Restorative Dentistry
Edge Dental Houston, TX
You don’t have to live with damage, discoloration or gaps when it comes to your teeth.
There is a procedure that is right for you and your unique situation. From bridges, to dentures, to implants, we can help or point you in the right direction.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the closest dental restoration to your original teeth. They are natural-looking and provide the functionality of a normal tooth. Dental Implants require the same maintenance as a normal tooth; brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups. Dental implants can replace missing or severely damaged teeth and can be used to secure restorations like dentures and dental bridges. Patients with dental implants often have greater satisfaction and better results than with other types of dental restorations.
Tooth Filling
Fillings are used to restore areas of your tooth affected by decay. Dr. Lai uses composite (tooth-colored) materials to “fill in” the surface of the tooth after all decay has been removed.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and inlays help us to secure and save the integrity of a tooth that is too damaged for a filling, but not damaged enough for a crown.
Dentures
Dentures are a replacement option for missing teeth. A complete denture is a removable prosthesis of white plastic teeth in a pink gum-colored plastic base; the denture rests on the remaining gum ridge once all of the teeth in the arch have been removed.
Dental Bridges
Bridges are used to replace a missing tooth in both a cosmetic and functional fashion. A bridge structure is one or more artificial teeth anchored in place by natural teeth, crowns or implants, on each side of the bridge. Using a bridge to fill the gap from missing teeth helps restore proper bite. It also prevents teeth from shifting to fill the gap (which may lead to additional bite and jaw joint issues). Bridges can be constructed from gold, porcelain and metal, or ceramic. Ceramic bridge color is made to match your natural tooth color. Material choice will depend on structural requirements, wear and aesthetics.
Dental Crowns
Crowns are used to restore teeth severely damaged by fracture or decay. After the tooth surface is cleaned and prepared, the crown is placed to cover the remainder of the tooth.
Bonding
Bonding is a procedure where we apply a tooth-colored composite material to a tooth, shape it, allow it to harden and polish it. It can be used in certain situations where a tooth has been damaged or become stained. These are generally minor repairs that can be resolved through this relatively inexpensive means rather than through a more costly dental procedure.
Root Canal Therapy
A “root canal,” or endodontic therapy, is a procedure available to save a tooth that is infected and would otherwise require extraction. There are many reasons that teeth can become infected, including: cavities, previous large fillings, crowns, cracks and trauma.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a common treatment for dealing with gum disease. This treatment is often referred to as a deep cleaning for your teeth, during which we clean all visible surfaces of your teeth as well as those surfaces below your gum line. Scaling is the cleaning of the visible surfaces of your teeth.
TMJ Treatment
TMJ disorder is a term that refers to some different issues that impact the health of your jaw and TMJ. These issues can cause significant pain and interfere with your quality of life. Things like eating and speaking become difficult, even excruciating.
Dental Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening (AKA: “crown-elongation” or “crown-extension”) is a surgical procedure that is done when the tooth is too short to provide adequate retention for a restoration (usually a crown).