Restorative Dentistry to Bring Beauty Back to Your Smile

Crowns

When a patient comes in with a decayed, cracked tooth or a broken filling, having a dental crown placed at our dental office may be their best restoration option to strengthen and stabilize the tooth. A dental crown basically covers the original tooth with a cap made of porcelain, gold, or a composite material.

The most aesthetic and natural-looking of the materials is porcelain, the material Dr. Simpson prefers to use for the crowns he places. In some cases, Dr. Simpson may need to place several crowns over the front teeth to replace discolored fillings or teeth that were stained by fluorosis or tetracycline antibiotics. Porcelain crowns are not only functional, they are also aesthetically pleasing. Many patients use the need for crowns as an opportunity to whiten, reshape, and realign their existing teeth.

Although the dental crowns used by Tim Simpson, DDS are typically made of porcelain, they still need to be maintained and taken care of like normal teeth. Regular brushing and flossing is necessary, and patients who have had crowns placed should try to avoid very hard foods, such as nuts, as the crown can get damaged. Regular checkups must be scheduled to ensure that the crown lasts for many years to come.

Bridges

For patients who come in to see Dr. Tim Simpson, who have a missing tooth or must have teeth removed, dental bridges placed at our Abilene office may be the best option to fill the gaps. If dental bridges or other options aren't used, the gaps where teeth are missing are not filled, which may cause teeth to shift or over-erupt into the spaces, ultimately contributing to malocclusion, bone loss, and even periodontal disease.

There are several different types of dental bridges available at Tim Simpson, DDS, each appropriate for a different location in the mouth. However, the most common type of dental bridge used by Dr. Simpson is the fixed bridge. The fixed bridge consists of a pontic (filler tooth) that is attached to two or more surrounding crowns, which are called abutments. Once a bridge has been permanently bonded into the mouth, the alignment of the existing teeth can be preserved, barring further tooth loss.

Similar to crowns, bridges should be cleaned as often and with the thoroughness that natural teeth are brushed. Patients can purchase special types of dental floss, threaders or brushes, that are specifically made for cleaning around bridges. With the proper maintenance and care, dental bridges can last for many years. Please contact Tim Simpson, DDS today to learn more about dental bridges.

Root Canal Therapy

Despite its bad reputation, root canal treatment is a relatively simple procedure that may take between one and three visits and usually involves little to no discomfort. Though the modern root canal therapy procedure has become maligned for its assumed painful and unpleasant nature, it provides an incredible service to the recipient. The diseased tooth, if left untreated, can eventually stop receiving the nutrients and nerve signals necessary to be healthy. When the tooth has been cut off from the nutrition that it needs long enough, the tooth becomes infected, causing much pain and swelling.

The procedure is constituted by the dentist removing the diseased dental pulp - the substance within the tooth that supplies it with nerves, nutrients, connective tissue, and blood vessels - and cleaning the root canal. The canal is cleared out and reshaped to be filled by bacteria-fighting medication. Dr. Tim Simpson then seals the tooth, effectively keeping out any more bacteria and saving it from eventually needing to be removed. During a subsequent visit, Dr. Simpson will usually place a crown over the affected tooth to strengthen it.

If you are interested in undergoing a root canal treatment or have any questions about Dr. Simpson’s restorative dentistry services, please contact his Abilene office today.

Esthetic Fillings

Dr. Tim Simpson is excited to offer his patients esthetic fillings as an alternative to traditional silver and amalgam fillings. While silver and amalgam fillings can be easily noticed and attract unwanted attention to your teeth, esthetic fillings are inconspicuous and virtually unrecognizable because their color is matched to the color of your natural teeth.

Esthetic fillings are more modern and contain no mercury, which some patients find objectionable; rather, they are made from a special composite material that is bonded directly to the teeth. When they are cared for and maintained properly, esthetic fillings can last for a very long time. They are stronger than silver and amalgam fillings and fit so comfortably and naturally that you may not even notice that they are in your mouth.

Even patients who have previously had silver or amalgam fillings placed can have them removed in favor of esthetic fillings through a quick and painless procedure. Esthetic fillings are a great choice for patients who wish for an alternative to traditional fillings that are safer, stronger, and more aesthetically pleasing.

To learn more about how esthetic fillings can be a wonderful alternative to traditional fillings, or to schedule a consultation to discuss undergoing the procedure, please contact our dental office today.

Full Mouth Rehabilitation

Full mouth rehabilitation is a type of restorative dentistry offered at our Abilene, West Texas practice that involves treating many teeth in the front and in the back of the mouth. Typically, several teeth are handled at the same appointment to make the treatment easier and quicker for the patient.

Many factors can play a role in a situation that dictates a patient's need for full mouth rehabilitation. These factors include teeth that have been worn down by bruxing, and teeth that have been cracked or decayed by habits including chewing ice and high sugar consumption. A chronically dry mouth can also lead to a patient's need for simultaneous multiple restorations.

Full mouth rehabilitation can be a life-enhancing treatment; not only can it extend the durability and longevity of the teeth, but it can also create beautiful results.

Contact Tim Simpson, DDS

Through dental bridges, crowns, and other restorative dentistry procedures, residents of Abilene and other West Texas areas can have their smiles restored by Dr. Tim Simpson. To learn more about how Dr. Simpson can help you achieve a smile to show off, contact our office today.