RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY REBUILDS SMILES IN VERO BEACH, FLORIDA

To maintain an aesthetically pleasing and healthy smile you may at some point in your dental care need restorative dentistry. As people age sometimes they experience cavities, tooth loss, or damage to their teeth. Dr. Collins is extremely proficient in restorative dentistry. Twenty-three years of treating patients in the retirement community of Vero Beach has provided him with many opportunities to perfect his practice.

HOW CAN TEETH BE REPAIRED THAT ARE DAMAGED OR WORN?

Dr. Collins has many restorative solutions to fix damaged teeth, or a smile which is not as “bright” as it used to be. Our practice has great success in the use of dental crowns, which cover a natural tooth entirely with a new, strong resilient material which protects the underlying tooth. You will have improved function with your bite, less pain and a beautiful shiny enamel tooth which complements your actual overall physique. A crown would be used for one of the various reasons:

1.  A tooth is seriously decayed and cannot be repaired with a filling.
2. You have suffered an injury and the tooth needs support or Dr. Collins feels that the tooth may further fracture.
3.  A root canal has been required due to nerve damage or severe decay in the root canal, and the underlying nerve needs to be protected to avoid a painful experience. Root Canals remove the decay from the inner chambers of teeth, restoring the functioning of an infected tooth.
4. If a single dental implant needs to be restored after it has been in the mouth for an extended period of time.

 When the damage is minimal, such as a slight crack or cosmetic flaw such as a chipped tooth, dental bonding can be utilized to remedy the problem and provide a fantastic option. This is a quick solution to minor dental damage and provides a less expensive alternative to crowns. Dr. Collins will apply composite resin to the damaged tooth and correct any cosmetic imperfection in just one visit. This is a highly effective treatment that can last for many years with proper dental care and regular check-ups.

Tooth colored fillings are used to treat cavities and decay, but may also repair cracked or broken teeth. The tooth is restored using a composite or amalgam filling and then Dr. Collins will confirm that your bite lines up comfortably. Most people have had a filling in their lifetime, but today’s technologies and new advanced materials have made the filling much stronger, longer lasting, and seamlessly matched to your natural tooth.

WHAT’S THE BEST METHOD FOR REPLACING LOST TEETH?

As a patient of Dr. Collins you will be presented with numerous replacement solutions, each specifically geared to your individual needs, personal desires and goals. Consideration will be made to the available time to complete the procedure and your budget. The options include dental implants, dentures, and dental bridges. Dental Implants are the ideal reconstructive solution to tooth replacement. The entire tooth structure including the root is restored which can improve the patient’s overall oral function, health and quality of life. Dr. Collins will provide you with a thorough implant consultation and explain the entire process. He will also provide you with photographs of patients smiles who he has treated, and you will be able to see for yourself the amazing transformation which is possible.

 If you suffer from the loss of multiple teeth in a row for various reasons, and you have difficulty eating or are concerned about the appearance of your mouth, dental bridges are designed to restore multiple missing teeth on a single arch. They are attached to dental crowns fitted onto healthy teeth and provide a permanent fix to missing teeth. Many patients prefer this fixed option and enjoy the permanence of a bridge over a less desirable removable denture. You may have experienced the rubbing or discomfort associated with a misfitting denture and want to have something secure to hold the teeth together.

For older adult patients who have concerns about maintenance or convenience, Dr. Collins can make partial dentures which he ensures will be comfortable and reliable, as his dedication to proper fitting is imperative.

DOES MY TOOTH NEED TO BE EXTRACTED OR CAN IT BE RESTORED WITH A CROWN?

Patients can be confident that Dr. Collins and his conscientious staff will make every effort to preserve your entire family’s healthy smile, maintain beautiful teeth and recover from decay without tooth extraction if at all possible.

Dental crowns are used when a tooth is significantly decayed. The crown completely covers the single tooth, protecting its structure while improving its functionality. Also, when a patient needs a root canal, often the tooth requires a crown. If you experience severe dental pain you may have a damaged nerve, tooth root, and need a root canal. Root canal therapy is a highly effective procedure that can remove decay from the inner sections of badly decayed teeth. As some dentists are not as proficient with endodontics (root canals), Dr. Collins’ practices comprehensive care and is skilled at fixing all dental problems. Dr. Collins focuses on natural looking teeth which are also strong and long-lasting.