Fillings & Crowns
A Note on Biocompatibility
Dr. Bloss favors dental materials that are BPA-free, and broadly biocompatible. Some people, however, may be especially sensitive or reactive to certain materials that pose no challenge for others.
For such folks – as well as those with multiple chemical sensitivities or other longstanding health issues – serum compatibility testing is recommended.
For this, we rely on the Clifford test. This blood test is the gold standard for discovering which specific dental products you may be sensitive to. It reports on more than 17,000 branded products that may be used in the course of providing dental care. We can provide you with the test kit and a referral for the blood draw to overnight to the Clifford labs for analysis. They then provide a report showing which materials are deemed suitable and which are not.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Dental fillings replace parts of decayed or damaged teeth. Dr. Bloss simply removes the decayed or damaged part of the tooth and fills it with composite resin that is shaped and polished to restore the tooth’s original look and function. These tooth-colored fillings are beautiful, strong, and durable.
Inlays & Onlays
Inlays and onlays are partial dental crowns that can be made from composite, ceramic/porcelain, or gold. Inlays are used to repair damage that doesn’t extend to the cusp of the tooth. When damage does reach the cusp, onlays are used instead.
These restorations not only restore a tooth’s shape but can strengthen it and prevent further decay or damage.
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss
One-Day Crowns
Dental crowns are designed to completely cover the visible part of a tooth and are typically called for when the decay or damage is extensive. Crowns restore the look and function of your natural teeth, but they are also used to complete dental implants, support a bridge, protect a vulnerable tooth, or just enhance the look of your smile.
In the past, getting a crown was always a two-visit affair: one to prepare the tooth and one to place the final lab-fabricated crown. But with CAD/CAM (computer-assisted design and manufacture) technology, we can now create and place crowns in a single day, milling beautiful porcelain crowns right here in our own office.
Using a Planmeca E4D system, we just scan the prepared tooth with a laser-fitted wand and design the crown on a computer. The digital design is then transferred wirelessly to the milling unit. Later in the day, you’ll return to have the finished crown cemented onto your tooth. No more temporary crowns. No more “trying not to chew on that side.” No second appointment a week or two later.
The crowns are incredibly strong, resistant to fracture, and absolutely beautiful, looking like natural teeth.
Bridges
A dental bridge is the traditional option for replacing a missing tooth – and remain a good option for those who don’t want or aren’t good candidates for implants.
We simply prepare the teeth on either side of the gap to support a porcelain replacement tooth. The replacement literally bridges the gap. Initially, you will have a temporary bridge while a dental lab makes the permanent bridge from models and specifications we provide. Once the permanent bridge is delivered, we remove the temporary and cement the new bridge into place, adjusting the fit precisely to your bite.
The end result is a beautiful, durable restoration that looks and functions like your natural teeth.
Got any questions?
Please feel free to call our office today at 970-249-2077.
One of our friendly staff will be happy to help you.