Restorative Dentistry

Restore your smile and your confidence. Softly Dental can help you reach your goals. Find information below regarding some of the most common procedures, from root canals and implants to dentures.

  • What is a Root Canal?

    A root canal is the natural cavity at a tooth's core. This oral cavity contains the pulp chamber, a soft area of nerves that, if infected, can lead to adverse conditions such as face and neck swelling and bone loss near your tooth's roots.

    When is a root canal needed?

    If you have one or more of the following symptoms, you may need a root canal:

    • Severe pain or discomfort while eating

    • Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures

    • Swollen gums or tooth discoloration

    • Chipped or cracked teeth

    • A reoccurring pimple on the gums

    How is Root Canal Treatment Done?

    Most root canals are done in-office and can take about 90 minutes to perform with some recovery time after the procedure, but this can vary depending on various factors.

  • What are Dental Implants?

    Dental implants are a great alternative to natural teeth replacement. Strong and stable, they can restore a lost tooth and can look, feel, fit, and function like a natural tooth.

    Who Does Dental Implants?

    If you are interested in getting dental implants to replace missing teeth, your dentist can do them for you. The provider may administer antibiotics or nitrous oxide to make sure you are as comfortable as possible.

    Typically, a local anesthetic is used around the area of placement. Implants typically take about 30 minutes to an hour per implant.

    Benefits of Dental Implants

    • Dental implants are built to last.

    • Implants provide a secure, comfortable fit that looks and feels natural without the slipping of dentures

    • Implants protect your jawbone

    • Dental implants allow you to maintain the natural shape of your face & smile

    • Unlike removable dentures, dental implants do not need to be removed for maintenance

    • You'll no longer feel self-conscious about missing teeth

  • What is a dental crown?

    A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that is placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Crowns can be made from various materials like porcelain, metal, or porcelain fused to metal. They are used to protect weakened teeth, support bridges, cover discolored or misshapen teeth, and cover dental implants.

    Weakened or damaged tooth:

    Crowns can strengthen teeth weakened by decay, large fillings, or other damage. 

    To protect a tooth with a large filling:

    If a large filling leaves insufficient tooth structure, a crown can provide extra support and protection. 

    To support a dental bridge:

    Crowns are often used as anchor teeth to support a bridge, replacing missing teeth. 

    For cosmetic reasons:

    Crowns can be used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, misshapen, or have other aesthetic issues. 

    To cover a root canal-treated tooth:

    A crown is often placed on a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy to protect it from further damage. 

    To cover a dental implant:

    Crowns are commonly used to cover dental implants and restore their functionality.

  • What are dentures?

    How are Dentures Made?

    Dentures are custom-made in a dental laboratory from impressions taken of your mouth to ensure a comfortable fit. Dentures are natural-looking and more comfortable than ever.

    Types of Dentures

    There are many types of dentures available to restore your smile including:

    • Traditional dentures: Traditional dentures are placed in your mouth after any remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed. Healing may take several months, during which time you are without teeth

    • Premium dentures: Premium dentures are made from high-quality materials that are impact and stain-resistant, fit well to the shape and size of the wearer's mouth, and can be adjusted to reflect the natural color of the oral cavity

    • Immediate full dentures: Also known as a temporary denture, immediate full dentures are inserted after the remaining teeth are removed. While immediate dentures allow you to never be without your teeth, they must be revised several months after insertion

    • Partial dentures: A removable alternative to bridges, partial dentures rest on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Partial dentures are not for permanent use and should be removed overnight

  • What is a Dental Bridge?

    A bridge is made from two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap (these anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth) and a false tooth or teeth in between. These false teeth are called pontics and can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants.

    Benefits of Bridges

    • Restore your smile

    • Restore the ability to properly chew and speak

    • Maintain the shape of your face

    • Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth

    • Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position