Dental Restorations

At Delatorre Dentistry, Dr. Alina de la Torre uses a variety of dental restoration techniques to provide patients a means to restore and/or replace failing teeth. This allows her patients to retain their beautiful smile and perform proper chewing techniques that aid in digestion. Furthermore, tooth restoration helps prevent additional pressure from being placed on the teeth that surround the failing tooth/teeth.

Tooth Restoration Techniques

Dr. De la Torre performs a variety of dental restoration techniques. The technique used depends on the problem the patient is experiencing.

Composite Fillings

A composite filling is a tooth-colored acrylic resin (plastic) and glass mixture used to restore decayed or chipped teeth. Composites are also used to improve one’s smile by changing the color or reshaping disfigured teeth. They provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small- to mid-size fillings and can be used on front and back teeth. They are a good choice for people who prefer that their fillings look more natural. The filling can be shaded to match the color of your existing teeth.

Filing in the Back

Filing in the Front

Common issues that composite fillings address include:

  • Broken/Cracked teeth.
  • Decaying/Worn teeth.
  • Chipped teeth.
  • A small space between two teeth.

Inlay and Onlay Restorations

Dr. de la Torre uses porcelain inlays and onlays to address fractured fillings, large fillings, for cosmetic enhancement, and to correct fractured or broken teeth. The restoration is labeled an “inlay” when the material is bonded within the center of a tooth.

Inlay restorations are used to address:
  • Decayed teeth.
  • Unsightly-looking teeth (for cosmetic enhancement).
  • Large/Fractured fillings.
  • Fractured/Broken teeth.

The restoration is labeled an “onlay” when the damage involves the side of the tooth or full coverage of the top of the tooth. Onlay restorations are also referred to as “partial crowns”.

Onlay restorations can be used to address:
  • Fractured/Broken teeth.
  • Fractured/Large fillings.
  • Unsightly teeth (for cosmetic enhancement).
  • Decayed teeth.

A Root Canal

This treatment is performed to avoid extracting a tooth that has an infection in the nerve or that has been traumatized. Although removing a tooth may be less expensive than a root canal and crown, many patients do not realize that once a tooth is removed, the adjacent teeth are negatively affected. This leads to pricier dental repairs in the future.

Signs that may indicate the need for a root canal:
  • A severe toothache (gnawing, throbbing and/or shooting pain).
  • A pimple or pus-filled blister on the gums (abscess).
  • Hot/Cold sensitivity.
  • Swelling and/or tenderness.

A Crown (Cap)

A crown encases the tooth’s surface; thus, restoring its original size and shape. Although other types of crowns are available, the majority of Dr. de la Torre’s patients choose a crown that consists of tooth-colored porcelain.

Crowns are used to restore:
  • Fractured, decayed and/or broken teeth.
  • Large fillings.
  • Unsightly teeth (cosmetic enhancement).
  • A tooth with a root canal.

Dental Crowns

A Dental Bridge

This is a fixed appliance that is used to:
  • Replace missing teeth to prevent remaining teeth from moving.
  • Restore an individual’s ability to speak and chew properly.
  • Maintain the shape of the face after tooth loss.
  • Restore an individual’s smile.
  • Upgrade from a removable appliance (partial) to a fixed appliance.

Dental Bridges

Bridge vs. Implant

Partials, Dentures and Dental Implants

Dentures (commonly known as a plate) are custom-made replacements for missing teeth that can be taken in and out of the mouth. Dentures take some getting used to, and will never feel exactly the same as your natural teeth, however, today’s dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever!

Dentures can help you eat and speak more comfortably in addition to helping to improve your appearance and smile. Without the support from a denture, facial muscles can sag, making a person look older.

Dentures are custom-made in a dental laboratory from impressions taken of your mouth. The base of the upper denture covers the palate (the roof of your mouth), while the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue.

Single Implant in Front

 

If you reside near Tampa, Fla., instead of avoiding the dentist, let Dr. Alina de la Torre and her staff perform your dental procedures while you are comfortably sedated. To learn more, contact Delatorre Dentistry at 813.792.9400 today.