Sometimes, despite the best efforts to maintain our dental health, issues like tooth damage and decay can arise, causing pain and embarrassment. The goal of restorative dentistry is to revive patients’ oral health while sustaining as much as the natural tooth as possible. At Silver Spring Smiles in Silver Spring, MD, Dr. Daniel Dufera offers treatments like all-ceramic and zirconia dental crowns, simple and complex root canals, and dental extractions to alleviate discomfort and leave patients with a radiant smile.

All-Ceramic and Zirconia Crowns

In the past several years, zirconia crowns have grown in popularity as a natural looking, durable means of restoring a tooth’s size, strength, and appearance. This type of dental crown is made of zirconium, a metal much like titanium. Because of zirconium’s chemical properties, like high hardness and fracture toughness, as well as its resistance to wear, oxidation and chemical corrosion, this type of crown boasts numerous advantages as a dental crown material:

• Patients don’t have to worry about hypersensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks like they might with other types of crowns.
• The shape and color of zirconia crowns can easily be changed.
• Compared to acrylic or composite ceramic crowns, zirconia crowns are much more stain-resistant.
• Zirconia crowns bear a close resemblance to real tooth enamel.
• More of the original tooth is able to be preserved compared to other types of crowns.

Root Canals

Although the thought of having a root canal could be intimidating, this restorative treatment is actually a straightforward process that mitigates pain, eliminates infection, and preserves the exterior tooth structure. First, Dr. Dufera will administer local anesthesia to help patients feel more comfortable and relieve any discomfort. Next, he will create an entry point in the tooth. Dr. Dufera will remove decayed tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals, sterilizing the interior of the tooth and filling the interior with a rubbery substance.

Patients who notice any of these symptoms might require a root canal and are urged to contact our office:

• Tooth pain
• Hypersensitivity to hot or cold foods or drinks
• Swelling of the gums, face, or lymph nodes
• Sudden, unusual taste in the mouth

Dental Extractions

While Dr. Dufera always strives to preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible, in some cases this simply isn’t an option. Critically damaged or decayed teeth create a serious risk of infection that can harm the surrounding teeth, gum tissue, and bone. In these instances, dental extractions can make a restored smile a reality for patients with impaction, crowding, extensive decay, or trauma. Dr. Dufera uses dental extraction to provide relief from chronic tooth pain, remove overcrowded teeth to make room for orthodontic treatment, or prepare a smile for other restorative treatments. Although dental extraction can seem ominous, a recent study found that among a group of patients, 89 percent experienced less pain than anticipated.

Your Best Smile Is Only a Call Away

If you’re looking for the best restorative dental care, it’s important to consider factors like the dentist’s education and experience. Dr. Dufera’s skillful, compassionate approach makes him an excellent choice for your restorative dentistry needs. His reputation precedes him in that he takes the time to thoroughly explain procedures to patients, making their comfort and needs a priority. If you’re in need of restorative dental care, contact us at 301-588-5400.