Are you missing one or more permanent teeth? Have you noticed changes in the health of your bite? We can help. At Dental Excellence, Dr. Patrick Ousborne and Dr. Rikki Esterson provide restorative dentistry to patients in Towson, MD. Restorative dental care may be used to renew the form and function of the smile. Patients with missing teeth, damaged teeth, or even TMJ disorders benefit from restorative care.
Restorative Dentistry FAQs in Towson, MD
Do you want to know more about your options for restorative dental treatment in our Towson office? Read answers to popular questions about our restorative options below:
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants are durable posts made of titanium. Once implants heal with the jaw bone, they become a permanent part of the smile. It is rare for patients to experience implant failure unless they develop tooth decay or smoke during the implant process. We also cap implants with dental crowns, which are strong caps that look and feel like natural teeth. Implants can also be used to secure a bridge or denture.
Can I receive implants for my removable restoration?
If you have a removable dental bridge or denture we can help. We work with local dental laboratories to create custom implant restorations. We may use your old bridge or denture to create your new implant-supported restoration.
What are the disadvantages of traditional dentures?
Traditional dentures are removable and typically use adhesive to stay in place. These adhesives can be messy and difficult to use. They also do not fully support the function of the bite. Patients with traditional removable dentures often have dietary restrictions against hard, sticky, crunchy, or chewy foods. We recommend implants to secure dentures because they offer longer-lasting results.
What are the signs of TMJ disorders?
Temporomandibular joint disorders are marked by:
- Teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism)
- Jaw and facial pain
- Chronic migraines and headaches
- Difficulty biting and chewing
- Jaw popping
- Locking jaw joint
Let our dental office know if you have any of these symptoms and we can work with you to find the right TMJ treatment for your needs.
Can mouthguards treat TMD?
Sports mouthguards may be similar to TMJ nightguards, but they cannot be used to treat TMD. Nightguards are similar to mouthguards but are made of hard acrylic. They are worn at night to alleviate jaw pain and prevent further tooth wear and damage. Nightguards also prevent morning headaches and jaw soreness.
What are dental crowns made of?
Traditional crowns are made of metal. However, metal dental crowns do not easily blend in with the rest of the smile. We offer porcelain ceramic crowns that reflect light like natural teeth. These crowns also provide durability and strength to worn teeth.
Restore Your Smile Today
Are you interested in restorative dentistry? Request a dental appointment with our team online. New patients can call (410) 514-6553, while current patients may call us at (410) 828-1177. Let us know if you have further questions and we will be happy to help.