In some cases, having the stunning, healthy smile you desire requires a little more involved work. Teeth may need to be repaired, rebuilt or replaced with a high quality, lifelike restorations.
Individuals seeking restorative dentistry in Palo Alto trust the team at Kris Hamamoto D.D.S. & Associates. The team offers everything from tooth-colored fillings to dental implants, to restore your youthful appearance — and the confidence that comes with it.
To learn more about any of the restorative dentistry procedures described here, please contact our practice and request a consultation with our team.
Laser Dentistry/Microabrasion
WaterLase is a revolutionary dental device that uses laser energy and water to ablate the tooth structure. This process over-stimulates the tooth or gum for a numbing effect, which is why many doctors don’t need to use anesthetic, especially with children. Many dental procedures can be performed at a higher level with the laser.
If you have discolored or chalky spots on your teeth, microabrasion may be perfect for you. These kinds of discolorations can be the result of numerous things, including infection, childhood illnesses, severe blows to baby teeth and excessive ingestion of fluoride.
Microabrasion is used to eliminate stains, blotches or discolorations on the teeth. During microabrasion, a special compound is rubbed on the teeth to gently and effectively remove shallow stains and discoloration. While there are no guarantees, in most cases discolored teeth can be improved.
CEREC Restorations with Tooth-Colored Fillings
Gone are the days when cavities and other tooth ailments could only be treated with unsightly metal fillings, called amalgams. Today, modern tooth-colored fillings made of durable resin or porcelain can be bonded to your teeth for a stronger, more natural-looking effect. These revolutionary fillings are easy to apply and virtually undetectable. They can also be designed and delivered in a single appointment!
Crowns
Crowns are tooth-shaped “caps” that are placed over badly damaged teeth to restore shape and strength, and to improve appearance. They are often used in cases of cracked, broken or fractured teeth or teeth with large areas of decay.
The Palo Alto restorative dentistry team at Kris Hamamoto D.D.S. & Associates would be happy to give you more information about crowns. Please call or email our office today.
Partial Dentures
Partial or removable dentures fill gaps left by missing teeth. Partial dentures are held in place with metal clasps or precision devices (tooth-colored, discreet clasps) that are attached to natural teeth. Usually made of resin or metal, partial dentures allow more comfortable and effective chewing, improve speech, and prevent sagging of the cheeks and lips.
Bridges
If you notice strain when biting down, pain during chewing, or difficulty speaking due to misaligned or missing teeth, bridges might be the right option for you. They work by bridging the gaps between missing teeth, closing spaces with durable, injury-resistant, realistic-looking artificial teeth. Because they are semi-permanent, bridges can be removed only by a dentist but are long lasting and strong.
Root Canals
Each of our teeth contains a long, thin strand of dental pulp that extends down to the tooth’s root. If the pulp becomes infected or injured in any way, the tooth’s nerves die and, without treatment, the tooth can die as well. Root canal treatment is performed to save such teeth.
Periodontal Therapy
Although twice-daily brushings and regular flossing are excellent for maintenance between office visits, regular examinations and cleanings are an absolute necessity if you are to maintain a healthy mouth. The use of the in-house periodontist also helps better serve the patient with immediate communication with the entire office. Our staff will help you keep your teeth and gums strong and disease-free.
Digital X-Ray Technology
Here at our office, your comfort and safety is our first concern. That is why we utilize digital X-ray technology to help you maintain your healthy, beautiful smile. To take digital X-rays, a tiny camera is inserted into your mouth, and the X-rays are immediately transmitted onto a computer screen. This allows you to see any problems for yourself and decide which treatment option is best for you.
Digital X-rays offer many advantages. Although the risk of radiation damage from normal X-rays is small, digital X-rays limit exposure by 90 percent, enhancing your safety significantly.
Oral Surgery
If your tooth is damaged by decay or a fracture, we will make every effort to repair and restore it with a filling, crown or other treatment. In some cases, however, the damage is too extensive to repair. If we feel that your tooth cannot be saved, we will perform an extraction. Oral surgery is performed by Dr. Hamamoto.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are an excellent solution to missing individual teeth. Not only do they eliminate gaps, but they also provide comfort and look completely natural.
A dental implant is a “root” device, made of titanium, used to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth to replace missing teeth. They are placed within the bone. The bone of the jaw accepts and osseointegrates with the titanium post. Dental implants will fuse with bone, however they lack the periodontal ligament, so they will feel slightly different than natural teeth during chewing. Implants are done by Dr. Hamamoto.
Contact Kris Hamamoto D.D.S. & Associates
If you would like more information about restorative dentistry, Palo Alto dentist Kris Hamamoto and her team welcome you to contact our office. Call or email us today.
