When something goes wrong with your smile, the best thing to do is to see a dentist. The sooner you address dental concerns, the better for your overall dental health. Missing, damaged, or decayed teeth can have a significant impact on the functionality of your smile. Additionally, these concerns can lead to decreased self-esteem and an increased risk for further damages.
Dr. Ousborne and Dr. Esterson have been providing comprehensive restorative dental care for patients in the Towson area for over 40 years. Our restorative dentistry services can address many functionality concerns you may have with your current smile while also helping you achieve your dream smile.
Restorative Dentists in Towson, MD
Dr. Ousborne and Dr. Esterson have a wide breadth of knowledge when it comes to restorative dentistry. As expert prosthodontists, they have expanded our restorative dentistry services to ensure we can help all of our patients revitalize their smiles following dental damage or tooth loss. Together, they will help you come up with a restorative dentistry treatment plan that best meets your needs. The following are potential restorative dentistry services that we offer in our Towson, MD dentist office.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a quick, cost-effective, and minimally invasive approach to replacing one or more missing teeth. Utilizing the support of your surrounding teeth, the bridgework is held securely in place of the missing teeth.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are prosthetic caps designed to fit over the foundational core of your natural tooth. They are a great option for patients who have experienced a severe chip or crack within their smile. The dental crown aesthetically and functionally replaces the damaged tooth while allowing patients to avoid the need for a tooth extraction.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the premier option when it comes to tooth replacement. Involving a surgically implanted titanium post, a dental implant replaces the tooth-roots of your natural tooth. This means less bone loss, fewer dietary restrictions, and reduced long-term maintenance needs. Patients love dental implants because they are the closest tooth restoration option that mimics all aspects of a natural tooth. We also offer Full-arch implant treatment for patients missing all of their teeth or who want to replace all of their teeth.
Dentures & Partials
If you are missing many teeth or a full arch of teeth custom dentures and partials fit snugly and securely within your hard and soft tissues. We also offer implant-supported dentures and partials for a more secure fit.
Periodontal Disease Treatment
Gum disease is an extremely common dental concern. When left untreated, gum disease can cause many negative effects on your smile. To help our patients restore their smiles following gum disease, we offer periodontal disease treatment plans including scaling and root planing to help save your soft tissues from the harmful bacteria associated with gum disease.
TMJ Treatment
Jaw pain, tension headaches, and facial soreness are all symptoms of a TMJ disorder. To help patients manage their TMJ disorders, we offer TMJ treatment plans which include oral appliance therapy. With oral appliance therapy, patients can reduce the amount of unwanted tension in their jaw joints and restore their peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our restorative dental treatments.
Are dental crowns only used after root canal treatment?
No, crowns aren’t limited to teeth that have had root canals. They’re also used to restore teeth that are cracked, heavily filled, worn down, or misshapen. Crowns help protect and strengthen teeth that can’t support a filling alone. Dr. Patrick Ousborne will recommend one based on how much natural structure remains.
How soon after tooth extraction can I receive a dental implant?
Some tooth implants can be placed immediately after extraction if there’s enough bone and no infection. In other cases, you may need to wait several weeks to a few months for the area to heal fully. The timeline depends on the condition of the bone and your overall oral health. Your dentist will evaluate and guide the best timing for implant placement.
Do partial dentures need to be removed at night, or can they be worn continuously?
It’s best to remove partial dentures at night to give your gums a break and allow proper cleaning. Wearing them 24/7 can lead to irritation, inflammation, or even infection in the tissues. Removing them while you sleep also helps extend their lifespan. Clean them daily and soak them overnight in a denture solution or water.
Can a dental bridge be used if multiple teeth are missing in different areas?
No, a traditional dental bridge only replaces teeth in one continuous gap. If you have missing teeth in several areas, you’ll likely need multiple bridges or a combination of implants and partial dentures. Your dentist will recommend a custom plan to replace each gap efficiently. A full exam and X-rays help determine the best option.
Can partial dentures be made to match my existing teeth?
Yes, partial dentures are custom-made to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. The goal is to create a seamless look that blends with your smile. Dr. Ousborne will take impressions and work with a dental lab to ensure the materials match as closely as possible. A well-made partial should look natural and fit comfortably.
What are the benefits of choosing implant-supported dentures over traditional ones?
Implant-supported dentures are more stable, secure, and comfortable than traditional dentures. They don’t shift or slip while eating or speaking, and they provide better chewing strength. Unlike regular dentures, they help preserve the jawbone and prevent facial collapse. Many patients find they feel more natural and confident with implant support.
Can dental implants be used to support both dentures and bridges?
Yes, implants are highly versatile and can anchor single crowns, multi-tooth bridges, or full dentures. A few implants can support a bridge or full arch without needing one implant per tooth. This flexibility makes them ideal for various levels of tooth loss. Dr. Ousborne will determine the best configuration based on your needs and bone structure.