Bethel Grove Dental Group
Natalie K. Fisher, DDS
Ryan Serra, DMD, MS, Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology
Restorative Services
Fillings
Dental fillings are a common restorative dental treatment used to repair minor damage to teeth, typically caused by decay or injury. The purpose of a dental filling is to restore the tooth's function and prevent further damage or decay.
During a dental filling procedure, Dr. Fisher will first numb the area surrounding the tooth to minimize any discomfort. Then, they will remove the damaged or decayed part of the tooth using a drill or other dental instruments. Once the damaged area has been removed, Dr. Fisher will clean the area and prepare it for the filling material.
The filling material used may be composite resin, amalgam, or another type of dental material. Composite resin is a tooth-colored material that is commonly used for fillings in visible areas of the mouth, as it blends in with the natural teeth. Amalgam is a metal alloy that has been used for fillings for many years and is known for its strength and durability.
Dr. Fisher will carefully place the filling material into the prepared area of the tooth and shape it to fit the natural contours of the tooth. They will then use a special light to harden the filling material, ensuring a strong bond between the filling and the tooth.
After the filling has been placed, Dr. Fisher will check the patient's bite to ensure that the filling does not interfere with the normal function of the teeth. They may also provide aftercare instructions, such as avoiding hard or sticky foods for a period of time, to help the filling set properly and last longer.
Overall, dental fillings are a safe and effective way to repair minor damage or decay in teeth. They can help to restore the tooth's function and prevent further damage, improving the overall health of the mouth.
Crowns
If you need a dental crown, Dr. Fisher can help you restore your damaged or decayed tooth. A dental crown is a cap that covers the entire surface of a damaged tooth, providing strength, support, and protection.
Dr. Fisher will start by examining your tooth and taking X-rays to determine the extent of the damage. If a crown is necessary, Dr. Fisher will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort during the procedure.
Dr. Fisher will then use a drill or other dental instrument to remove any decayed or damaged parts of the tooth and shape it to fit the crown. If necessary, she may also build up the remaining tooth structure to ensure a strong foundation for the crown.
Next, Dr. Fisher will take impressions of your prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. These impressions will be used to create a custom-made crown that fits perfectly over the prepared tooth. Dr. Fisher may use porcelain, metal, or a combination of both materials to create your crown, depending on your specific needs.
While your permanent crown is being created, Dr. Fisher will place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth to protect it. Once your permanent crown is ready, you will return to the dental office to have it placed.
During the placement appointment, Dr. Fisher will remove the temporary crown and clean the prepared tooth. He will then place the permanent crown over the tooth and check the fit and bite. If necessary, he may make adjustments to ensure that the crown fits properly and does not interfere with your bite.
Once the crown is in place, Dr. Fisher will use a special cement to bond it to the tooth. He will then provide aftercare instructions, such as avoiding hard or sticky foods for a period of time, to help the crown set properly and last longer.
Overall, a dental crown can help to restore your damaged or decayed tooth, providing strength, support, and protection. Dr. Fisher has the expertise and experience to ensure that your crown is custom-made to fit your specific needs and that the procedure is performed with minimal discomfort.
Bridges
If you are missing one or more teeth, Dr. Fisher may recommend a dental bridge to restore your smile and improve your dental health. A dental bridge is a prosthetic device that is used to replace missing teeth by attaching an
artificial tooth to the adjacent natural teeth.
Dr. Fisher will start by examining your teeth and gums to determine if a bridge is the best treatment option for you. If so, she will numb the area surrounding the adjacent teeth with a local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort during
the procedure.
Dr. Fisher will then prepare the adjacent teeth by removing some of the enamel to make room for the bridge. Next, she will take impressions of your teeth and gums, which will be used to create a custom-made bridge that fits your mouth perfectly.
While your permanent bridge is being created, Dr. Fisher will place a temporary bridge over the prepared teeth to protect them. Once your permanent bridge is ready, you will return to the dental office to have it placed.
During the placement appointment, Dr. Fisher will remove the temporary bridge and clean the prepared teeth. He will then place the permanent bridge over the prepared teeth and check the fit and bite. If necessary, she may make adjustments to ensure that the bridge fits properly and does not interfere with your bite.
Once the bridge is in place, Dr. Fisher will use a special cement to bond it to the teeth. She will then provide aftercare instructions, such as avoiding hard or sticky foods for a period of time, to help the bridge set properly and last longer.
Overall, a dental bridge can help to restore your smile and improve your dental health by replacing missing teeth. Dr. Fisher has the expertise and experience to ensure that your bridge is custom-made to fit your specific needs and that the procedure is performed with minimal discomfort.
Root Canal
A root canal is a dental procedure that is performed to save a damaged or infected tooth. This treatment involves removing the damaged or infected tissue within the tooth and replacing it with a filling material to prevent further damage or infection.
Before the root canal procedure, the patient will undergo a thorough dental exam, which may include X-rays to determine the extent of the damage or infection. We will then administer local anesthesia to numb the affected area, making the procedure painless and comfortable for the patient.
During the procedure, we will create a small hole in the top of the tooth and use special tools to remove the damaged or infected pulp from the tooth's interior. We will then shape and clean the inside of the tooth to remove any remaining bacteria and debris.
Once the inside of the tooth is clean, we will fill it with a special filling material to prevent further damage or infection. In some cases, a temporary filling may be placed, and the patient will need to return for a second appointment to have a permanent filling or crown placed over the tooth.
After the root canal procedure, the patient may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. We will provide specific instructions for caring for the tooth after the procedure, including avoiding hard or chewy foods and maintaining good oral hygiene habits.
Overall, a root canal is a safe and effective procedure that can save a damaged or infected tooth from further damage or extraction. With proper care and attention, a root canal can help restore the tooth's function and improve the patient's overall oral health.
Dentures
If you are missing all or most of your teeth, Dr. Fisher may recommend dentures as a solution to restore your smile and improve your ability to chew and speak. Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that are custom-made to fit your mouth and replace your missing teeth.
Dr. Fisher will start by examining your mouth and taking impressions of your teeth and gums. She may also take measurements of your jaw and bite to ensure that your dentures fit comfortably and function properly.
Next, Dr. Fisher will work with a dental laboratory to create a custom set of dentures that match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. The dentures may be made of acrylic resin or a combination of materials, depending on your specific needs.
Once your dentures are ready, Dr. Fisher will help you try them on and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit. She will also provide aftercare instructions, such as how to clean and care for your dentures.
It may take some time to adjust to wearing dentures, especially if you are a new denture wearer. Dr. Fisher will work with you to ensure that your dentures are comfortable and functional, and she may recommend follow-up appointments to check your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Overall, dentures can be an effective solution to restore your smile and improve your dental health if you are missing all or most of your teeth. Dr. Fisher has the expertise and experience to ensure that your dentures are custom-made to fit your specific needs and that the procedure is performed with minimal discomfort.
Inlays and Onlays
If you have a cavity or other damage to your tooth that is too extensive for a filling but not severe enough to require a dental crown, Dr. Fisher may recommend an inlay or onlay. These are custom-made restorations that are placed on the chewing surface of your tooth to restore its function and appearance.
Dr. Fisher will start by examining your tooth to determine if an inlay or onlay is the best treatment option for you. She will then take impressions of your tooth and send them to a dental laboratory to create a custom-made restoration that matches the size, shape, and color of your natural tooth.
Once your inlay or onlay is ready, Dr. Fisher will carefully place it onto your tooth and bond it in place using a special adhesive. She will then make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit and proper bite.
Inlays and onlays are a durable and long-lasting solution for restoring the function and appearance of your teeth. They are made from high-quality materials such as porcelain or composite resin, and can last for many years with proper care.