Dr. Gregory Hillyard and Dr. Alexandra Monroe provide restorative dental solutions to address complex concerns affecting the function and form of the bite and the appearance of your smile. Restorative dentistry may include options for repairing or replacing missing teeth and treatment for oral diseases such as TMJ and gum disease.
We also provide general dental services for new and existing patients in Media, Pennsylvania. Call 610.566.0291 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hillyard or Dr. Monroe in our Media, PA, dental office to discuss your concerns and explore treatment options.
Restorative Dentistry in Media, PA
Your oral health is connected to your systemic health. Minor dental concerns can quickly escalate, triggering the development of secondary conditions that lead to an overall deterioration of your oral wellness. We offer these solutions to our patients:
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a restoration that is used to “bridge” a gap between teeth. It is a series of prosthetic teeth linked together and supported by an anchor on either side of the gap. Dental bridges help support any remaining tooth structure, prevent teeth from shifting, help maintain a patient’s face shape, and give patients the ability to bite and chew evenly again. When they are secured with dental implants, dental bridges offer a more permanent restoration.
Dental Crown
Cover chipped, worn, discolored, and damaged teeth with a dental crown. We prepare teeth receiving a crown by removing any damaged or decayed structure. When complete, the permanent dental crown is secured and polished for a natural look. Patients with missing teeth also use dental crowns for covering dental implants.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone beneath the gum line. This titanium post will act as the tooth root providing a strong foundation for a replacement tooth. Dental implants are considered the gold standard for replacing single or multiple missing teeth or to secure dentures and dental bridges.
Dental implants are a stable, permanent solution for patients who are missing one or more teeth.
Dentures & Partials
Professionally crafted full and partial dentures replace an upper or lower row of lost teeth. Dentures rebuild the tooth structure and are color-matched to teeth for a brighter but natural look. Whether you benefit from full or partial dentures, both offer benefits. They improve the function of one’s bite, support bone retention, and help to prevent gum recession. Restoring lost teeth with dentures provides a more stable foundation for the mouth.
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease affects more people than one might think. Also known as periodontitis, this condition begins as gum inflammation and can quickly snowball into problems like loose teeth and decay. Our dentists find the source of decay and work to find a solution. For more information on how we diagnose and treat gum disease, please visit Periodontal disease treatment.
TMJ Treatment
Do you suffer from frequent jaw or facial pain? You may have a temporomandibular joint disorder. The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull, and pain can arise in the jaw joint and the muscles that control the jaw. Other often painful symptoms can damage teeth and make it difficult to use the jaw and teeth properly. TMJ disorders may cause symptoms such as difficulty chewing, teeth grinding, or teeth clenching. For more information on how we treat TMJ disorders, visit TMJ treatment.
Restorative Dentistry FAQs
Discover more about restorative dentistry in our Media, PA office with answers to these questions:
Can a tooth rot under a crown?
Yes, a tooth can decay under a dental crown, but the crown itself cannot rot. Even though the tooth crown is a protective cover, food particles and bacteria can still get under it. Therefore, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene, even with a dental crown.
Is it better to get a crown or pull the tooth?
It’s a choice that largely depends on the condition of your tooth and overall oral health. Extraction may be the best option if a tooth has severe damage. However, if the tooth is not beyond repair, it’s usually better to save it. Dental crowns are an excellent option for restoring a damaged tooth’s shape, look, and function. Tooth removal is typically the last resort. Most dentists aim to save natural teeth whenever possible.
How many teeth do you get with dental implants?
If you’re only missing a single tooth, one dental implant and a crown can replace it. If you’re missing several teeth, implant-supported bridges will be great for your case. Additionally, if you’re missing all your teeth, an implant-supported full bridge or full-denture can replace them. So, dental implants offer a flexible solution for different degrees of tooth loss. Talk with your dentist about what’s best for your situation.
Can you eat with a partial denture?
Yes, you can eat with a partial denture, but adjusting to them may take some time. When you first get your partial denture, you might want to eat soft foods and foods you have cut into small pieces. Furthermore, you can add different foods to your diet as you grow more comfortable with your dentures. However, avoid extremely sticky or hard foods. These foods could damage the denture.
When is it too late to treat gum disease?
It’s never entirely too late to start treating gum disease. Even in the periodontitis stage of gum disease, a dentist or periodontist can help you manage symptoms and slow their progress.
However, it is possible a patient may already have gum damage that is not reversible. This is why your dentist would like to catch gum disease in the gingivitis stage before it advances to periodontitis. Professional treatment from a dentist or periodontist is essential for stopping and treating any existing damage caused by gum disease. Catching gum disease in its beginning stages is the key.
Is TMJ a dental problem or a medical problem?
TMJ disorder can be both a dental problem and a medical problem. This is because your TMJ connects your jawbone to your skull. You need your TMJ for basic activities like eating, talking, and breathing. But when it becomes dysfunctional, it can cause pain and discomfort not just in the jaw but also in the neck, head, and ears.
This pain and discomfort can lead to headaches or difficulty opening and closing your mouth. In many cases, dentists are usually the first ones to spot signs of a TMJ disorder during a routine check-up. However, TMJ treatment can often involve dental specialists, physical therapists, and sometimes medical doctors.
The Importance of Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry is used to restore the health of your smile when it’s impacted by disease or infection. These things don’t just have an effect on the aesthetics of your smile, but they often impact the function of it as well. In order to perform functions like eating and speaking correctly, it’s essential that your oral health is in good shape.
If you’ve had issues with decay or disease with your teeth, restorative dentistry can give you back your smile.
It’s also important to take care of your oral health because the mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. When you have issues with gum disease or other bacterial issues in your mouth, this can spread infection and inflammation through your bloodstream and cause issues in the rest of your body.