Rebuild Your Smile with Restorative Dentistry

The Dental Exam

Your First Step to Health at Aultman Dental

Patients that are embarrassed about their smile often feel overwhelmed by their dental needs. The key to getting your smile back is to create a plan that is a good fit for your dental health, your schedule and your budget.

Our Aultman Dental dentists begin with a thorough examination and appropriate x-rays to diagnose any underlying dental problems with the teeth, gums, jawbone or jaw joints. They will share their findings with you and review options to restore health to your smile.

Restorative Services available in our Pell City dental office include:

A single dental implant is restored with a dental crown. It is generally the preferred approach vs. a dental bridge, which requires drilling on adjacent teeth for support. An implant crown stands alone to replace a missing tooth and blend seamlessly with your smile.

In the case of multiple missing teeth, your dentist may recommend multiple dental implants, also known as ‘all on four’ or ‘all on six’. The combined stability and strength of these dental implants can support a dental bridge or denture.

Our dentists may utilize CBCT digital technology (Cone beam computed tomography) as part of your comprehensive implant evaluation based on your jaw bone health and restorative needs. CBCT and 3D imaging software give them the tools to design a surgical guide for placement of your dental implants.

Dental implants bring good news to denture-wearers. An implant denture is specially designed with attachments to connect to dental implants and lock the denture securely in place. So, you don't have to fight with loose dentures when talking or eating anymore!

Unfortunately, an infected tooth cannot heal itself. Tooth extraction might stop the pain, however, the costs of replacement procedures (bridges, implants or dentures) can be a significant investment. A root canal, when possible, is generally recommended when there is enough remaining tooth structure to support a fixed dental restoration.

What is a root canal?

A root canal can usually be completed in one or two appointments. For the patient, the experience of a root canal procedure is rather similar to a dental filling:

• The tooth and gums are numbed with local anesthetic.
• The tooth roots are accessed and the infected nerve tissue is carefully removed.
• To complete the root canal, the dentist cleans and seals the inside of the tooth with special medicated materials.
• The root canal procedure is finalized by placing a dental restoration over the top of the tooth to protect it from further harm, usually a dental crown.

Our dentists may refer patients to see a root canal specialist, an endodontist, in some cases. They work closely with the endodontist to coordinate the root canal therapy and final restoration.

Smart Planning to avoid Tooth Pain

The key to comfortable dentistry is to address problems as early as possible to avoid pain and swelling related to extensive infection. Preventive cleanings and dental examinations with necessary digital x-rays are the best defense against painful toothaches.