Quality Restorations from Your Alhambra Dentist
When something has gone wrong with your smile, the effect on your health, confidence, and quality of life can be huge. Dr. Steven R. Bergara uses his experience and expertise to repair smiles with restorative dentistry. Whether your smile is damaged, decayed, or facing other bite issues, Dr. Bergara will work with you to find the healthiest and most effective solution.
Don’t spend another day in discomfort or pain! Contact our office and make your appointment today!
CALL US: (626) 289-1148 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
Do I Need Restorative Dentistry?
If you have teeth facing damage or decay, restorative dentistry could be your solution. Dental restorations are designed to address various health concerns and return your teeth to a healthy, functional state.
With the right dental restoration, you can eliminate decay, restore a tooth’s shape, or prevent it from being damaged further. Thanks to advances in dentistry, we can even provide fully functioning replacements for missing teeth, letting people eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
As your dentist, Dr. Bergara is careful to evaluate your teeth and choose the healthiest, most effective option to repair your smile. Our top consideration is always finding the treatment that will most improve your health, confidence, and quality of life.
Preserving as much of your natural dental structure as possible is better for your long-term health, which is why we look for conservative solutions over invasive ones as much as possible. Dr. Bergara takes his time to educate you on your dental options so that you can feel confident and informed when making decisions about your dental health.
Dental Restorations We Provide
We provide a range of effective and versatile restoration options to help you regain your healthy smile. Our restorative treatments include:
Each option has a wide variety of uses and benefits. If you’re unsure which option is right for you, read below or contact our office for more information.
Do I Need a Filling?
Fillings are often the most effective and conservative response to cavities. When tooth enamel begins to decay, it weakens the tooth structure and puts you at risk for an inner tooth infection. With a filling, our dentist can restore the strength of your tooth and protect it against future cavities.
A filling is often preferred over a crown as long as the decay is not too large or spread out. Since they fit into small areas and can be molded to fit your tooth, fillings allow the dentist to preserve more of your natural tooth. Best of all, your entire treatment can be completed from start to finish in a single day.
Amalgam vs. Composite Fillings
When it comes to dental fillings, there are two main options: amalgam (metal) fillings and composite (white) fillings. Dr. Bergara provides both types in his Alhambra office, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Amalgam Fillings
What it’s made of: Amalgam fillings are made of several metals combined to create a strong material. They are typically metallic silver in color.
How long it lasts: Metal fillings are designed to be sturdy, and can last 10-15 years on average, possibly longer.
Biggest benefits: Amalgam fillings have been used for centuries, and their sturdiness has been perfected over time. Each filling is made to last and to provide substantial protection. They’re also the most affordable option and may be partly or completely covered by insurance.
Composite Fillings
What it’s made of: Composite fillings are made of a composite resin that’s carefully shade-matched to the surrounding enamel, letting them blend in seamlessly.
How long it lasts: Composite fillings have greatly improved over the years, and now last around ten years on average. With proper care, they could potentially last as long as amalgam fillings.
Biggest benefits: While not as sturdy as amalgam, composite fillings effectively protect your tooth thanks to their ability to bond with enamel, creating a tight seal. They can be applied to smaller spaces, allowing the dentist to preserve more of your natural tooth. The composite is a biocompatible material with no mercury or heavy metals, and their coloring also protects your smile’s aesthetic along with its health.
Protecting Your Teeth from Future Cavities
People often assume that only children get cavities, but tooth decay can strike at any age. Moreover, a sugary diet and poor hygiene aren’t the only risk factors, meaning even diligent brushers could be at risk.
Once tooth decay sets in, it can’t be reversed. However, there are steps you can take to greatly reduce your chances of developing cavities in the future. Here are a few simple tips you can use to keep tooth decay away.
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, and floss at least once a day.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks (soda, candy, etc.)
- Drink water after a meal to rinse your mouth.
- Chew sugar-free gum with xylitol.
- Always keep your six-month dental exams and cleanings.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap, usually made of metal or ceramic, designed to fit over a prepared tooth. Crowns provide stability and protection to teeth with damage or advanced decay, and are often used when a filling would be too large and leave the tooth weak.
7 Reasons You Might Need a Crown
Crowns are one of the most versatile restorations and can be used for everything from repairing a tooth to cosmetic enhancements. These are the top seven reasons you might need a dental crown:
- You have extensive tooth decay.
- Your tooth has a large filling.
- The tooth has been cracked or broken.
- Your tooth is misshapen or worn down.
- You’ve had a root canal.
- You need a crown to complete a dental implant.
- You want to enhance a tooth’s color, shape, or appearance.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
Crowns are designed to be durable, and can easily withstand daily chewing pressure even when placed over a molar. On average, a crown will last fifteen years, and proper care can extend that time even further.
To help your crown last long as possible, avoid biting down on hard substances like ice or hard candy, and never use your teeth as tools. If you have a habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, consider wearing a nightguard to protect your restoration as well as your natural teeth.
Dental Bridges Complete Your Smile
If your smile has a gap from missing teeth, a dental bridge can restore function and aesthetics all at once. A bridge can replace up to three teeth by suspending them between two crowns, which are placed over your remaining teeth at each end. We provide dental bridges crafted of top-quality ceramic and fabricated just for you in a skilled dental lab, ensuring an effective and comfortable fit.
Replacing Teeth with Dental Implants
When it comes to replacing teeth, dental implants are the latest and most advanced replacement option of all. Implants are the only restoration capable of replacing a tooth’s root as well as the crown. A titanium post is placed into the jaw, where it fuses with the bone and provides support for a crown or dental prosthetic, restoring the function and appearance of the lost tooth.
Dr. Bergara has helped countless Alhambra patients enjoy a strong and healthy bite with his implant-supported restorations. If you’ve considered dental implants, contact our office to learn more about the process and benefits of this innovative treatment.
Are Implants Right for Me?
Most people who’ve lost teeth are good candidates for a dental implant. Implants are versatile and effective, and with the right placement, they can be used to support everything from a single tooth to an entire arch.
When it comes to dental implants, the most important factor is the strength of the jawbone. An implant post absorbs the chewing pressure from each bite. Without significant bone around it, the implant won’t have the support it needs to stay in place. Furthermore, without chewing pressure from the tooth root, the jawbone deteriorates over time.
Dr. Bergara carefully examines your jawbone density to determine if you are a candidate for implants. The location of the missing tooth (or teeth) is also an important deciding factor. Since the jawbone health is so important, we strongly recommend that patients get an assessment for dental implants shortly after a tooth is lost or extracted to improve their chances of success.
Composition of an Implant
Each dental implant consists of three parts: the implant post, the abutment, and the restoration.
- Implant Post: Made of biocompatible titanium, this post is ridged like a screw to make it more secure when placed in the jawbone. The bone fuses to the post in a process known as osseointegration, making it a permanent part of your jaw.
- Abutment: A small adjoining piece that helps to hold the restoration in place with the implant’s support.
- Restoration: A dental prosthetic designed to look, feel, and function just like the tooth it’s replacing. Each restoration is custom-made to fit comfortably within the smile. Depending on the number and placement of implants, a restoration can be anything from a single crown to a complete dental arch.
Are Dental Implants Permanent?
Since the implant post fuses to the bone, it becomes a permanent part of your smile. The only part that may eventually need replacing is the restoration, which can be damaged or worn over time.
Dr. Bergara has years of experience replacing and repairing implant-supported crowns that have been damaged or become loose. He has a strong reputation for his skills in this treatment, and many specialists have referred patients to him to have their crowns corrected.
Care and Compassion for Every Smile
At the dental office of Steven R. Bergara, DDS, we believe that everyone in Alhambra deserves a healthy smile they can take pride in. No matter what the state of your smile is, you can count on us to treat you with understanding and compassion. We’ll do everything we can to find the treatment you need to enjoy a full, healthy smile once more.
Contact our office and schedule a visit to get started today!
CALL US: (626) 289-1148 REQUEST APPOINTMENT