Repair & Restore Your Smile
Restorative Dentistry for a
Healthy and Beautiful Smile
Our dentist and dental team at Midlands Family Dentistry in West Columbia, SC, is dedicated to providing exceptional restorative dentistry services to repair and restore damaged teeth. Whether you require dental crowns, mouthguards, or implants, our comprehensive restorative dentistry services can help you regain confidence and improve your oral health.
Don’t wait any longer to get the dental care you need!
We Do Dental Care Differently
We use the latest techniques and technology to create personalized treatment plans that address each patient’s unique needs. Let us help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile you can be proud of!
Dental Crowns
We use the latest technology and materials to create customized crowns that look and feel like your natural teeth. Crowns are a popular restorative dental treatment that can help strengthen and protect a damaged tooth, improve its appearance, and restore its function.
Crowns In a Day
The entire process typically takes a few hours, and you can leave the dental office with your permanent crown in place. Same-day crowns offer convenience and eliminate the need for a temporary crown and multiple dental visits. However, not all cases are suitable for same-day crowns, and your dentist will determine if this treatment option is appropriate for you based on your specific situation.
Here’s a general overview of the process:
Examination & Preparation
Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of the tooth that needs a crown. They may take X-rays to assess the tooth’s condition. If the tooth is decayed or damaged, the dentist will remove the affected areas and shape the tooth to make room for the crown.
Digital Impression
Instead of using traditional dental impressions (putty-like material), a digital impression is taken using a small handheld wand that scans the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. The wand captures precise 3D images of your teeth and gums, which are then transferred to a computer.
CAD Design
The digital impressions are sent to a computer, where specialized CAD software creates a virtual model of your tooth. Your dentist will use this software to design the crown, customizing it to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth.
Milling
Once the crown design is finalized, the data is sent to an in-office milling machine. The milling machine uses a block of ceramic material that matches the shade of your tooth. It carves the crown from the ceramic block based on the digital design, usually within minutes.
Finishing & Color Matching
After the crown is milled, your dentist will make any necessary adjustments, ensuring the fit and aesthetics are perfect. They may also add custom staining or glazing to match the color of your natural teeth.
Placement
Once the crown is ready, your dentist will check the fit one final time. If everything is satisfactory, the tooth will be cleaned, and an adhesive bonding material will be applied to the tooth. The crown is carefully placed and positioned on the tooth, and the bonding material is activated using a curing light, securing the crown in place.
Bite Adjustment & Polishing
Your dentist will check your bite and make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper alignment with your opposing teeth. The crown’s edges may be polished for comfort and aesthetics.
Implants
Here are some of the key benefits of dental implants:
Natural Look & Function
Dental implants closely mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth. They are designed to integrate with the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for artificial teeth. The result is a restoration that looks, feels, and functions like your own teeth, allowing for comfortable biting, chewing, and speaking.
Long-Term Solution
Dental implants are a durable and long-lasting tooth replacement option. With proper care and maintenance, they can last for many years, often even a lifetime. Implants have a high success rate, and the materials used, such as titanium for the implant post, are biocompatible and resistant to decay.
Preservation of Jawbone & Facial Structure
When a tooth is lost, the underlying jawbone in that area can deteriorate over time due to a lack of stimulation. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone through osseointegration, a process in which the bone fuses with the implant. This helps preserve bone density and structure, preventing bone loss and maintaining the natural contours of your face.
Improved Oral Health
Dental implants do not require the alteration or support of adjacent teeth, as is the case with dental bridges. This means that the neighboring teeth remain intact, and their natural structure is preserved. Implants also make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene, as they can be brushed and flossed like natural teeth.
Enhanced Confidence & Self-Esteem
Missing teeth can impact your self-confidence and willingness to smile or engage in social situations. Dental implants provide a complete and natural-looking smile, which can boost your self-esteem and improve your overall quality of life.
Comfort & Convenience
Unlike removable dentures, dental implants are fixed in place and eliminate the need for messy adhesives. They become a permanent part of your mouth, providing stability and comfort. With implants, you can eat your favorite foods without worrying about slipping or discomfort.
Versatility
Dental implants are versatile and can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full arch of teeth. They can support different types of dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, or implant-supported dentures, depending on your specific needs.
Giomer Technology Fillings
We offer tooth-colored fillings that use the latest Giomer technology to provide long-lasting and durable restoration for missing teeth. Our dental professionals use this advanced technology to create implants that pick up ions like natural teeth, which can prolong the life of your restoration and protect your teeth from future decay. This is similar to how a battery works, providing a continuous source of minerals to help keep cavities from coming back.
We do more than just preventative & restorative dentistry
Extractions/Wisdom Teeth
The extraction of wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, is a common dental procedure. While the best approach may vary depending on the specific case and the recommendation of your dentist. It’s important to note that every case is unique, and the best method for removing wisdom teeth depends on factors such as the position of the teeth, the degree of impaction, your oral health, and any potential complications. Your dentist will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate extraction technique to ensure the procedure is performed safely and effectively.
Here are some general methods used to remove wisdom teeth:
Simple Extraction
This method is used when the wisdom tooth has fully erupted through the gum line and is easily accessible. The dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Using dental instruments, they will loosen the tooth and gently remove it from the socket.
Surgical Extraction
A surgical extraction is necessary when the wisdom tooth is impacted, meaning it is partially or completely trapped beneath the gum tissue or jawbone. The procedure involves making an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth. In some cases, a small amount of bone may need to be removed to extract the tooth completely. Surgical extractions may require local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case and your comfort level.
Sectioning
Sectioning is a technique used when a wisdom tooth is particularly large, deeply rooted, or difficult to access. The tooth is divided into sections, allowing for easier removal of each piece individually.
During the extraction process, the dental professional will ensure you are comfortable and without pain. They will also take necessary measures to control bleeding, clean the extraction site, and provide instructions for post-operative care. These steps are crucial for a speedy recovery.
On-Site Restorations
With our advanced technology, we can deliver dental appliances, like mouthguards, more accurately and in a matter of hours or a single day, saving you time and travel costs. Our on-site restoration fabrication services eliminate the need for temporaries or re-visits, providing you with a convenient and cost-effective solution for your dental needs.
Dental solutions are a phone call away! Call 803-731-0803 to schedule your appointment today.