When a cavity is left untreated, it can lead to an abscessed (infected) tooth. This refers to a pocket of pus that forms in the pulp of the tooth, which can cause pain and swelling, tooth sensitivity, and/or a chip or crack in the tooth. An abscessed tooth needs immediate attention to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.

If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be a candidate for a bridge. At Mid Bay Dental, porcelain or ceramic bridges are used to match your existing teeth and span the distance between your teeth. We then cement the bridge to nearby natural teeth for a beautiful, natural-looking smile. A bridge is a permanent solution for a missing tooth.

Advances in dentistry have made fillings less obvious than ever before. New and old fillings can now be matched to your natural teeth to produce a beautiful smile that is free of silver mercury amalgam. Tooth-colored fillings are more resilient and can last years longer than traditional metal fillings.

A cracked tooth can cause tooth sensitivity and pain while biting. Often, cracks in your teeth can be difficult to detect, so it’s important to see an experienced dentist like Dr. Chase if you experience tooth pain. Because they can lead to infection, cracked teeth must be prevented with early intervention helping to greatly improve the outcome. Cracked or missing teeth can be restored with crowns, dentures, or implants.

If the condition of a tooth has been compromised due to infection or decay and it is too weak to take a filling, we use porcelain crowns to restore the tooth’s strength and beauty. If you are missing a tooth, a crown may be used with a dental implant. Once it is in place, a crown looks and feels just like your own tooth.

If you have several missing teeth or extensive tooth decay or gum disease, you may be a candidate for full or partial dentures. Unlike bridges and dental implants, dentures are removable. Your dentures will be custom molded to give you the best and most comfortable fit.

Dental implants replace missing teeth. They are surgically placed in the jawbone to serve as anchors for the attachment of replacement teeth, crowns, and partial or full dentures.

Most dental implants require a series of dentist visits in order to create custom-fit implants that feel and function just like the teeth you were born with. As long as you have healthy gums and bone structure in your mouth, you may be a candidate for dental implant surgery. If maintained properly, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Patients who need dentures but prefer a prosthesis that is not moveable may prefer an implant-supported full-arch prosthesis.

Implant-supported dentures are anchored to your jaw with titanium posts and remain permanently in your mouth. This eliminates the need for adhesives and prevents embarrassing slippage while eating or talking. They also help wearers to speak more clearly by remaining set in place.

Patients who need dentures but prefer a prosthesis that is not moveable may prefer an implant-supported full-arch prosthesis.

Implant-supported dentures are anchored to your jaw with titanium posts and remain permanently in your mouth. This eliminates the need for adhesives and prevents embarrassing slippage while eating or talking. They also help wearers to speak more clearly by remaining set in place.

Cleanings are important for preventing dental conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease. We recommend routine cleanings for kids (4+) and adults every 6 months. We know many people – especially children – are anxious about dental exams, so we do our very best to ensure they are as pain-free and as comfortable as possible.

During a cleaning, the dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, and then floss and polish them. We also perform digital X-rays with reduced radiation to look below the surface and detect any problems before they occur. We also conduct oral cancer screenings as part of each comprehensive exam.

A number of factors may contribute to tooth sensitivity, including gum disease, cracked teeth, cavities, and erosion (a condition that occurs when the tooth enamel has been worn down). If you have sensitive teeth, you may benefit from a special toothpaste, or you may need a dental procedure like bonding to treat it.

Toothaches are a sure sign that it’s time to see your dentist. It can be a sign of a cavity or something more serious, including a cracked tooth or an abscess. In severe cases, an emergency tooth extraction may be necessary.