Dental Procedures Dubuque, IA

Tooth Fillings

The standard protocol to treat a cavity involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling the space left behind. However, according to WebMD, dentists may also utilize fillings to repair teeth that are cracked, broken, or otherwise damaged. Typically, the dentist will inject a local anesthetic into the area around the tooth and begin removing the decayed area with a drill, air abrasion instrument, or laser. The dentist will then clean the cavity of any remaining bacteria or debris in preparation for the filling. There are many different types of fillings available. Our team will help you decide the right type for you.

Dental Crowns & Root Canal Treatments

Dental crowns, also known as "caps," are meant to protect and repair damaged or weak teeth. They may consist of different materials, such as metal or porcelain. They may enhance or restore a tooth's shape, size, strength, and appearance. Dental crowns may also help hold damaged teeth together and support teeth with large fillings where there is little remaining natural tooth left. Dentists may employ dental crowns to keep bridges in place, disguise misshapen or discolored teeth, or cover dental implants. Getting a dental crown requires at least two separate office visits, as the dentist will need to take X-rays, impressions, or scans to ensure the patient will have the correct fit.

Patients may need root canal treatment if the pulp of their teeth is inflamed or infected. This could be due to deep decay, excessive dental procedures, faulty crowns, or a crack or chip in the tooth. It is even possible for a tooth to have undergone trauma without any visible chips or cracks. Root canal treatment involves removing the inflamed or infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and filling and sealing the remaining space. The dentist will then restore the tooth with either a crown or filling for protection. This will allow it to function like a natural tooth.

Tooth Replacement & Root Scaling and Planing

Replacing missing teeth is more than just an aesthetic matter. Over time, gaps in between teeth may negatively impact a patient's speech, eating, bite, and facial appearance. From trauma, decay, or genetic conditions, there are many different reasons a patient may be missing a tooth. Fortunately, effective replacement options are available. Some of the most common include dental implants, fixed dental bridges, and removable partial dentures. Our team works closely with our patients to determine which tooth replacement option is best for them.

Untreated gum disease often precipitates tooth loss. When it comes to treating this condition, early detection is key. As long as the disease has not yet reached the structures below the gum line, a root scaling and planing (also known as a deep tooth cleaning) may be able to reverse its effects. The procedure consists of the dentist removing all the plaque and tartar both above and below the gum line, then smoothing out the patient's teeth roots to assist the gums in reattaching to the teeth.

Tooth Extractions

Though wisdom tooth extractions are the most common, there are several other reasons patients may need to remove their teeth. These include but are not limited to crowding, excessive tooth decay, and tooth infection. While removing visible teeth is relatively simple, removing teeth that are below the surface, broken, or impacted may require a more involved procedure. In a simple extraction, the patient will receive a local anesthetic to numb the area while the dentist loosens and removes the tooth. In a more involved extraction, the patient may receive both local and intravenous (IV) anesthesia to render them unconscious throughout the procedure.