Services
Restorative
When a tooth has a cavity or decay present, this is often restored with a filling. Silver, or amalgam fillings, were used exclusively prior to the development of composite, or tooth colored restorations. Composite materials have been studied and developed for years resulting in a wonderful option for fillings that bond directly to the tooth. Due to their esthetic appeal, composite restorations are primarily placed today. Composite restorations can also be used to repair small chips or discolorations of the teeth. A tooth can also be cosmetically reshaped with use of composite material.
Root Canals
A tooth may require a root canal for different reasons:
- Decay has invaded or become very close to the nerve of the tooth.
- The tooth has broken close to or exposing the nerve of the tooth.
- The nerve of the tooth has died, or become necrotic.
A root canal removes the nerve of the tooth, cleans and shapes the canal space that houses the nerve and fills the root with a material called gutta percha. After a root canal, the tooth will need a restoration to fill the access for the root canal in the form of a filling or a crown. Posterior teeth most often require a crown after a root canal to prevent fracture of the tooth. Certain root canals may require treatment by an endodontist, or a root canal specialist, depending on the complexity of the case. This determination is made on a case by case basis and will be discussed with you by Dr. Knutson.
Teeth Whitening
Who doesn’t love a nice white smile?! Whether you have a big event coming up where you want to show off your pearly whites or the coffee stains have built up over the years, whitening is a great option to brighten your smile! Professional whitening uses higher concentrations of gel that cannot be purchased over the counter. This higher concentration results in a whiter smile in a shorter amount of time. There are multiple different whitening options and delivery methods, so ask us about your options at your next dental visit!
