Restorative Dentistry
Because Life Can Be Tough on Teeth
Having helped so many people fix their smile issues with restorative dentistry in Tomball, there’s one thing we can tell you: Life can be challenging on your smile — even if your Texas’ best at brushing and flossing.
Is there anything bothering you about your bite or your teeth that you think (or maybe even know) you need to address? Do you have a tooth or multiple teeth where cavities or decay have caused deterioration or damage? To get your smiles restored, contact Dr. Samineni at Northpointe Smiles.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Forget what you think you know about fillings. Gone are the days when needing restorative dentistry in Tomball meant you would end up with a mouthful of Mercury. Amalgam or silver fillings have generally become unwanted and unused in dentistry, making way for a healthier, eye-pleasing option known as the tooth-colored filling. Made of a composite resin material, your dentist can easily create a custom filling that matches your natural teeth’ color and texture.
Fillings are used following the removal of decay or cavities. Another benefit of tooth-colored fillings is that they don’t require your dentist to remove a lot of your remaining natural tooth structure because of how well composite fillings actually bond to teeth. Fillings also help to even out the surfaces of your teeth and improve how well you bite and chew your food. They can also help to fix sensitivity that usually accompanies tooth decay.
Dr. Samineni can also remove old metal fillings and place composite resin fillings for a more reliable and more attractive cavity treatment that has the beautiful appearance of your natural smile.
Crowns/Bridges
Crowns are essentially synthetic caps that are placed on top of damaged teeth. They are usually made of porcelain, but in the past, they have been made with many different materials.
Each crown is custom made to fit your tooth, they’re versatile and durable enough to last many years with proper placement and regular hygiene care. They’re lifelike and can help make your smile whole again, especially when you’re missing one or more of your teeth.
In restorative dentistry in Tomball, dental crowns play a pivotal role in:
- Sealing and protecting teeth following root canal therapy
- Covering a severely damaged or cracked tooth
- Acting as the top or cover to your dental implant post
Crowns can be used to fix a single tooth or more complex restorations including dental bridges. Dental crowns and bridges snap into place, created to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. All anyone will notice is your beautiful, whole, and healthy smile.
At your consultation, we will discuss your options and help you choose the best dental crown for your needs.
What is the Procedure Like?
Traditionally, the process of getting a dental crown requires two appointments spaced a week or two apart.
The treatment area will be given a local numbing anesthetic, once the anesthesia has taken effect then Dr.Samineni removes the decay and damaged tooth structure and create space for the dental crown, and a custom impression is made so that the crown can be made fit to the tooth. During this time a temporary crown is placed on the tooth until the permanent crown is crafted. Then the permanent crown can be glued on to the tooth.
How to Care for Your Dental Crowns
High-quality crowns should last a long time if you take proper care of them. We recommend flossing the area where the crown and natural tooth come together as plaque and debris can collect around the restoration.
Additionally, jaw clenching or bruxism also known as teeth grinding can shorten the lifespan of a crown. You also want to avoid biting and chewing on extremely hard items, such as ice or certain candies. This can negatively affect the adhesive of the crown and even damage it.
Removable Partial Dentures/Dentures
Depending on your individual dental needs, Dr. Samineni might recommend weighing your options for removable partials or dentures. Some patients hear this news and automatically assume the worst. That’s not the case, mainly because there have been many advancements in dentistry and technology over the years. Not to mention the materials most dentists have to work with are far superior to those of the past.
The main objective for removable partial dentures or dentures is to take away the stresses in your life caused by having to live with missing teeth. They can literally be a real pain and make even something as simple as eating a real chore. We can take all of the precise measurements, photos, and tests to create a comfortable full or partial denture you will absolutely love. Your new smile will look natural and give you a more youthful appearance.
Root Canals
You can’t talk about restorative dentistry in Tomball and not at least mention endodontics or root canals. They’re practically synonymous with this specific branch of dentistry because of how beneficial they can be to you in maintaining your natural teeth and your oral health. However, over the years, they’ve received a bad wrap. We’re here to change all that.
Dr. Samineni is highly trained and skilled in making your endodontic experience with root canals easy and pain-free. Another benefit of seeing Dr. Samineni is that she has the technology and education to complete most root canal treatments in our Tomball dental office with comfort, convenience, and compassion. Most root canals are completed in a single office visit, and you’re able to go about your day when treatment is complete. If you have any questions about endodontics or root canal solutions, don’t hesitate to ask us!
When root canals are required?
Root canal therapy is required when the pulp/ soft tissue inside the tooth root becomes decayed or a physical injury to the tooth or a deep crack that develops in the tooth.
You may notice certain symptoms like the tooth is very sensitive to cold, heat, or pressure. You may notice swelling around the gums and may bleed randomly. You may also have a constant toothache in the area. In most cases, the tooth that needs a root canal can be very painful than having the actual root canal procedure itself.
What is the procedure like?
Dr. Samineni will ensure the area is completely numb before starting the treatment. During the procedure, we carefully remove the decay, infected pulp and any bacteria. Then we thoroughly clean and disinfect the inner chamber of the tooth and use an inert filling material to fill the hollow chamber inside the root structure to keep the bacteria from getting into the area.
After your root canal, a restoration like a crown will be needed to cover the treated tooth which can last many years with a good oral hygiene routine.
Oral Surgery
We will make every effort to save our patient’s natural tooth with a crown, bonding, or filling. However, there are instances where a tooth may be too damaged and will need to be extracted to prevent the damage from spreading — and to save the health of the remaining teeth. You could also need an extraction to remove teeth that do not fit in your mouth like third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth. In older children, where primary teeth that have not fallen out naturally, may need to be pulled so they don’t block the permanent teeth. If you are getting braces or considering Invisalign in Tomball, you may need an extraction to make room for other teeth as they move into their proper position.
Please don’t worry if you need tooth extractions, You can trust that Dr. Samineni would not suggest you consider it without ensuring it’s your best option. After all, we pride ourselves on never performing unnecessary dental treatments on patients of every age.
Oral surgery in Tomball can sometimes get a bad wrap, but in many cases, it’s a genuine smile saver. This more in-depth treatment helps to:
- End your overwhelming dental and nerve pain
- Prevent abscesses and infections from forming
- Avoid crowding for developing teeth
- Fixing your smile in an emergency from trauma or an accident
From simple to orthodontic extractions, Dr. Samineni understands the vital role of oral surgery in providing exceptional restorative dentistry in Tomball.
What is the procedure like?
We will first use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth and once you are completely numb the tooth extraction will be performed very carefully to reduce trauma to the gum and other tissues in the area. A badly damaged tooth requires a surgical extraction that involves sectioning the tooth into pieces that can be removed easily.