Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry refers to the art and science of restoring damaged, decayed or missing teeth to their intended beauty and function. At Port Warwick Dental Arts in Newport News, Virginia, Dr. Lisa Marie Samaha uses her artistic eye and restorative dentistry skills, training and knowledge to bring about amazing results.

Some of the restorative dentistry procedures used by Dr. Samaha are:

All Porcelain Inlays, Onlays and Dental Crowns

Dental inlays are solid fillings used to fill large areas left by a cavity or by removing a (soft) filling. They are pre-made and must be cemented into the damaged tooth by a dentist. Onlays are also solid but sit on the top of the tooth to build up its shape. A dental crown fits over the entire damaged tooth as a protective, yet functional, cap.

Composite resin and porcelain (or ceramic) can be used to restore cavities in back teeth and are more aesthetic options compared to traditional mercury-silver fillings. In most offices, porcelain restorations are sent to an outside dental laboratory, requiring two appointments or more, weeks apart.

However, in early 2002, Port Warwick Dental Arts invested in the highly advanced CAD-CAM technology known as CEREC 3-D and is able to design and fabricate inlays, onlays and crowns “in office”, typically within one hour. Since then, we have performed several thousands of CEREC porcelain restorations successfully. We are able to complete the entire process (through cementation) in a single visit. First, the tooth is prepared and within minutes, an optical image is taken. This means there are no messy impressions and no temporary crowns. Porcelain/ceramic onlays, inlays or dental crowns are stronger and are superior in aesthetics to composite resin or amalgam fillings. Because of their strength and biocompatibility, porcelain or ceramic is the best alternative for moderate to very large fillings.

Composite resin (tooth-colored) fillings

At Port Warwick Dental Arts, we do not place mercury-silver fillings. Esthetically superior amalgam, composite resins are a very suitable alternative to traditional silver fillings.

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is utilized when teeth are missing and dental implants are not a suitable alternative. Conventional bridges and bonded bridges are the two most common kinds. Both types of dental bridge require that the adjoining teeth be healthy and have adequate gum and bone support. Once cemented in place, dental bridges function much like natural teeth.

For a conventional dental bridge, one or more artificial teeth are fused to dental crowns that will be cemented over adjoining natural teeth (the natural teeth must be reduced/reshaped to receive the crowns). A minimum of two appointments are required.

For a bonded dental bridge, an artificial tooth is fastened to metal or ceramic "wings". The wings are then bonded to the teeth adjacent to the space, forming a bridge. Unlike a conventional dental bridge, minimal tooth preparation is required, but the natural teeth that support the bridge must be cavity-free or only have very small fillings. A minimum of three appointments are required. This is the most conservative and least costly type of dental bridge, and is always the recommended treatment when possible.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are replacements for natural teeth that are attached to the jaw itself, with ceramic teeth replacements cemented to them. They look and feel just like natural teeth, and are a proven, attractive alternative to dental bridges and dentures for replacing teeth that have become lost or damaged beyond repair.

If you have damaged or missing teeth, restorative dentistry can not only restore the function teeth provide, but it can also restore a beautiful smile. Call our Hampton area restorative dentistry office today or fill out the form at the right of the page.