Restorative Dentist Services | Johnson Family Dentist Durham, NC | Johnson Family Dentistry
Restorative Dental Services

Restorative Dental Services

With your comfort as our priority, we rely on the latest technologies and ongoing education in the latest restorative dental techniques to bring your teeth back to full function.

BRIDGES  | DENTAL CROWNS  | DENTAL CROWN IMPLANTS  | EXTRACTIONS | FILLINGS | GUM (PERIODONTAL) DISEASE TREATMENT  | DENTURES | ROOT CANALS

Bridges

A fixed bridge, also known as a fixed partial denture, can restore missing teeth to their natural form, function and appearance. Natural teeth or implants can support a bridge. The false tooth is attached to the surrounding teeth to fill the empty space.

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Dental Crowns

A fractured tooth is a common problem. Teeth containing large silver or white fillings that cover a majority of the tooth and effectively separate the cusps cause a large degree of flexing of the remaining natural tooth. With enough stress and time, the natural tooth cusp can separate completely. A full coverage crown replaces the missing cusp(s) as well as supports the natural remaining cusp(s).

Traditionally, preparing a tooth for a crown involved two dental visits, gooey impressions and temporary crowns. Many teeth now are good candidates for all ceramic (metal-free), single visit, in house fabricated crowns. With our state-of-the-art digital impressions, we remove the need for messy impressions and non-ideal temporary crowns.

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Dental Crown Implants

Dental Implants are an alternative to bridges to replace one or more missing teeth. Implants are made of titanium or titanium alloys because of its lightweight biocompatibility and high strength. As your restorative dentist, Dr. Johnson will allow a dental implant specialist, such as a Periodontist or Oral Surgeon, the capacity to place your dental implant at the exact proper location so he can restore your abutment and crown to allow for optimal long-lasting aesthetic and functional capacity.

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Extractions

Though we employ every option to save a natural tooth, sometimes it’s better for the tooth to be removed. There are many reasons why a tooth may need to be removed, one of which the tooth is too badly damaged from trauma or decay to be repaired. Before a tooth is removed, we take every possible precaution and method to ensure that you are comfortable and that any post removal discomfort is at a minimum. We provide local anesthetic as well as Nitrous Gas Sedation to help facilitate in maximum comfort and to ensure relaxing stress-free environment.

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Fillings

We are pleased to offer tooth-colored (metal free) fillings for patient’s who are concerned about durability and aesthetics. A filling is used to repair a cracked or decayed tooth and to restore its strength and structure while creating a natural smile. The process of placing a filling requires just one comfortable dental visit and can often be the most minimal and cost-effective solution to keep your teeth healthy and cavity (decay) free.

 

What to Expect from a Filling Procedure

Gum (Periodontal) Disease Treatment

Regular dental hygiene visits are effective in reversing gingivitis, the inflammation of the gums due to bacteria (plaque) that build-up below the gum line.  At home, gingivitis may be evident by bleeding gums when brushing and flossing. It is important to see a registered dental hygienist for a professional teeth cleaning this occurs or if you notice red puffiness at the gumline.

 

Gingivitis: The Early Signs of Periodontal Disease

Without regular dental checkups, however, you won’t know if gingivitis has progressed into gum disease until the condition is in its advanced stages. The warning signs that you may experience with this disease include gums that bleed when eating, brushing, and flossing because they are swollen and tender. You may also notice that your gums are receding. When this happens, your teeth look longer. If you notice sores in your mouth or pus in between your gums and teeth, then chances are you may have gum disease.

 

Understanding Gum Disease

Dentures

Dentures are removable oral appliances used to replace multiple missing teeth. If you are missing teeth or all of your teeth, dentures might be just what you need to restore the function, beauty, and health of your smile. There are two kinds of dentures: complete dentures and partial dentures.

A complete denture is used to replace all of the teeth in a full dental arch. We may suggest a complete denture to replace all of the teeth in both arches or just one, depending on your individual needs. Our dentist may suggest using a denture adhesive for improved stability.

A partial denture is used if you are missing multiple teeth but have remaining natural teeth. A partial denture often includes a thin framework or clasps that attach to the natural teeth for a secure fit. We are proud to offer flexible metal-free partial dentures to allow for better comfort and aesthetics.

Dr. Johnson may recommend complete or partial dentures to restore your smile if you are missing multiple teeth; dentures can improve your ability to properly speak and eat, restore your natural facial volume, and enhance the overall beauty of your smile. Your dentures will be custom made to fit your smile comfortably, aesthetically, and securely.

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What to Know About Dentures

Root Canals

Why does my tooth hurt when I drink cold water, eat candy bars or bite down hard? It looks normal in my mouth after all. If a tooth gets knocked, decayed, cracked or has deep fillings, the pulp (or nerve) of the tooth will signal an alarm to the rest of the body. By the time you get to the dentist, the pulp could already be dying, leading to an infection in the bone around the root. Given the circumstances, the tooth could be saved by cleaning out the pulp of the tooth and restoring the crown back to its natural function.

 

Why Would I Need a Root Canal?