Restore

Composite (Fillings)

Composite fillings are typically what we offer at Issaquah Dental Health. The composites are made from a mixture of resin and filler particles, typically glass or quartz, which give them a tooth-like appearance.

Properties:

Bondable: They can adhere directly to the tooth structure.

Tooth-colored: They closely resemble the natural color of teeth.
Aesthetically pleasing: They provide a natural-looking restoration.
Customizable: They come in various shades to match the patient's teeth.
Durable: They can withstand moderate chewing forces.

Application:

During the procedure, the dentist:

Removes decayed or damaged tooth structure.

Cleans and prepares the cavity.

Applies a bonding agent to help the filling adhere.

Place the composite material in layers and cures it with a light.

Shapes and polishes the filling to match the surrounding teeth.

Benefits:

Conservative: They preserve more tooth structure than other fillings, such as amalgam.

Affordable: They are generally less expensive than gold or porcelain fillings.

Aesthetically superior: They provide a more natural-looking restoration compared to metal fillings.

Versatile: They can be used for a wide range of dental restoration procedures

Composite resin veneers

A composite resin veneer is made from a tooth-colored filling material that is bonded to the tooth.

Benefits of composite resin veneers:

• usually, less tooth enamel needs to be removed than for a crown or a porcelain veneer
• may mean fewer visits to the dentist; sometimes a composite resin veneer can take just one visit
• cost less than porcelain veneers
• are easy to fix if they get damaged; although composite veneers are generally not as stain-resistant or wear-resistant as porcelain veneers, they can be repaired easily and quickly

Caring for restorative dentistry

Tips for taking care of your restorative dentistry work

Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day.
Maintain a strict schedule for routine cleaning and exam.
Electric toothbrushes can help remove plaque from your teeth and restorative work.
Make sure to floss around your teeth, dental implants, crowns, and bridges every day.
Try not to chew on hard or sticky foods. These can damage your implant, bridge, or crown.
Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help fight plaque bacteria around restorative work.

Dental Crown

A crown is a cover or "cap" your dentist can put over a tooth. The crown restores the tooth to its normal shape, size, and function. A crown can make the tooth stronger or improve the way it looks.

Why do I need a crown?
You may need a crown if you:
• have a cavity that is too large for a filling
• have a tooth that is cracked, worn down, or otherwise weakened
• have had root canal treatment-the crown will protect the restored tooth
• want to cover a discolored or badly shaped tooth and improve your smile

There are many types of dental crowns. The kind that’s right for you depends on your personal preferences and unique oral health needs.

Metal crowns

Dental technicians use several metals to make dental crowns, including gold, palladium, nickel and chromium. Metal crowns rarely chip or break, last the longest in terms of wear and only require a small amount of enamel removal. They can also withstand biting and chewing forces.

The metallic color is the main drawback of this type of crown. Metal crowns are a good choice for out-of-sight molars.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns combine the durability of metal and the natural look of porcelain. Dentists can match these crowns to the shade of your own teeth.

Despite their strength, PFM crowns have some drawbacks. For example, the porcelain coating may chip off over time, exposing the metal underneath. In addition, PFM crowns may gradually wear down the enamel on your opposing teeth (the teeth that touch your crown when you close your mouth).

PFM crowns last almost as long as metal crowns. They can restore both front and back teeth.

Pressed ceramic crowns

At Issaquah Dental Health we tend to use Pressed ceramic crowns in the posterior a majority of the time. A pressed ceramic crown has a hard inner core. It’s similar to a PFM, but the core is ceramic instead of metal. To make this inner core, a technician melts and presses ceramic in an oven at a very high temperature. Next, they add multiple layers of porcelain. Like all-porcelain crowns, pressed ceramic crowns mimic the translucency of natural tooth enamel.

Pressed ceramic crowns have the same drawbacks as PFM crowns. The layers of ceramic can chip away over time. Dentists use pressed ceramic crowns on front and back teeth.

All-ceramic or porcelain crowns

All-ceramic or porcelain crowns mimic the appearance of tooth enamel more than any other crown type. They’re also a good choice if you have metal allergies.

Lab technicians use many different materials to make ceramic crowns, but one of the most popular is zirconium dioxide. Zirconia crowns are extremely durable and can withstand heavier forces than other types of ceramic crowns.

Veneers

If you want to improve your smile, dental veneers are a simple option. Veneers are thin coverings that are placed over the front (visible) part of the tooth. They look like natural teeth. Veneers can be used to correct a wide range of dental issues, such as:

• teeth that are permanently stained and can't be whitened
• chipped or worn teeth
• crooked or misshapen teeth
• uneven spaces or a large gap between the upper front teeth

Veneers are made of either porcelain or composite resin. As your dentist, I will help you choose the material that is best for you. Each type of veneer has its own benefits.

Porcelain Veneers
A porcelain veneer is a thin shell that is custom-made to fit on the front surface of your tooth.

Benefits of porcelain veneers:

• they are strong and long-lasting
• they have a natural-looking surface
• less tooth enamel needs to be removed than with a crown or cap
• they don't stain easily

Steps to placing a porcelain veneer:

1. To prepare the tooth, your dentist usually removes a small amount of enamel from the front and sides of your tooth. This makes room for the veneers so that your teeth look natural.
2. Your dentist makes an impression, or a mold, of the prepared tooth. They also work with you to decide on the veneer shade that will look best for your smile.
3. The impression is sent to a dental lab that custom-makes the porcelain veneer to fit your tooth. This may take several days. Your dentist may give you a temporary veneer to wear until your porcelain veneer is ready.
4. At the next visit, your dentist places the veneer on your tooth to check its fit and shape. After any adjustments, your teeth are cleaned and the veneer is bonded to the tooth.
5. Your dentist may need to make minor adjustments to your bite at a later appointment.

Visit Us

Issaquah Dental Health

6520 226th Pl SE Ste 200 Issaquah, WA 98027

Phone: (425) 392-1010

Fax: (425) 392-1886

Monday: 7:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m
Tuesday: 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 7:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m
Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Friday: Appointment Only

Saturday: Appointment Only

From Eastbound I-90: Take exit 17 and turn left on Front Street N. Front Street N becomes E Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE. Turn Left on SE 64th Pl, into the Meadow Creek Office Park. Take the first left onto 226th Pl. SE. 6520 226th Pl. SE is on the left.

From Westbound I-90: Take the Front St/E Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE Exit 17. Turn right onto E Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE. Turn Left on SE 64th Pl, into the Meadow Creek Office Park. Take the first left onto 226th Pl. SE. 6520 226th Pl. SE is on the left.