At Commonwealth Dentistry, our team is prepared to answer all questions pertaining to your dental health and the many treatments we offer. Oral hygiene, specifically brushing and flossing, are a vital part of your dental health. However, life happens and sometimes your teeth may require a dentist’s expertise and care. We are a full-service dental practice and we’re happy to answer your questions about the many different dental treatments and specialties we offer at Commonwealth Dentistry.
BONDING
Bonding is an alternative to porcelain veneers and can be used as a restorative procedure for teeth that are chipped, cracked, or discolored. The tooth is prepared for the procedure by lightly etching the surface and applying a bonding liquid. Once the liquid sets, a plastic resin is applied and sculpted into the desired shape by the dentist. Once set, the resin is trimmed, smoothed, and polished to a natural appearance. The bonding procedure can often be completed in a single office visit, and can improve the appearance of a tooth significantly.
BRIDGES
A bridge is a series of crowns used to replace missing teeth and it attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are typically permanently attached. Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth.
If you’re missing a tooth and wish to restore a natural looking smile, the dentists at Commonwealth Dentistry are here to help. Contact us today to learn more!
CROWNS
Crowns are a very reliable solution for major dental problems caused through accidents, diseases, or advanced wear and tear. Crowns look completely natural and are used to replace missing teeth or offer support to misshapen teeth or badly broken teeth. These treatments are used for a long-lasting correction of major dental problems.
If you need a crown, or are having an issue with an existing crown, please contact Commonwealth Dentistry today to schedule an appointment at one of our convenient Central Virginia dental practices.
DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The implants are tiny titanium posts which are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, dental implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing.
Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh, and enjoy life. If you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, please contact us to schedule your free consultation.
DENTAL SEALANTS
At Commonwealth Dentistry, we believe in doing everything we can to protect your teeth and help you maintain proper dental health. One way we do this is by offering dental sealants at all of our Central Virginia locations. Dental sealants are made of a safe plastic material that is placed on the chewing surface of your permanent back teeth in order to protect them from bacteria and acids that can contribute to tooth decay.
The dental sealants procedure is simple and takes only a few minutes. It involves a painless application in which the plastic coating is painted onto the surface of the tooth. Dental sealants are beneficial for both children and adults and will last several years.
Please give us a call to learn more information about how you can help protect your teeth with dental sealants.
DENTURES
A denture is an appliance that is inserted in the mouth to replace the appearance of natural teeth and provide support for the cheeks and lips. The teeth are made of plastic or porcelain and can be fabricated to fit over endodontically treated teeth or dental implants to allow for a secure fit.
Over a normal course of time, dentures will wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. Regular dental examinations are also still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change.
If you have questions about dentures, the team at Commonwealth Dentistry is happy to help. Contact us today to set up a consultation with one of our doctors!
FILLINGS / RESTORATIONS
Many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past, which can have many drawbacks. Fortunately, Commonwealth Dentistry can safely replace metal fillings with tooth colored inlays, onlays, and tooth colored restorations to create restorations that are not only unnoticeable but also add strength to weakened teeth.
There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Resin fillings are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth remains intact and stronger.
Contact Commonwealth Dentistry to discuss which type of tooth colored filling would be best to replace your silver fillings.
INLAYS & ONLAYS
When more than half of a tooth’s biting surface is damaged, the dentists at Commonwealth Dentistry may recommend using an inlay or onlay to repair it. Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin and are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a filling, is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth. In some cases, where the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire crown, onlays can provide a very good alternative.
VENEERS
Veneers are thin shells of ceramic that bond directly to the front surfaces of the teeth. When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to stains. They are an ideal choice for improving your smile and have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility. With proper care, porcelain veneers will brighten your smile for many years to come.
The doctors at Commonwealth Dentistry ensure that your veneers are crafted from the highest quality porcelains and are bonded with the most advanced and proven materials available. Give us a call to learn more about porcelain veneers.
ROOT CANAL
A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges. Root canals are performed when the center of a tooth becomes infected, inflamed, or necrotic, which can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures.
If you are experiencing swelling of a tooth, sensitivity to temperature, or pain in the tooth and gums, contact Commonwealth Dentistry today and we will schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
SEDATION DENTISTRY
If you experience high levels of anxiety when visiting the dentist, you may be a candidate for sedation dentistry, which is also known as Anxiolysis dentistry. Many of our doctors at Commonwealth Dentistry have advanced specialized training to administer oral sedatives prior to a dental procedure. We want our patients to feel as comfortable as possible before a procedure.
If you feel anxiety about going to the dentist, call today to schedule an appointment to discuss the various ways we can help achieve your dental goals with minimal sedation.
TEETH WHITENING
Having a beautiful smile may be even easier than you think. Many people achieve the look they’ve been dreaming of with a teeth whitening procedure, which is safe, quick, and painless. Commonwealth Dentistry offers both in-office and take home teeth whitening solutions, which are more efficient and reliable than over-the-counter options.
If you are interested in restoring the brightness to your smile, contact us today to learn more about your options.
TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
Sometimes a tooth needs to be extracted because it is severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
If you require a tooth extraction, the doctors at Commonwealth Dentistry are here to help.
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
If you are looking for a Pediatric Dentist to take care of your children’s dental needs, you’ve come to the right place. Our Board Certified Dentist specializes in comprehensive pediatric dental care including anticipatory guidance for infants and toddlers, preventative dentistry, restorative dentistry, extraction of primary and permanent teeth needed for orthodontics, special needs dentistry, oral conscious sedation dentistry and IV sedation dentistry