General Dentistry

A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. If you have a tooth that requires a filling, the dentist will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned out cavity with a filling material.

A filling helps prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter. If decay or a fracture has damaged a large portion of the tooth, a crown (or 'cap') may be recommended. Decay that has reached the nerve may be treated through root canal therapy or through a procedure called pulp capping.

Crowns and bridges are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged or to take the place of missing teeth. A crown (also referred to as a cap) is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthens a tooth, but it can dramatically improve a tooth's appearance, shape, and alignment. Crowns may be used to:

• Replace a large filling when there is little tooth structure remaining
• Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
• Restore a fractured tooth
• Attach a bridge
• Cover a dental implant
• Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
• Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment
  

A bridge is an ideal method to fill the space created by missing teeth. A bridge is one or more artificial teeth cemented into place using the teeth on either side for support. This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science since it replaces a missing tooth both functionally and cosmetically.

The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic material made to match your natural tooth color. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and aesthetics. It is important that a missing tooth is replaced as soon as possible.

If not treated, the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward. Since teeth use their neighbors for support, if one is missing they begin to "fall" and shift into the open spaces. This may worsen the bite because of the changes in pressure and can eventually result in problems with the jaw such as TMJ.

Bridges and crowns are made by first taking an impression of your mouth. The impression is sent to a dental lab where your crown or bridge will be custom-made to fit your mouth and match your natural tooth color. A temporary crown or bridge will be placed into your mouth until your permanent crown or bridge is ready and cemented into place.

Bridges and crowns are very durable and can last a lifetime with extra care and good oral hygiene.

If you are experiencing a visible injury or swelling of the gum and tissue around your tooth, temperature sensitivity, or pain, don’t worry and schedule an appointment with Dr. Grothe. The affected tissue can be treated non-surgically to eliminate the affected pulp with a root canal. 

Today, getting a root canal treatment is no more uncomfortable than having a filling. Root canal treatments are designed to remove the infection and disinfect the area to protect your health.

When it comes to root canals in the Enid Area, there's only one name you need to know - Charles Grothe. 

Some dental problems which may require a root canal can slowly creep up on you unexpectedly, we provide emergency root canal services whenever you are in need.