At 818 Dental, we understand the importance of oral health care for people of all ages. A healthy smile contributes to overall well-being, and even with diligent home care, professional dental services are essential for maintaining optimal oral health.
Our Durham, NC providers are experienced specialists who are not only skilled, but also compassionate—dedicated to creating positive experiences for every patient who walks through our doors. We offer a wide range of services to cater to your family’s dental needs, including fillings, crowns, extractions, and endodontics. Please read below to discover more about our family dentistry services!
Fillings
Dental fillings are a common dental restoration used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or trauma. The filling material is typically made of composite resin, a tooth-colored material that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth, or amalgam, a metal alloy that has been used for many years.
A filling maintains the integrity of the tooth by preventing decay from advancing further. They also restore the strength and function of the tooth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
- The process of getting a dental filling involves first numbing the area around the tooth to be treated using a local anesthetic.
- Once the area is numb, our team will carefully remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth.
- The tooth is then cleaned and prepared for the filling material.
- The filling material is applied in layers and hardened using a special light, ensuring that it bonds firmly in place.
- After the filling is firmly bonded, we will shape and polish it to match the natural contours of the tooth, ensuring a comfortable fit and a natural appearance.
Crowns
Dental crowns are a type of dental restoration that are used to restore a tooth that is too damaged or decayed to be repaired with a filling. They are made of a variety of materials including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of these materials.
The process of getting a crown usually involves two visits to our office.
- During the first visit, we will prepare the tooth by removing any decayed or damaged areas and shaping it to accommodate the crown.
- Impressions of the prepared tooth are then taken and sent to a dental lab, where the crown is custom-made to fit your tooth precisely.
- A temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it while the permanent crown is being made.
- At the second visit, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is bonded to the tooth using a special dental cement.
Our team will ensure that the crown fits properly and feels comfortable before the procedure is completed.
Extraction
Sometimes, a tooth may need to be removed due to extensive decay, damage, or overcrowding. In this case, we may recommend a simple tooth extraction. Simple extractions involve the removal of a tooth that is visible above the gum line and can be removed without the need for surgical intervention.
- Getting a simple extraction usually involves numbing the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic to prevent discomfort.
- Once the area is numb, our dentist will use a dental instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth from the socket.
- Then, forceps are used to gently and slowly remove the tooth from the socket.
Simple extractions are a relatively quick procedure, with most patients experiencing only minor discomfort and swelling during recovery. However, it’s important to follow our aftercare instructions carefully to prevent complications and promote proper healing.
Surgical Extraction
Surgical extractions are a more complex type of dental procedure that involves the removal of a tooth that is not visible above the gum line. These extractions are typically performed when a tooth is impacted or fractured at the gum line and difficult to access without a surgical procedure.
- Our providers use local anesthesia to help you feel relaxed and comfortable during the operation.
- Once you’re numb, our dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth.
- We will then carefully remove the tooth. We may also need to remove some of the surrounding bone tissue to fully extract it.
- Once the tooth is removed, we will place sutures to close the incision and facilitate healing.
Our team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for the extraction site—which may include avoiding certain foods and taking medication for discomfort as needed.
Endodontics
Endodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of problems related to the pulp of the tooth. The dental pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to decay, injury, or trauma, it can cause severe discomfort and temperature sensitivity. If left untreated, this infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and cause a dental abscess, which can lead to severe pain, swelling, and even systemic infection.
Root canal therapy is an endodontic procedure that can be performed to save an infected tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. In order to preserve the health of the tooth and the oral anatomy, a root canal may be necessary. The procedure involves the following steps:
- First, we will administer a local anesthetic to the tissue surrounding the tooth.
- Our dentist will create a tiny opening in the tooth to remove the infected pulp.
- Once this is complete, the root canals and interior chamber of the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
- To complete the procedure, we will fill the canals with a biocompatible material (gutta-percha) and place a dental crown to prevent the recurrence of infection.
At 818 Dental, we go above and beyond to ensure that every patient receives the care they deserve. Our approach is tailored to meet each patient’s individual needs. All of our providers are experts in what they do and will inform you of everything you need to know about your procedure in advance.
Overall, we value our patients and want to see their smiles supported in the best way possible. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and experience the highest level of dental care available.