Fillings  > images
Under local anesthesia for your complete comfort, Dr. Woodruff will remove the decay (shown to the right), and shape the tooth to hold the filling.

In the image, an amalgam filling is circled on the right and a tooth-colored composite filling is circled on the left. Dr. Woodruff generally treats with a tooth-colored composite filling.

Inlays / Onlays
An inlay is used more like a filling that restores normal tooth structure. It is best applied if the surface is small and only involves the chewing surface and surfaces between the teeth.

An onlay is similar to an inlay but treats larger areas, that cover the entire chewing surface of a tooth. Onlays are recommended for larger tooth restorations and when chewing surfaces require long-term protection.

Inlays and onlays are valuable for restoring teeth that are severely decayed or worn. Typically, they are applied to the chewing surfaces on the back teeth. They can be made from porcelain, a composite resin chosen to match the color of your teeth, or a mixture of metals called an alloy. Alloys can be a mixture of precious metals such as gold and platinum.

Dr. Woodruff first prepares the tooth by removing portions of decay or damage. He then shapes the remaining tooth structure in preparation for the inlay or onlay. An impression of the tooth is made along with opposing teeth and the bite. From the impression, a plaster model is formed that will be used to prepare a custom-fit inlay or onlay, matching the contours of the tooth.

Since both inlays and onlays are custom-made, a second appointment is needed to check the fit and to cement the inlay or onlay permanently. At that appointment, Dr. Woodruff will make any adjustments to the bite. A polishing adds the final touch to this restorative treatment.

Crowns  > images
Crowns (sometimes referred to as caps) are used to cover teeth that have been weakened by decay around fillings or have been severely damaged, decayed, chipped, discolored, or misaligned. Crowns may also be required after root canal therapy or when a tooth cracks or breaks. The most common materials used for crowns are metal (gold), porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal. Crowns can last from five to more than 15 years, depending on the material used and the care you give your teeth.

It will take two visits to receive your crown. On the first visit, Dr. Woodruff will remove any decay and shape the tooth into a base for the crown. He will make an impression so the crown will be an exact fit. While you wait, a temporary crown is then made and placed over the tooth.

During your second visit, about four weeks later, Dr. Woodruff will remove the temporary crown and cement a custom-made crown to the tooth.

Bridges  > images
A bridge is a dental appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth. A fixed bridge consists of a false tooth or fused teeth between crowns that are cemented onto the surrounding teeth on either side of the space. Bridges are made of gold alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials.

A bridge is recommended if you are missing teeth and are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene. If you do not fill the space in your mouth left by missing teeth, this space can cause the surrounding teeth to tilt toward the empty space and can cause teeth and gums to become more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.

A bridge is commonly cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth or teeth. A pontic, or false tooth, replaces the missing tooth and is attached to the crowns. The crowns are cemented onto the natural teeth and provide support for the bridge.

With a bridge, it is very important to keep your remaining teeth healthy by brushing twice a day and flossing. A bridge can lose its support if the teeth or the bone that hold it becomes damaged by dental disease. It also is important to visit your dentist regularly. With good oral hygiene, a fixed bridge often lasts eight to ten years or longer. A commitment to good oral hygiene is important. Otherwise, plaque (a sticky film of saliva, bacteria, and food) can build up and cause cavities, gum problems, and/or decay, which could lead to the loss of the bridge.

Implants  > images
Tooth loss can have a far-reaching effect on your dental health and personal appearance. When you lose one or more teeth, your remaining teeth can drift out of position. This can lead to a change in your bite, loss of additional teeth, decay, and gum disease.

Dental implants can be an effective method to replace one or several teeth. Each implant contains several sections: a metal anchor that is inserted into the jawbone, as well as an abutment that passes through the gum tissue. The abutment is fitted with an artificial tooth, or acts as an anchor for several teeth. Implants can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even help support a full arch of replacement teeth. The process requires surgery and may take up to a year to complete.