Tooth Repair Treatments in Edinburgh
At Hope Park Dental Practice we offer a wide range of options for repairing and restoring teeth. Including:
Composite Fillings (White Fillings)
Composite fillings are tooth coloured fillings (white). These can be used to repair chips in teeth, fill teeth after decay has been removed and to improve the appearance of teeth. They bond to the tooth structure so can be more conservative of tooth structure. They can also be used to build up a tooth when there is very little tooth structure left.
Inlays/Onlays
These are usually made from porcelain and are used to repair a tooth when a large area is missing. This is a two appointment process, the tooth is prepared by us in the practice and some impressions are taken at the first appointment, these are then sent to our dental laboratory where a skilled dental technician will make the inlay/onlay. At the second appointment we bond this to your tooth. The part of your tooth that is missing is replaced by tooth coloured porcelain type material. This is a strong and aesthetically good option.
Veneers
Veneers are used to improve the appearance of teeth. Whether it is the shape, colour or position. Usually veneers are used for front upper teeth. Veneers are a thin covering which is bonded directly to the front surface of your teeth, meaning in most cases very little preparation to your natural tooth and in some cases no preparation at all is required. Veneers can also be used to fill gaps between teeth, and in this case are bonded to the front and side of the tooth. Veneers are not always suitable for everyone and this can be assessed by one of our dentists.
Root Canal Treatment
When a tooth’s nerve has become irreversibly inflamed, this eventually causes the nerve inside of the tooth to die and become infected. In order to try to save the tooth, root canal treatment must be done. This involves the dentist removing the remaining nerve and infection, disinfecting, shaping and filling the root canals. This is usually done over 2 visits to ensure the most successful outcome. This is a skilled and time consuming procedure, which our dentist Grace Leek has a particular interest in, as well as improving old root canal treatments which patients have had done in the past.
Crowns
Sometimes when a tooth is heavy broken down a crown is required to protect the remaining tooth. This is essentially a cap, which is usually tooth coloured, placed over the remaining prepared natural tooth giving protection, strength and improves the appearance. This is done over 2 visits, at the 1st appointment we will prepare your natural tooth, make you a temporary crown and take some impressions to send to our dental laboratory where a skilled dental technician will make your crown. This is then sent back to us for the 2nd appointment where we will cement this. Crowns are available in tooth coloured porcelain or ceramic materials or also available in various precious or non precious metals, such as gold.
Repairing Teeth FAQS
What causes tooth decay?
Tooth decay can be caused by insufficient cleaning of your teeth, particularly when combined with the consumption of sugary snacks and drinks. Without regular, effective cleaning, cavities can form on the surface of your teeth. These are small holes that can grow larger and deeper into the teeth if left untreated.
How to treat tooth decay?
The best treatment for tooth decay is to prevent them from developing in the first place. This can be achieved by brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, avoiding sugary snacks/drinks and visiting your dentist regularly. If cavities have already begun to develop, it is essential to visit your dentist immediately to receive the necessary treatment.
How to fix a chipped tooth?
To treat a chipped tooth, we would recommend a composite filling. These are teeth (white) coloured fillings that fill gaps in teeth to improve their appearance.
What are veeners?
Veneers are a popular treatment for improving the appearance of teeth. A thin covering is bonded directly to the front surface of your teeth, or in some cases can be used to fill gaps between teeth.
How strong are crowns on front teeth?
The strength of a crown depends on the material used. Porcelain or ceramic crowns tend not to be as durable as metal crowns such as gold or silver, however they are strong enough for front teeth where less chewing action is required.
What is a composite filling?
A composite filling is a white coloured filling used to improve the appearance of teeth by filling the gaps left by a chipped tooth or after tooth decay has been treated. Composite fillings bond to the tooth structure to add more stability.