and maintaining a healthy smile. If you notice tooth sensitivity or pain, it’s best to seek treatment before the issue worsens.
How Veneers Transform a Smile
Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite material that are bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. They are commonly used to address discoloration, chips, gaps, or misshapen teeth. Veneers offer a long-lasting cosmetic enhancement while maintaining a natural look.
The procedure involves removing a small amount of enamel from the tooth surface to ensure a secure fit. Once the veneers are custom-made, they are cemented onto the teeth, instantly transforming the smile. Porcelain veneers are particularly durable and resistant to staining, making them a popular choice for smile makeovers.
Veneers provide an excellent balance between aesthetics and functionality, giving patients a more uniform and confident smile. With proper care, they can last for many years, making them a worthwhile investment for those looking to enhance their teeth.
When Dental Bonding is the Right Choice
Dental bonding is a quick and cost-effective treatment used to repair minor imperfections such as chips, cracks, or gaps. This procedure involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the affected area and shaping it to blend with the natural tooth.
Bonding is often completed in a single visit and doesn’t require enamel removal, making it a conservative option compared to veneers. While not as durable as crowns or veneers, bonding provides a simple solution for minor cosmetic concerns.
This treatment is ideal for patients looking for a non-invasive way to improve their smile without extensive dental work. Regular maintenance and avoiding habits like nail-biting or chewing on hard objects can extend the lifespan of bonded teeth.
Schedule Your Restorative Dentistry Consultation in Washington, PA
Restorative dentistry requires precision, skill, and an understanding of how each treatment contributes to long-term oral health. At Elizabeth L. Wakim, DDS, we focus on providing high-quality care that restores both function and aesthetics. Whether you need a root canal, crown, filling, or implant, we tailor each treatment to ensure lasting results.
Our goal is to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile with advanced techniques and compassionate care. If you’re experiencing dental discomfort in Washington, PA, or need a solution for missing or damaged teeth, we’re here to help. Call us at (724) 414-2955 or schedule an appointment through our contact form.
Common Questions
The root canal is a pulp-filled cavity deep inside a tooth. Usually, this part of the tooth is well-protected, but sometimes dental trauma, extreme tooth decay, or a tooth fracture can allow harmful bacteria into the root canal and cause infection. If the tissue in your root canal is unhealthy, becomes infected or inflamed, or dies, it can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort.
To treat damaged or infected tissue in the root canal, your dentist will start by administering anesthesia to numb the affected area. She can then make a small opening in the tooth, which allows her to access the root canal with instruments called endodontic files. The endodontic files are used to clean the root canal of any unhealthy tissue and shape it to prevent further infection. A biocompatible material called gutta-percha is used to fill the canals, preventing further bacteria, food particles, and other debris from entering and causing damage to the tooth. With the root canal itself treated, your dentist will restore the affected tooth with a crown.
Thanks to modern anesthetics, having a root canal is typically a simple procedure and doesn’t cause much more discomfort than an ordinary cavity filling. After the procedure, your mouth may remain numb for a few hours as the anesthetic wears off. You may experience some discomfort as you regain sensation in the area, but for most people pain or swelling is minimal and can be managed with over the counter painkillers. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infection, especially if you have a condition—such as diabetes or a heart valve problem—that may delay the healing process.
A crown—sometimes referred to as a “cap”—is one of many solutions that can be used to restore damaged teeth. Dental crowns are typically recommended for patients who need tooth reconstruction following a root canal, have a tooth that is broken in such a way that it might interfere with other solutions (such as overlays), and patients who need to replace an old crown for functional or aesthetic reasons.
When scheduling a dental crown procedure, it’s extremely important to find a licensed dentist who is highly-skilled and delivers compassionate care. To place a dental crown, the dentist first removes a portion of the tooth structure—as well as any cracks, decay, or other damage—which allows the crown to be placed on the tooth.
Dental crowns are created prior to the patient procedure by a laboratory technician and can be crafted from a variety of materials. The type of crown you should get depends on your own preferences and your unique dental needs. At Elizabeth L. Wakim, DDS, we offer several options to help you customize your dental care, including:
- Ceramic crowns
- Zirconia crowns
Different types of crowns may work better for different people. For example, patients who grind or clench their teeth may find that durable Zirconia crowns are their best option, especially for crowns placed in the back of the mouth. By comparison, many patients select all ceramic crowns—like Emax Press—for crowns placed in the front of the mouth due to their natural appearance.
Your dentist can help you determine what type of crown best fits your needs. After your selection is made, your dentist will help you customize the shape and color of your crown to give it the most pleasing appearance possible.
Crowns and onlays are extremely similar in procedure, appearance, and cost. When you get an onlay, your dentist still begins by removing a portion of the tooth structure and any cracks, cavities, or damage. However, an onlay requires less of the tooth structure to be removed.
A crown falling off is considered a dental emergency, and you absolutely must make an appointment with your dentist to address it. If you are not in pain, you can purchase temporary dental cement over the counter at your local pharmacy to protect the tooth until your appointment. However, temporary cement is just that—a temporary solution. Because you aren’t able to properly clean and sterilize your tooth when you do a DIY fix, it is still important to have a licensed dentist provide a more permanent solution.
If you are experiencing pain, it’s important to see a dentist as quickly as possible.
Dental bridges are one of many solutions that can be used to address missing teeth. Bridges span the gap left behind when a tooth (or teeth) falls out or is extracted. They are attached to the teeth on either side of the gap via strong dental crowns, which ensures that the bridge is secure.
Much like dental crowns, dental bridges can be made from a variety of materials depending on your unique dental needs and preferences. At Elizabeth L. Wakim, DDS, we offer a variety of options, including:
- Ceramic bridges
- Zirconia bridges
We strive to make all bridges in office, which means patients can often leave with their permanent bridge at the end of their visit. For longer bridges, a permanent bridge may need to be manufactured in our lab. In these situations, a patient will leave their initial appointment with a temporary bridge and will need to schedule another appointment to have the permanent bridge placed.
Placing a crown or bridge typically requires at least two visits to the office.
During the first session, the dentist will focus on preparing the teeth to accommodate the crown or bridge. This involves removing a portion of the tooth structure to accommodate the crown as well as removing any cracked or damaged areas of the tooth. To place a dental bridge, the tooth on either side of the gap to be bridged must be prepped in this way. The dentist will also take an impression of the teeth during the first session so that a comfortable crown or bridge can be crafted. To protect the tooth or teeth between appointments, the dentist will also cover the prepared teeth using temporary dental cement.
The second session involves placing and permanently adhering the crown or bridge. Crowns and fixed bridges are attached to the teeth with a bonding adhesive. Removable bridges are placed using clips.
Leave damaged and missing teeth in the past and embrace a beautiful, confident smile. Crowns and bridges join forces to replace multiple missing teeth. Crowns act as stable anchors for the bridge, enabling us to efficiently restore multiple teeth simultaneously. What’s more, we provide same-day dentistry using CEREC technology, ensuring your restoration is crafted in-house without extended waiting periods.
If you are missing some (but not all) of your teeth, partial dentures can be used to fill in the gaps in your smile. Partial dentures are kept in position with plates or clips. By comparison, full dentures are designed to accommodate patients who are missing all of their teeth. Full dentures are typically held in place with adhesives, but they can also be secured with dental implant posts for improved comfort and fit.
Yes! Our office is happy to accommodate patients who need temporary dentures while they are waiting for another procedure, like dental implants. Temporary dentures are crafted with the same care and attention that our permanent dentures receive, so you can be sure that your temporary dentures will be an excellent and comfortable fit.
Adjusting to dentures can take some time, but most patients adjust within about 2 weeks. Typically, patients receiving partial dentures adjust to their dentures more quickly than patients with full dentures. To speed up the adjustment process, it’s important to wear your dentures as directed. Many patients find that reading out loud helps them get used to the feeling of wearing dentures.
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