We do everything we can to prevent cavities and other problems in your smile before they can happen, but sometimes they can still appear. In the event you need simple or complex restorative dentistry in Rancho Bernardo, CA from Dr. Nelson Y. Howard, you can begin treatment with the confidence that you’re never forced to sacrifice function for esthetics and vice versa. His many years of experience in restorative dentistry means you can both save your natural teeth and feel comfortable showing your restorations off to friends and families following your treatment.
Whether your tooth has suffered damaged by decay, you recently experienced a physical injury that left your tooth cracked, or an old dental filling needs to be replaced with something more substantial, a custom-made dental crown is likely the solution. Made from high-quality, long-lasting ceramics, Dr. Howard’s dental crowns are one of the most versatile treatments you can receive. While they can be used to restore teeth, they are also ideal for creating more complex restorations, such as dental bridges and dental implant teeth.
In order to replace individual teeth, a series of crowns can be fused together to create one larger restoration called a bridge. Dental bridges are made from three or more crowns, then placed on top of existing natural teeth to fill a gap in your smile. The existing teeth are slightly modified to act as anchors for the future bridge. The crowns on either end are shaped so they can fit on top of your natural teeth, while the crowns in between them (known as pontics) fill the gap, making your smile complete and eating your favorite foods easy!
For years, dental fillings were made from silver amalgam which could be done quickly and be inexpensive, even though they sacrificed healthy tooth structure and eventually resulted in expansion and contraction of tooth structure often leading to tooth fractures. At Dr. Howard’s dental office, we utilizes tooth-colored composite resins over amalgam not just because they look more natural inside your teeth, but mainly because they do not require removing healthy tooth enamel compared to amalgam fillings. Composite resin is also less likely to fluctuate in shape when exposed to hot and cold temperatures, improving longevity and durability.
Looking for total dental rehabilitation for a severely compromised smile? Not only can we restore your teeth to their most ideal state of function, but we can make your smile and teeth look completely natural, giving you the confidence to show it off to friends and family. After performing a comprehensive examination from Dr. Howard, he’ll suggest a treatment plan that works to replace teeth, repair damaged enamel, and remove stains and other imperfections.
Learn About Full Mouth Reconstruction
Missing several teeth on opposite sides of your mouth? Missing all the teeth in your top and/or bottom arch? Our dental office can create a fully personalized and lifelike dentures that fit inside your mouth precisely. For example, partial dentures made from a metal base with acrylic or ceramic materials can replace multiple teeth throughout your mouth, while full dentures held in place via natural suction work to replace all teeth in a given arch.