Restorative Dentistry

Dental Bridge

Bridges are used to replace a missing tooth in both a cosmetic and functional fashion. A bridge structure is one or more artificial teeth anchored in place by natural teeth, crowns, or implants, on each side of the bridge. Using a bridge to fill the gap from missing teeth helps restore proper bite and prevent teeth from shifting to fill the gap (which may lead to additional bite and jaw joint issues). Bridges can be constructed from gold, porcelain and metal, or all ceramic. Ceramic bridge color is made to match your natural tooth color. Material choice will depend on structural requirements, wear, and esthetics. Bridges are used to:

•	Replace missing teeth
•	Prevent teeth from shifting
•	Correct bite issues due to missing teeth
•	Help prevent jaw joint problems from altered bite
•	Improve appearance (cosmetic reasons)

Dental Crowns

Crowns are used to restore severely damaged teeth due to fracture or decay. After the tooth surface is cleaned and prepared the crown is placed to cover the remainder of the tooth. The crown strengthens the tooth structure and helps prevent future decay. Crowns also improve the tooth's look, shape, and alignment. Crowns are used to:

•	Restore a fractured tooth
•	Restore a tooth severely damaged by decay
•	Protect a tooth from fracture
•	Cover a discolored or unattractive tooth
•	Cover a dental implant
•	Anchor a bridge

Tooth Extractions

A tooth extraction is the procedure done to remove a tooth that is damaged beyond repair from its socket in the jawbone. Extractions are also done to remove wisdom teeth that may be impacted or create future problems.

Many extractions can be performed in our Hillsboro office; however, more complicated procedures may be referred to one of our trusted oral surgeons.

Why Teeth Are Extracted

•	Severely decayed teeth
•	Periodontal disease leading to bone loss
•	Fractured in such a way that it is impossible or impractical to repair
•	Badly positioned (impacted wisdom teeth)
•	Non-functional or poorly functional teeth that should be replaced with a bridge, denture or dental implant

Extractions are generally classified as either non-surgical (also known as "simple") or surgical (involving cutting through the gums and tooth). A simple procedure can quickly become a surgical procedure if the tooth fractures or refuses to loosen under pressure. We perform these procedures only after making the extraction site(s) profoundly numb.

Tooth Extraction Post-Operative Instructions

Following tooth extraction you may experience bleeding, oozing, soreness or moderate to severe pain.

•	Bleeding should stop by 8-12 hours following the extraction. If you experience significant bleeding past this time please call our office immediately. Oozing of pink fluid for 1-2 days is normal.
•	Discomfort following the tooth extraction is best managed with a mild analgesic like Tylenol, Advil or Aleve. If you experience severe pain that lasts more than 2-3 days after your extraction please call our office.
•	Healing should be as smooth as possible following tooth extraction. It is important to not disturb the extraction site. Remember to eat a soft diet and avoid vigorous rinsing for 24 hours following the extraction.
•	After 72 hours rinse with warm salt water for 1 minute a couple of times daily for 3-4 days. This will reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth and will promote better healing.

Root Canal

A root canal becomes needed when tooth decay is so badly neglected it reaches the tooth pulp. Once the pulp is infected it cannot heal on its own. Sometimes tooth trauma such as a fracture can lead to the need for a root canal as well. In addition to being painful, untreated infections can reach the root tip and compromise the entire immune system. Symptoms of pulp infections may be:

•	Sensitivity to hot/cold
•	Sensitivity to sweets
•	Pain, especially when biting
•	Swelling
•	Bad taste in the mouth

A root canal procedure includes cleaning out the infected pulp, disinfecting the canals and filling the void with a rubber like substance to prevent further infection. A crown is recommended to restore the tooth shape, look, and to strengthen the tooth structure.

Phone

(503) 648-3212

Hours

Mon - Thu: 8:00am - 5:00pm

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Craig Family Dentistry, 5840 NE Cornell Road, Hillsboro, OR 97124-9000; (503) 648-3212; craigdmd.com; 12/10/2024; Related Phrases: Dentist Hillsboro OR;