Restorative Dentistry — Friendswood, TX

When it comes to dental decay or damage, it’s important to seek treatment right away as dental issues tend to worsen rapidly when left untreated. At Friendswood Dental Group, our goal is always to repair smiles at the first signs of concern in order to preserve as much healthy dental structure as possible. Don’t hesitate to contact our team right away at the first signs of damage or decay. We’ll be happy to help you reverse dental damage and renew your beautiful smile with restorative dentistry in Friendswood, TX.

Dental Crowns

A crown is a full coverage restoration, protecting the entire tooth. Crowns are used for some, or all of the following reasons: To reshape a tooth in order to prevent food impaction or gum irritation. To restore proper biting relationships with the opposing teeth. To bring back the appearance of a natural tooth. To enhance the strength of a severely weakened or cracked tooth. We use a number of dental ceramics, some fused to a gold alloy base, in order to properly fill the particular needs of that tooth. For some teeth, especially in the front, absolute esthetic matching to the existing teeth is the most important factor. On posterior teeth, especially in grinders, strength is the number one factor. Whatever the use, all our crowns must restore the natural appearance of real teeth.

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Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is just what it says, a bridge between missing teeth. When a situation exists where there is a missing tooth (or teeth) between natural teeth, often a bridge is placed to restore normal function. The two (or more) teeth surrounding the missing tooth, or teeth, are restored with porcelain crowns, which have one, or more replacement teeth fused to them. When placed, the bridge is bonded into place and is not removable. The restored area has the appearance of natural looking and functioning teeth. Bridges have many uses: They restore chewing function and comfort. They help prevent food impaction. They replace ugly gaps in one's smile. They help support the surrounding teeth to help prevent drifting, tipping, and breakage. Implants are now becoming an excellent alternative to fixed bridges in some situations. Dr. Sierra will be happy to help you find what the best restoration for your mouth is.

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CEREC Same Day Dental Restorations

In the past, patients in need of dental crown, fixed bridge, inlay, or onlay restorations expected at least two visits over the course of about month in order to complete their treatment. Our team is proud to offer same day restorations using the state-of-the-art CEREC system. Using advanced CEREC technology, our team is able to design, mill, and place a high-quality all-ceramic restoration in just one short visit. No need for multiple trips to our dental office or the placement and removal of temporary restorations.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Up until the early '70's, almost all dental restorations were constructed of either gold or silver amalgam, which contains mercury. While most people were served well by these metal fillings, they were very unnatural in appearance, and eventually, led to weakened tooth structure and cracks. For over thirty years, our dental office has used only the latest technology has to offer in natural appearing, tooth-colored, composite and porcelain restorations. Composite restorations are bonded to the tooth and restore much of the original strength back into the tooth. Composites require a much smaller preparation into the tooth and add back support lost by the mercury fillings of the past. Porcelain inlays are similar to composite restorations in that they are bonded into the tooth structure. Porcelain inlays are the most natural in appearance of all filling materials, and they provide the additional strength needed in some large restorations.

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Root Canals

The very mention of root canals can strike fear into the heart of the bravest patient, but there is some good news. While the infection of the interior dental pulp layer of teeth is quite painful, the procedure itself typically relieves pain. The pulp houses the nerve system of teeth, and when damage or decay accesses this area, the result is a severe toothache. Root canal therapy includes the careful removal of all the damaged or decayed pulp and nerve, refilling the tooth with a biocompatible material, and the resealing of the tooth. In many cases, we may also need to place a dental crown to protect the treated tooth.

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Tooth Extractions

In most cases, our team works hard to help patients retain their natural teeth. However, there are a number of situations in which extracting teeth is actually the best solution to retain overall oral health. Some situations that may necessitate tooth extraction include:

• Severe decay or trauma especially if the damage may adversely affect surrounding healthy teeth
• As part of orthodontic treatment, one or more teeth may be removed in order to make room within the jawline to shift teeth more comfortably
• Most frequently, we recommend the removal of wisdom teeth, the last teeth to erupt into smiles, in order to prevent impaction or crowding

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Full Dentures & Partial Dentures

Partial and complete dentures are removable prosthetic devices individually designed for the particular patient's needs in replacing some, or all, missing teeth. Wearing replacement teeth are essential for proper chewing ability, for comfort in supporting the jaw, for normal speech, and for appearance. Today's technology combined with Dr. Sierra and his years of experience, allows us to custom fit the replacement teeth to the particular needs of each patient. Dentures and partials today are constructed from strong, lightweight materials that are very durable and extremely natural in appearance. Because dentures and partials are supported for the most part by the remaining bony ridge and soft tissue, fit and retention are a major issue. Everyone's mouth is different due to the shape of the palate, the years of bone loss from long term wear, and other factors. A proper evaluation and fitting technique are essential for a successful outcome. Due to the slow destruction of the underlying, supporting, natural structures, partials and dentures become loose and ill fitting after a few years. Annual examinations in our dental office help ensure that the fit is kept secure and healthy. Our examinations also include essential cancer screening. For those patients who desire or need more stability in their replacement teeth, we place implants to either eliminate the need for a removable appliance or to secure them in place. After your initial exam,our dentists will cover all aspects of your needs in detail.

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