Crowns, Fillings and Sealants for the Entire Family
Crowns
Over time, teeth can weaken and become more susceptible to problems such as decay, cracks, fractures, and discoloration. A dental crown can help restore the tooth’s strength, function, and appearance.
A crown may be recommended for several reasons, including:
- Protecting a weak tooth from breaking or holding together portions of a cracked tooth.
- Supporting a tooth with a large filling, caries, or fractured areas when there is not enough natural tooth structure remaining.
Crowns are also commonly used in conjunction with root canal therapy, dental implants, and dental bridges, where they may serve as the final restoration or an anchor for the bridge.
Depending on your specific needs, Dr. McGregor-Wiltz may be able to fabricate your final crown in-house using advanced
CAD/CAM technology, allowing for same-day results in appropriate cases.
For some patients, the best option may be to have a custom crown fabricated by a trusted dental laboratory to achieve the most predictable fit, function, and esthetic result.
Regardless of the approach, our goal is the same: to provide a high-quality restoration that looks natural, functions comfortably, and helps protect your tooth for years to come.
Fillings
Tooth Decay & Fillings
Tooth decay or dental caries are one of the most common dental conditions and can affect people of all ages. It occurs when bacteria in dental plaque produce acids that gradually break down and weaken the tooth’s enamel.
Small cavities often cause no symptoms at all. As decay progresses, the first signs may include sensitivity to cold or sweet foods and drinks. If a cavity becomes larger, it can reach the inner portion of the tooth where the nerves are located, potentially causing pain, infection, or even tooth fracture.
The good news is that early treatment can help prevent a small cavity from becoming a much larger problem. When decay is detected, the damaged tooth structure can be carefully removed and replaced with a filling, restoring the tooth’s function and helping prevent further damage.
Regular dental examinations and x-rays allow us to identify decay early often before you experience any symptoms when treatment is typically simpler and more conservative.
Sealants
Children’s Dental Care & Sealants
Cavities are common in young children, especially as they are learning to establish good oral hygiene habits. Helping children develop a consistent routine of brushing twice a day and flossing daily from an early age can help prevent tooth decay and promote a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Children should also use fluoride toothpaste in an age-appropriate amount, as recommended by their dentist. For children under age 3, a smear or rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is generally recommended; mouthwash is not routinely recommended for young children unless specifically advised by a dental professional.
At Precious Smiles Family Dentistry, we encourage parents to bring their children in for regular dental check-ups. Routine visits allow us to monitor their developing teeth, identify potential concerns early, provide preventive care, and help children feel comfortable and confident at the dentist.
Dental Sealants
At Precious Smiles Family Dentistry, we may recommend dental sealants for children, teens, and young adults whose molars and premolars have deep grooves that are more susceptible to decay.
Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces and grooves of back teeth. The sealant bonds to the tooth and creates a barrier that helps keep food particles and plaque from settling into areas that can be difficult to clean with a toothbrush.
Sealants are a simple, preventive treatment that can help protect vulnerable teeth and reduce the risk of cavities.