Fillings
No one likes to hear that they have a cavity – not kids and certainly not adults. Unfortunately, even with the best of care, occasionally, cavities happen. Acidic foods and drinks, deep grooves and fissures in teeth, even dry mouth can lead to bacterial build-up and decay. It’s one of the reasons we encourage frequent cleanings and checkups and why we use the CariVu infrared cavity detection technology. When cavities are found early, they are very easy to treat and fill.
But even if cavities become bigger and more advanced, our cavity-filling methods will get your teeth back to health and strength in no time. We offer both traditional amalgam fillings for extra-long wear in back teeth or for people who clench, and tooth-colored composite fillings for a cavity repair that is completely invisible in your smile.
Porcelain Inlays/Onlays
If you have a cavity or damage that is a little too extensive for a filling, but not quite sizable enough for a crown, talk to us about porcelain inlays and onlays. These natural-looking restorations are made of the same dental-grade porcelain crowns and veneers are made of for the ultimate in strength and beauty. Unlike crowns, however, inlays and onlays only cover, restore, and protect the part of your tooth that is damaged instead of covering the entire tooth.
Inlays are placed inside the points or cusps of your teeth, while onlays may wrap over one those cusps. Because they only restore the area of your teeth that needs support, these restorations require less tooth preparation and expense. Panhandle Dental offers porcelain dental inlays and onlays as part of our commitment to offering every patient the most conservative dentistry possible.
Crowns/Bridges
Crowns are a wonderful restorative option for those who have severely damaged, worn, or broken teeth, often saving a tooth that might otherwise need to be pulled. Dental crowns are made of pure, dental-grade porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal and completely cover your tooth, securely protecting your tooth from further damage, sealing it from infection, and creating an entirely new chewing surface. Crowns are also used to top – and save – a tooth that has had a root canal, to act as a prosthetic tooth in combination with an implant post, and to anchor a tooth-replacing bridge into place.
Bridges are an excellent way to replace missing teeth or close gaps in your smile. They allow you to speak and eat with confidence and create a naturally attractive look. Dental bridges are simply a series of crowns and prosthetic or false teeth: the crowns are bonded to the teeth on either side of your gap and securely and comfortably hold the false tooth or teeth in place.
Partials/Dentures
Missing teeth can really affect your quality of life. A lack of teeth is not only aging and unattractive, it can make speaking an ordeal, smiling a misery, and eating a true challenge. We understand. Many patients come to us suffering from embarrassment over how they look and sound, and wishing they could get back to eating a normal diet. The truth is, missing teeth can take a tremendous emotional and physical toll on our Panama City friends and neighbors and we want to help you find an improved quality of life with customized full and partial dentures.
Both full and partial dentures are created out of resin to mimic your natural teeth and gum tissues. When dentures are carefully crafted and properly fitted, they can look much like natural teeth, supporting your facial structure, and allowing you to eat a much more balanced and varied diet. Some dentures can even be used in conjunction with dental implants for superior comfort and staying power– without sticky adhesives!
Implants
Dental implants are the ideal option to replace missing teeth. Not only do they beautifully recreate your smile, they also keep your bone stimulated. Why is that important? Like any bone, if your jawbone is not exercised, it will begin to shrink or “resorb” into your body. Without your teeth’s roots there to stimulate the bone every time you chew, little by little, your jaw diminishes, your face collapses, and your dentures need to be constantly refitted. All of that trouble and discomfort can be prevented and eliminated with the placement of dental implant posts. These posts act like your tooth roots and keep your bone stimulated and active.
A variety of restorations can be placed over dental implant posts from single dental crowns to replace one or a few lost teeth to full and partial implant-supported dentures. We will refer you to one of our trusted dental surgeons for the placement of the posts while we create and place your restorations. If you are missing teeth, tired of your dentures, or just want to experience your smile the way nature intended, talk to us about the amazing benefits of modern dental implants.
Oral Surgery
When a tooth can’t be saved by a root canal, when wisdom teeth need to come out, when teeth have been damaged or broken beyond repair, oral surgery from Panhandle Dental Care comes to the rescue. We treat all of our patients with compassion, but we understand that when it comes to oral surgery, you might just need an extra gentle touch and a little extra pampering. Whether you need wisdom teeth removed or a tooth extraction, we will take plenty of time to talk to you, explaining every step of the procedure and making sure you feel secure and safe.
Once you are settled in one of our heated massage chairs, we can tuck you in under a blanket with a neck pillow for extra comfort, and let you drift off with the help of some Nitrous Oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas. Before you know it, your surgery will be over and you will be on the road to a healthier smile.
