White Fillings
Newer dental fillings include ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. These compounds, often called composite resins, are usually used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important. They can be used on the back teeth as well depending on the location and extent of the tooth decay. Composite resins are usually more costly than the older silver amalgam fillings. Filings typically are done in one appointment.
Porcelain Crowns and Onlays
When a tooth has become to decayed to be repaired with a filling, a porcelain onlay or crown is needed. A porcelain onlay is used when the tooth is not damaged enough for a crown, but still needs more than a filling. Porcelain is harder than white fillings, and can be bonded with a tooth for a better seal. Crowns are also used for teeth that are broken due to an accident or trauma. Crowns and onlays are custom-made to fit your mouth. Crowns can also be used for cosmetic purposes when teeth are discolored and do not respond to teeth whitening. With CEREC® the newest technology in tooth restoration, most crowns and onlays can be done in one appointment.
Emergency Care
Root Canal
In the past, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you’d probably lose that tooth. Today, with a 
special dental procedure called root canal treatment, you may save that tooth.
Inside each tooth is both the pulp and the nerve. The nerve is the vestige of the tissue that originally formed the tooth. Once the tooth has been in the mouth for a time, the functioning of the nerve is no longer necessary.
When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp. Germs can cause an infection inside the tooth. Left without treatment, pus builds up at the root tip in the jawbone, forming a “pus-pocket” called an abscess. An abscess can cause the pulp tissue to die. When the infected pulp is not removed, pain and swelling can result. Certain byproducts of the infection can injure your jawbones and your overall health. Without treatment, your tooth may have to be removed.
Treatment often involves from one to three visits. During treatment, your general dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in problems of the pulp) removes the diseased pulp. Next the pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth are cleaned and sealed. Often posterior teeth that have endodontic treatment should have a cast crown placed in order to strengthen the remaining structure. Then, as long as you to continue to care for your teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups so that the root(s) of the restored tooth are nourished by the surrounding tissues, your restored tooth can last a lifetime.
Most of the time a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort, involving one to three visits. Best of all, it can save your tooth and your smile!
