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 Root canals can prevent tooth decay and loss when the pulp (soft core of the tooth that provides nutrients) is damaged due to bacterial infection in a deep cavity, crack or other problem. Despite its reputation as a painful ordeal, a root canal is actually not very uncomfortable. During the procedure, the damaged pulp is removed, the root canal is cleaned and sealed off, and a crown is bonded to the tooth to maintain strength.
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 Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made restorations that are bonded to your existing teeth. Once bonded they are almost as strong as an intact tooth, and have a translucency and polish that can look like an incredibly beautiful natural tooth. The bonding process keeps the veneers sealed from decay for many years. With excellent home care and regular professional cleanings, veneers can last up to 10-15 years or more.
Veneerscan be used to close large spaces, whiten severely discolored teeth, straighten moderately crooked teeth without braces, rebuild broken teeth, and lengthen worn teeth. Since they are all porcelain, there is no ugly metal edge to show at your gum line. They blend naturally to create the illusion that no dental work has been done.
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 Composite tooth colored fillings are made of resin filled with microscopic porcelain particles. The strength of current ccmposites is similar to the strength of silver mercury fillings. The enormous advantage of composite fillings is that they are bonded to the teeth during placement. Research has shown that a well sealed composite filling can restore the strength of a decayed tooth almost to the level of an unfilled tooth. Also, a well sealed composite filling can last as long as a silver mercury filling.
A composite restoration can take twice as long to place as a silver, mercury filling, so they may also prevent a tooth from fracturing, saving money in the long run. For small to moderate sized cavities, Dr. Civin uses composite fillings exclusively due to their beauty and strength. Larger cavities require a porcelain or composite onlay to properly restore the entire shape and function of a broken or decayed tooth.
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 Bridges are replacements for missing natural teeth. A bridge basically consists of two or more crowns on natural teeth that are attached to a artificial tooth called a pontic that replaces the missing tooth. One or more teeth can be replaced with a single bridge.
Usually, structurally sound teeth are required on either side of the missing tooth or teeth, but occasionally a single pontic can be extended at one end of a bridge attached to two or more adjacent teeth. Bridges can also be supported by titanium implants surgically implanted in the jaw.
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