If your silver fillings make you feel self conscious when you smile, or it's simply time to replace them, consider white fillings. White fillings are just as durable as they are attractive! Made of composite resin, white fillings match the natural color of your teeth and are an excellent option for small to mid-sized cavities. White fillings are strong, stain-resistant and require less removal of your tooth structure than amalgam fillings.

Depending on the type of treatment you have received for your dental problem, it might be necessary to:

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Have your tooth restored to its original size and shape

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Supply additional physical support for the treated tooth

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Get a complete "makeover" on the affected tooth

 For cases like these, a crown is the most logical option.

While inlays and onlays cover the chewing surface of the tooth and fillings fill in the empty interior space of the tooth, crowns completely cover every visible part of the tooth - which is why they are sometimes referred to as "caps." A part of your tooth remains but is essentially "rebuilt" to resemble the tooth at its exterior best.

While porcelain crowns certainly can improve the look of a tooth or multiple teeth, it is recommended only in conjunction with prior repair of the tooth - not simply for cosmetic purposes.

At Court Street Family Dentistry, we use the CEREC System to provide our patients with a beautiful, precise fitting, all porcelain crown in a single visit.

For more information, please visit our CEREC Restoration page or contact Dr. Zive and the staff at Court Street Family Dentistry today.

Dental bridges have been used for centuries to replace missing teeth. Today, dental bridges are still considered one of the most durable, conservative and cost-effective options for bridging the gap between a missing tooth and surrounding teeth. Comprised of two anchoring teeth and a replacement tooth, dental bridges help prevent surrounding teeth from drifting out of position, improve chewing and speaking, and help keep your natural face shape in tact.

There are three types of dental bridges: 1) traditional dental bridges, 2) cantilever dental bridges, and 3) Maryland bridges. Traditional bridges have either dental crowns or dental implants on either side of the missing tooth, plus a replacement tooth, which is held in place by a post-like structure called a dental abutment. Cantilever dental bridges are used in cases where there are surrounding teeth only on one side of the missing tooth. Maryland bridges are made of a specialized resin that is cemented to a metal framework and cemented to the enamel of surrounding teeth.

Dental bridges typically take 2-3 weeks to complete and are less invasive than other options, such as dental implants. With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, dental bridges can last up to 30 years.

What are Veneers? 

One of the most popular and effective developments in cosmetic dentistry, veneers are thin, custom made casings that cover the front side of your teeth. Veneers are used to correct uneven teeth, worn enamel, discoloration, chipped teeth and irregular spacing, and can last over 20 years. In some cases, veneers can serve a restorative purpose and can protect a damaged tooth from further harm.

What Are the Advantages of Veneers?

Veneers can give your teeth a more natural, aesthetically pleasing appearance and are stain resistant and soft on gums. In some cases, veneers can serve a restorative purpose and can protect a damaged tooth from further harm.

Types of Veneers

·  Porcelain

·  Resin Composite

·  Lumineers

Since porcelain veneers are more resistant to stains and chipping, they are generally more expensive. Lumineers are a particularly popular type of porcelain veneers that do not require your teeth to be shaved and can even be placed over crown or bridgework. A custom-made set of Lumineers can be installed in 2-3 visits and is proven to last over 20 years.

Will My Insurance Cover Veneers?

As this procedure is elective and primarily cosmetic, most dental insurers will not cover veneers. Talk to your dentist about the financing options available.

Generally caused by tooth decay or shock, pulp or nerve tissue damage can be an excruciating experience, with symptoms including pain while chewing, sensitivity and swelling. If left untreated, pulp damage can lead to abscesses, or pus-filled infections, and eventually to tooth loss. 

At Court Street Family Dentistry, we have specialized training in root canal therapy and take every measure to ensure our patients' maximum comfort throughout the procedure. If you are experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity or swelling, it is important to act fast, not only to relieve your pain, but also to save the tooth from complete decay.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Court Street Family Dentistry today.

For more information, please visit our CEREC Restoration section or contact Dr. Zive and the staff at Court Street Family Dentistry today.

In dentistry, crown and bridge refers to the restoration of natural teeth that have been damaged, decayed or lost. This is otherwise known as restorative dentistry.

Once we have examined your teeth and has evaluated your dental and medical history, we will be ready to provide a diagnosis and treatment options.

In the past, teeth were often restored to their natural shape using an amalgam of Mercury, Silver and other metals. Although amalgam is still commercially available, it has been almost universally replaced by tooth colored plastics known as Composite or a variety of more durable Porcelain products. Each material has it's own advantages and disadvantages. We always suggest the use of materials that optimize the cost/benefit ratio.

In instances where you need to have your tooth restored to its original size and shape, supply additional physical support for the treated tooth or get a complete "makeover" on the affected tooth, a crown may be your best option. For more information on crowns, click here.

Dental bridges, on the other hand, are used to replace missing a missing tooth or teeth. For more information on bridges, click here.

Dental Implants are another option for replacing missing teeth. Good oral health and sufficient quality bone is needed for implant placement. We use 3-D Cone Beam X-ray Imaging to evaluate if dental implants are the right choice for you. For more information on 3-D Imaging, click here.

To find out more about restorative dentistry, or to schedule an appointment, call us today!

At Court Street Family Dentistry, we always make every attempt to treat your teeth and remedy any dental malady. Unfortunately, in some cases damage to teeth is in so advanced a stage that is may be necessary to extract the tooth in order to maintain dental health.

If a tooth is broken, cracked or extensively decayed it may be necessary to remove it. Likewise, a tooth that is associated with advanced stages of periodontal disease should be removed, as well as teeth that are poorly positioned or non-functional.

Whatever the cause, you can rest assured that Court Street Family Dentistry will carefully explore and inform you to any other options before making the decision to remove a tooth. Should tooth extraction become necessary, you are assured the nurturing care that comes with any Court Street Family Dentistry procedure. We understand that the process of having a tooth extracted can be daunting and make every attempt to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.