Restorative Dentistry
At Stephen L Ruchlin DDS, our goal is to prevent dental problems before they occur. Unfortunately, this is not always possible due to poor oral hygiene, genetics, infrequent checkups, and other risk factors. This is why we also specialize in restorative dentistry. Our restorative services are designed to improve the function and aesthetics of your smile, as well as your overall oral health.All-on-X Dental Implants
All-on-X is a whole, full-mouth teeth replacement solution that works for those who have entire arches of missing teeth. It is a specialized dentistry procedure that a qualified dentist can employ to replace a complete row of teeth using just as few as two to four dental implant posts. These implants are placed in the bottom or top jaw, thereby positioning themselves in the jawbone at a go. This way, it eliminates the possibility of having a mouth full of individual dental implants for each tooth.
Learn more about All-on-X Dental implants.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are the best way to restore minor to moderate instances of tooth decay. Most fillings these days consist of a material known as composite resin. Composite resin is an aesthetically-pleasing material that we color-match to the existing shade of your enamel. For this reason, a composite filling is virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your tooth.
Learn more about tooth colored dental fillings.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that improves the structure and cosmetics of a damaged or decayed tooth. During the procedure, your tooth must be completely reshaped to accommodate the shape of the crown. Once the tooth is reshaped, we will permanently bond the crown to the enamel using a special adhesive. Many crowns are fabricated these days with porcelain, due to its unmatched aesthetics.
Discover how a dental crown can be used on a damaged or decayed tooth.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a tooth replacement that typically consists of two dental crowns linked together by a pontic, or false tooth. A traditional bridge is supported by the two surrounding teeth, known as abutment teeth, that we reshape to receive the crowns. A bridge can also be supported by a series of dental implants if multiple adjacent teeth are missing. If you are missing a tooth, a bridge will prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of their proper position.
Read more about how a dental bridge can help if you have a missing tooth.
Dental Implant Placement
A dental implant is a small titanium post that we surgically embed into the jawbone. The implant serves as the root component of a prosthetic tooth. Once the implant is in place, it will fuse to the bone during the process of osseointegration. Osseointegration allows the implant to support a restoration against the strongest forces of your bite. For this reason, dental implants are widely considered to be the next best thing to your natural teeth.
Learn more about the benefits of dental implants.
Dentures to Implant Bridge
Dentures have historically been the most common way for people to restore their confident smiles if their jaw health declines and they suffer severe tooth loss. Dental restoration procedures have come a long way, offering more options for you to choose from. Dental implants are the mainstay in various dental restoration procedures. However, the most suitable dental implant procedure for your needs can vary on several factors.
Learn more about dentures to implant bridges.
Dental Implant Restoration
Dental implants have numerous benefits over more traditional restorations. In short, an implant-supported restoration will look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. Whether we use porcelain or zirconia, most people will not realize you have a restoration!
Learn more about implant restoration.
Dentures: Complete, Partial & Custom
A denture is a removable appliance that is usually used to replace one or more missing teeth. A partial denture usually attaches to the surrounding teeth with metal clasps. A complete denture consists of a flesh-colored acrylic base that supports a complete arch of prosthetic teeth. We offer custom-fit dentures as a more comfortable, functional, and durable solution.
Discover how different types of removable dentures can replace missing teeth.
Inlays & Onlays
Inlays and onlays are ideal for areas of decay too large for a filling, but not large enough to require the placement of a dental crown. The restoration is considered an inlay if it is placed within the occlusal (bite) surface of a tooth. The restoration is considered an onlay if it extends beyond one or more of the occlusal cusps.
Read more about inlays and onlays.
TMJ
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), allows us to move our joint forwards, backward, and side-to-side. Any problems that prevent us from using this joint properly are known as TMD or temporomandibular joint disorders. We provide some treatments designed to alleviate any pain or discomfort associated with the TMJ.
Read more about TMJ and the treatments available to help with pain.
Root Canal
A root canal is a last-ditch effort to save a tooth from extraction. We may recommend a root canal if an infection has spread to the “pulpy” center of the tooth that contains nerve endings and other connective tissues. Once the infection has been removed, we fill the canals with a rubber-like material known as gutta-percha. A tooth that has received root canal treatment typically needs to be capped with a crown.
Discover how a root canal could save a tooth from being extracted.
Tooth Extraction
There are two types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical. We perform a simple extraction on a tooth that has already erupted above the gumline. We perform a surgical extraction on a tooth that has become impacted, or has yet to erupt, such as wisdom teeth. Extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection and other complications.
Learn more about tooth extractions and when they are necessary.
Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about our restorative services call (585) 427-7820, and schedule your appointment now!