Dental Restoraton for Missing Teeth, Crooked Teeth, Broken Teeth
Merrell Family Dentistry

704.857.6161

702 S. Highland Ave.
Landis, NC 28088

RESTORATION

We can repair and restore cracked or missing teeth with a variety of methods and new technologies.

Tooth restorations are the various ways your dentist can replace missing teeth or repair missing parts of the tooth structure. Tooth structure can be missing due to decay, deterioration of a previously placed restoration, or fracture of a tooth.

See below for more…

cosmetic dentistry mooresville, nc
cosmetic dentistry mooresville, nc

RESTORATION

We can repair and restore cracked or missing teeth with a variety of methods and new technologies.

Tooth restorations are the various ways your dentist can replace missing teeth or repair missing parts of the tooth structure. Tooth structure can be missing due to decay, deterioration of a previously placed restoration, or fracture of a tooth.

See below for more…

  • CROWNS
    same day crowns
    crowns before and after
    same day crowns and implants landis, nc
    same day crowns mooresville, nc
    CROWNS

    Also known as a cap, a crown is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. Crowns are used when a tooth cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. Although there are several types of crowns, tooth colored crowns are the most widely used today. They are extremely durable and will last many years; however, like most dental restorations, they could eventually need replacing. This is most often a same-day procedure in our office.

    A dental crown may be needed in the following situations:

    ● Broken or fractured teeth
    ● Cosmetic enhancement
    ● Decayed teeth
    ● Fractured fillings
    ● Large fillings
    ● Tooth has a root canal

    Watch these videos to learn more about this procedure.

    All Porcelain Crowns

    CAD/CAM Restoration Procedure

  • BRIDGES
    BRIDGES
    same day bridges mooresville, nc

    Reasons for a fixed bridge:

    ● Fill space of missing teeth and distribute the forces of your bite properly
    ● Maintain facial shape
    ● Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
    ● Restore chewing and speaking ability
    ● Restore your smile
    ● Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a fixed dental appliance

    A bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.

    There are several types of bridges. You and your dentist will discuss the best options for your particular case. The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type. This type of bridge consists of two crowns on anchoring teeth (abutment teeth), typically on each side of a space created by missing teeth. Those crowns are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), which bridge the gap created the missing teeth.

    A bridge is highly durable and will last for many years; however, it may need replacement or repair due to normal wear.

    Watch these videos to learn more about Bridges.

    All Porcelain Bridge

    Post-Op Instructions for a Bridge

  • IMPLANTS
    IMPLANTS
    before and after implants
    Stacks Image 47674

    The closest you can get to healthy, natural teeth.

    Dental implants are a great way to replace individual missing teeth and can also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.

    Dental implants are artificial roots (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist or dental specialist. After a healing period, a crown is attached to the implant. The implant will look, feel, and function like a natural tooth and help preserve your natural bone by preventing the deterioration that tooth removal causes.

    Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable. With good care they can last many years. On occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

    There are many advantages to dental implants, including:

    • Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
    • Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
    • Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
    • Restore a patient’s confident smile.
    • Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.

    Watch this video to learn more about these procedures.

    implant supported dentures
    implant supported dentures
    IMPLANT SUPPORTED DENTURES

    If the fit of your conventional dentures is a concern, implant-supported dentures can be a beneficial option.

    Implant-supported dentures can provide a better fit and higher stability than conventional ones.
    Removable implant-supported dentures are attached to dental implants, but can be removed daily for cleaning.
    The implants act as anchors for the retentive components attached to the denture, which allow the patient to remove and reattach the denture.
    There are different retention concepts and systems, all with beneficial results and the denture is removable for everyday oral hygiene.

    Watch these videos to learn more about Implant-Supported Dentures.

    Implant Supported Fixed Dentures

    Implant Supported Removable Dentures

  • TOOTH FILLINGS
    tooth fillings

    Silver Filling

    tooth filling

    Tooth Colored Filling

    TOOTH FILLINGS

    Fillings are the most common type of dental restoration. Teeth can be filled with gold, silver amalgam, or tooth-colored plastic materials called composite resin fillings.

    To treat a cavity, your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then "fill" the area on the tooth where the decayed material was removed.

    Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from misuse (such as from nail-biting or tooth grinding).


    Advantages of silver fillings:

    • Durability — silver fillings usually outlast composite (tooth-colored) fillings.
    • Strength – can withstand chewing forces
    • Expense–is less expensive than composite fillings

    Advantages of tooth-colored fillings:

    • Aesthetics – the shade/color of the composite fillings can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth. Composites are particularly well suited for use in front teeth or visible parts of teeth.
    • Bonding to tooth structure — composite fillings actually chemically bond to tooth structure, providing further support.
    • Versatility — in addition to use as a filling material for decay, composite fillings can also be used to repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth.
    • Tooth-sparing preparation – sometimes less tooth structure needs to be removed compared with amalgam fillings when removing decay and preparing for the filling.

    Advantages of silver fillings:

    • Durability — silver fillings usually outlast composite (tooth-colored) fillings.
    • Strength – can withstand chewing forces
    • Expense–is less expensive than composite fillings

    Advantages of tooth-colored fillings:

    • Aesthetics – the shade/color of the composite fillings can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth. Composites are particularly well suited for use in front teeth or visible parts of teeth.
    • Bonding to tooth structure — composite fillings actually chemically bond to tooth structure, providing further support.
    • Versatility — in addition to use as a filling material for decay, composite fillings can also be used to repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth.
    • Tooth-sparing preparation – sometimes less tooth structure needs to be removed compared with amalgam fillings when removing decay and preparing for the filling.
  • ROOT CANALS
    root canal
    ROOT CANALS

    Root canal therapy is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected.

    A root canal procedure is performed when the nerve of the tooth becomes infected or the pulp becomes damaged. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.

    Root canal procedures have the reputation of being painful. Actually, most people report that the procedure itself is no more painful than having a filling placed. The discomfort experienced in the period leading up to seeking dental care is truly painful, not the root canal procedure itself.

    When nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down, and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. The bacteria and other decayed debris can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of a tooth’s root.

    In addition to an abscess, an infection in the root canal of a tooth can cause:

    • Swelling that may spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head

    • Bone loss around the tip of the root

    • Drainage problems extending outward from the root. A hole can occur through the side of the tooth, with drainage into the gums or through the cheek into the skin.

    • Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth

    • Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position

    Watch the videos to learn more about root canals.

    Root Canal Therapy

    Crown After A Root Canal

    Post Op Instructions After Root Canal

  • EXTRACTIONS
    tooth extraction
    tooth extraction pulling teeth
    EXTRACTIONS

    Although permanent teeth were meant to last a lifetime, there are a number of reasons why tooth extraction may be needed.

    A very common reason involves a tooth that is too badly damaged, from trauma or decay, to be repaired.

    Other reasons include:

    • A crowded mouth – Sometimes dentists pull teeth to prepare the mouth for orthodontia. The goal of orthodontia is to properly align the teeth, which may not be possible if your teeth are too big for your mouth. Likewise, if a tooth cannot break through the gum (erupt) because there is not room in the mouth for it, your dentist may recommend pulling it.
    • Infection— If tooth decay or damage extends to the pulp -- the center of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels -- bacteria in the mouth can enter the pulp, leading to infection. Often this can be corrected with root canal therapy (RCT), but if the infection is so severe that antibiotics or RCT do not cure it, extraction may be needed to prevent the spread of infection.
    • Risk of infection — If your immune system is compromised (for example, if you are receiving chemotherapy or are having an organ transplant), even the risk of infection in a particular tooth may be reason enough to pull the tooth.
    • Tooth-sparing preparation – sometimes less tooth structure needs to be removed compared with amalgam fillings when removing decay and preparing for the filling.

    Watch this video for helpful instructions after a tooth extractcion.

    Post Op Instructions After Extraction

  • DENTURES
    Complete Dentures at Merrell Family Dentistry

    Full Dentures

    Partial Dentures at Merrell Family Dentistry

    Partial Dentures

    DENTURES

    A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Two types of dentures are available – complete and partial dentures.

    Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.

    Complete dentures can be either "conventional" or "immediate." Made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal, a conventional denture is ready for placement in the mouth about eight to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed and the extraction sites have healed. An immediate denture is fabricated while the front teeth are still in place. Those teeth are removed the day the denture is placed in the mouth. With an immediate denture, a re-fitting (or reline) is often needed once the extraction sites have healed.

    Partial Dentures or a bridge usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which is sometimes connected by a metal framework that holds the partial denture in place in the mouth. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw.

    IMPLANT SUPPORTED DENTURES
    implant supported dentures
    implant supported denture

    If the fit of your conventional dentures is a concern, implant-supported dentures can be a beneficial option.

    Implant-supported dentures can provide a better fit and higher stability than conventional ones.
    Removable implant-supported dentures are attached to dental implants, but can be removed daily for cleaning.
    The implants act as anchors for the retentive components attached to the denture, which allow the patient to remove and reattach the denture.
    There are different retention concepts and systems, all with beneficial results and the denture is removable for everyday oral hygiene.

    Watch these videos to learn more about these procedures.

    Implant Supported Fixed Dentures

    Implant Supported Removable Dentures

    Post Op Instructions After Dentures

CROWNS 
before and after crowns
implants
same day crowns
CROWNS

Also known as a cap, a crown is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. Crowns are used when a tooth cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. Although there are several types of crowns, tooth colored crowns are the most widely used today. They are extremely durable and will last many years; however, like most dental restorations, they could eventually need replacing. This is most often a same-day procedure in our office.

A dental crown may be needed in the following situations:

● Broken or fractured teeth
● Cosmetic enhancement
● Decayed teeth
● Fractured fillings
● Large fillings
● Tooth has a root canal

Watch these videos to learn more about this procedure.

Crown Procedure Video

CAD/CAM Restoration Procedure

BRIDGES 
same day bridges

Reasons for a fixed bridge:

● Fill space of missing teeth and distribute the forces of your bite properly
● Maintain facial shape
● Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
● Restore chewing and speaking ability
● Restore your smile
● Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a fixed dental appliance
BRIDGES

A bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.

There are several types of bridges. You and your dentist will discuss the best options for your particular case. The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type. This type of bridge consists of two crowns on anchoring teeth (abutment teeth), typically on each side of a space created by missing teeth. Those crowns are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), which bridge the gap created the missing teeth.

A bridge is highly durable and will last for many years; however, it may need replacement or repair due to normal wear.

Watch these videos to learn more about this procedure.

All Porcelain Bridge

Post Op Instructions for Bridge

IMPLANTS 
before and after implant
Stacks Image 35815
IMPLANTS

The closest you can get to healthy, natural teeth.

Dental implants are a great way to replace individual missing teeth and can also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.

Dental implants are artificial roots (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist or dental specialist. After a healing period, a crown is attached to the implant. The implant will look, feel, and function like a natural tooth and help preserve your natural bone by preventing the deterioration that tooth removal causes.

Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable. With good care they can last many years. On occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

There are many advantages to dental implants, including:

  • Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
  • Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
  • Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
  • Restore a patient’s confident smile.
  • Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.

Watch the videos to learn more about this procedure.

Implant Procedure

implant supported dentures
implant supported dentures
IMPLANT SUPPORTED DENTURES

If the fit of your conventional dentures is a concern, implant-supported dentures can be a beneficial option.

Implant-supported dentures can provide a better fit and higher stability than conventional ones.
Removable implant-supported dentures are attached to dental implants, but can be removed daily for cleaning.
The implants act as anchors for the retentive components attached to the denture, which allow the patient to remove and reattach the denture.
There are different retention concepts and systems, all with beneficial results and the denture is removable for everyday oral hygiene.

Implant Supported Fixed Dentures

Implant Supported Removable Dentures

Post Op Instructions After Dentures

TOOTH FILLINGS 
silver tooth fillings

Silver Filling

tooth colored fillings

Tooth Colored Filling

TOOTH FILLINGS

Fillings are the most common type of dental restoration. Teeth can be filled with gold, silver amalgam, or tooth-colored plastic materials called composite resin fillings.

To treat a cavity, your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then "fill" the area on the tooth where the decayed material was removed.

Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from misuse (such as from nail-biting or tooth grinding).


Advantages of silver fillings:

  • Durability — silver fillings usually outlast composite (tooth-colored) fillings.
  • Strength – can withstand chewing forces
  • Expense–is less expensive than composite fillings

Advantages of tooth-colored fillings:

  • Aesthetics – the shade/color of the composite fillings can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth. Composites are particularly well suited for use in front teeth or visible parts of teeth.
  • Bonding to tooth structure — composite fillings actually chemically bond to tooth structure, providing further support.
  • Versatility — in addition to use as a filling material for decay, composite fillings can also be used to repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth.
  • Tooth-sparing preparation – sometimes less tooth structure needs to be removed compared with amalgam fillings when removing decay and preparing for the filling.
ROOT CANALS 
root canals

Watch the videos to learn more about root canals.

Root Canal Therapy

Crown After A Root Canal

Post Op Instructions After Root Canal

ROOT CANALS

Root canal therapy is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected.

A root canal procedure is performed when the nerve of the tooth becomes infected or the pulp becomes damaged. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.

Root canal procedures have the reputation of being painful. Actually, most people report that the procedure itself is no more painful than having a filling placed. The discomfort experienced in the period leading up to seeking dental care is truly painful, not the root canal procedure itself.

When nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down, and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. The bacteria and other decayed debris can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of a tooth’s root.

In addition to an abscess, an infection in the root canal of a tooth can cause:

  • Swelling that may spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head
  • Bone loss around the tip of the root • Drainage problems extending outward from the root. A hole can occur through the side of the tooth, with drainage into the gums or through the cheek into the skin.
  • Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
  • Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
EXTRACTIONS 
tooth extraction
tooth extraction pulling

Watch this video for post op instructions after your extraction.

Post Op Instructions After Extracton

EXTRACTIONS

Although permanent teeth were meant to last a lifetime, there are a number of reasons why tooth extraction may be needed.

A very common reason involves a tooth that is too badly damaged, from trauma or decay, to be repaired.

Other reasons include:

  • A crowded mouth – Sometimes dentists pull teeth to prepare the mouth for orthodontia. The goal of orthodontia is to properly align the teeth, which may not be possible if your teeth are too big for your mouth. Likewise, if a tooth cannot break through the gum (erupt) because there is not room in the mouth for it, your dentist may recommend pulling it.
  • Infection— If tooth decay or damage extends to the pulp -- the center of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels -- bacteria in the mouth can enter the pulp, leading to infection. Often this can be corrected with root canal therapy (RCT), but if the infection is so severe that antibiotics or RCT do not cure it, extraction may be needed to prevent the spread of infection.
  • Risk of infection — If your immune system is compromised (for example, if you are receiving chemotherapy or are having an organ transplant), even the risk of infection in a particular tooth may be reason enough to pull the tooth.
  • Tooth-sparing preparation – sometimes less tooth structure needs to be removed compared with amalgam fillings when removing decay and preparing for the filling.
DENTURES 
DENTURES
Complete Dentures at Merrell Family Dentistry

Full Dentures

Partial Dentures at Merrell Family Dentistry

Partial Dentures

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Two types of dentures are available – complete and partial dentures.

Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.

Complete dentures can be either "conventional" or "immediate." Made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal, a conventional denture is ready for placement in the mouth about eight to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed and the extraction sites have healed. An immediate denture is fabricated while the front teeth are still in place. Those teeth are removed the day the denture is placed in the mouth. With an immediate denture, a re-fitting (or reline) is often needed once the extraction sites have healed.

Partial Dentures or a bridge usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which is sometimes connected by a metal framework that holds the partial denture in place in the mouth. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw.

IMPLANT SUPPORTED DENTURES
implant supported dentures
implant supported dentures

If the fit of your conventional dentures is a concern, implant-supported dentures can be a beneficial option.

Implant-supported dentures can provide a better fit and higher stability than conventional ones.
Removable implant-supported dentures are attached to dental implants, but can be removed daily for cleaning.
The implants act as anchors for the retentive components attached to the denture, which allow the patient to remove and reattach the denture.
There are different retention concepts and systems, all with beneficial results and the denture is removable for everyday oral hygiene.

Watch these videos to learn more about this procedure.

Implant Supported Fixed Dentures

Implant Supported Removable Dentures

Post Op Instructions After Dentures

PHONE
HOURS

Monday–Thursday  
8:00 am–2:00 pm
Closed 1:00–2:00 pm
2:00 pm–5:00 pm
Friday
Closed

ADDRESS

702 S. Highland Ave.
Landis, NC 28088

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