Restorative Dentistry
Dr. Jarvis can design and deliver tooth-colored crowns at one appointment, using CEREC technology. In some cases, a gold crown is recommended or more time is needed to design multiple anterior crowns. These crowns are usually ready within a couple weeks.
How long a crown will last? First of all, no filling or crown is better than your natural, healthy tooth structure. Keeping your cavity risk down and regular visits to your dentist is your best insurance. The most common reason for a crown or filling to fail is due to recurrent decay at the edges. Also, small fillings last longer than big fillings, so catching them sooner is always better than later.
With the right aftercare, crowns can last an average of 10 years before needing to be replaced. However, they often last much longer. The lifespan of the crown depends on the amount of wear and tear it’s exposed to, as well as your oral hygiene habits.
Replacing missing teeth is important for dental health, functionality, and appearance. If you have multiple teeth missing in an area of your mouth, a bridge might be a great option.
A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device that fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.
A filling is a way of replacing or restoring part of your tooth lost to injury or decay. The most common type of filling used in our office is a resin composite that provides a good match to your natural tooth color.
Many people ask if amalgam fillings are safe. It’s a great question! We believe in conservative treatment that helps you keep as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. We generally use tooth-colored composite filling material, because it allows us to preserve more of the natural tooth.
Amalgams have been the subject of many high-quality scientific research projects. Studies show that amalgams are still a safe and effective filling material. If your fillings are in good condition and there is no decay beneath the filling, Dr. Jarvis does not recommend that you have your amalgam fillings removed or replaced. Removing sound amalgam fillings results in unnecessary loss of healthy tooth structure.
A root canal may be necessary to save a tooth that has become abscessed (infected) from decay, or has suffered trauma resulting in the nerve being exposed. In some cases the tooth is slowly dying due to age or a past trauma.
In most cases a root canal is an uncomplicated procedure with little or no discomfort. Dr. Jarvis can do this procedure in our office, but in some cases he may refer you to an endodontist who specializes in this treatment. Typically the treatment can be completed in one appointment. If you’re nervous, there are several options to put you at ease.
Has life taken a toll on your smile? Patients are often embarrassed about seeking professional help. We understand. Our office is a no-judgement zone and we welcome you!
We can’t do anything to change yesterday, but we can help you today and in the future to achieve a pain-free, healthy mouth, and a beautiful smile. We applaud you for taking a step toward reclaiming a strong and healthy smile!
We’re sometimes asked if Dr. Jarvis ‘pulls’ teeth. We are all about helping you keep your teeth, but sometimes removing an infected or broken tooth is the best choice. After a thorough exam, Dr. Jarvis will help you understand your options. If an extraction is recommended, he will gently extract your tooth and talk to you about your tooth-replacement options.
A complete smile is an essential element of long-term health. Missing teeth negatively impacts your smile’s appearance and can decrease quality of life. Dr. Jarvis can design and fit you with a natural-looking and secure denture!
We can design full-dentures, partial dentures, and implant-retained dentures.
If you’ve ever worried about awkward social situations with your dentures, implant-retained dentures are a great option! Implant dentures are secure and can easily be removed for daily cleaning.
There are several effective options for patients who are struggling with the loss of one or more natural teeth. Implants are a great option because they recreate both the root and crown of your natural tooth.
Implants are virtually seamless in feel, function, and appearance when compared to your natural teeth. They can also be used to anchor dentures and bridges in place for a healthier and more confident fit.