In addition to cosmetic dentistry, Smile Sensations provides the full spectrum restorative dental procedures to residents of Stamford, Greenwich and surrounding areas.
Our practice also the following in restorative dental care:
Implant Dentistry
Dental implants offer patients artificial teeth that look natural and feel secure. Dental implants are frequently used to attach full or partial dentures. Dental implants should be considered by patients who have lost one or more of their natural teeth and are not happy with (or cannot tolerate) dentures or other options. Most people who have lost their teeth can have successful implants.
The ideal candidate for dental implants must have healthy gums and sufficient underlying bone mass below the gums. In addition, that person must be in good overall health. Age is not a drawback. Implants have been successful on many children as well as very old patients. A person considering implants must be highly motivated because part of the dental implant success is aftercare. Long-term success depends on meticulous dental hygiene and good care of the oral area.
The length of time the implants will last varies depending on the area in which they are placed, the condition of the underlying bone and soft tissue, the type of implant used, the general health of the patient, and the aftercare treatment. Dr. Wolpop will help you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a dental implant, considering your unique set of circumstances. Together you can make the best decision for your long-term dental health.
The implant process begins after Dr. Wolpo performs a thorough examination of your teeth and jawbone to determine the extent of the damage and whether or not your jaw is healthy enough to accept a dental implant without any extra support. Once the oral exam is complete, a dental implant is fashioned out of titanium (or other durable metal) and customized to fit your mouth.
Depending upon your specific dental needs and the degree of damage to your tooth and jawbone, Dr. Wolpo will then perform either of two variations of the implant procedure. If your jawbone is structurally sound, then the doctor will surgically attach the implant to the bone, creating an artificial but effective root that will readily accept a new false tooth. However, if your jawbone is not structurally sound, then the implant will need to be attached to a type of metal frame that is then laid over the existing jawbone to strengthen and support the implant.
To find out if you are a candidate for dental implants, please contact our office at 203-323-9277.
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Custom Dentures
Custom dentures are a popular option for patients who have lost some or all of their natural teeth. We make custom dentures that precisely fit the patient’s mouth and provide excellent comfort and functionality. Smile Sensations offers both partial and full custom dentures, combining advanced dental implants with our custom dentures for the best possible fit and stability.
Partial dentures
Partial dentures are an option for patients who have lost only some of their teeth. Partial dentures are strong and are adequate replacements for missing teeth. When properly fitted, the dentures are almost impossible to distinguish from natural teeth. We make partial dentures so that they correspond to the size and shape of the patient’s mouth. We also match the color of the new dentures to the patient’s existing teeth to provide a natural look that is aesthetically pleasing.
Full dentures
For people who have lost all of their teeth, full dentures are ideal. With full dentures supported by dental implants, patients can have a new full set of teeth. Implant-supported full dentures restore the ability to eat favorite foods, and to speak and laugh comfortably. Because full dentures are matched to the size and shape of the patient’s mouth, they look like natural teeth. Full dentures also maintain jaw line definition, and the implants prevent the bone loss that inevitably occurs with traditional dentures.
We have provided denture animations to help you understand what is involved in the procedure.
Denture
Maxillary Bridge
Maryland Bridge
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Endodontics / Root Canals
Root canal therapy is essential for people who have infection of the dental pulp. Dental pulp is the soft interior part of a tooth that contains the nerves and provides teeth with nutrients. If the dental pulp is damaged or becomes infected, the root nerve of the tooth can die. If left untreated, the tooth will also die and need to be removed. Painful abscesses may also form if the damaged pulp is not properly treated; abscesses can cause damage to surrounding bone. Root canal therapy saves teeth with damaged dental pulp from further damage.
During treatment, a drill is used to create access through the tooth crown and down into the pulp chamber so that the damaged pulp may be removed. The remaining pulp in the chamber is then reshaped to facilitate the sealing of the tooth. Anesthesia is typically administered before this procedure so that the patient experiences little or no discomfort during treatment. Medications may also be introduced into the pulp chamber and root canal to prevent further infection. The treated tooth is then permanently sealed with a crown. Root canal therapy may take more than one office visit, depending on the extent of the damage to the tooth.
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Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are used to cover and repair severely damaged or missing teeth. Whether injury or decay has caused them harm, porcelain crowns can be an excellent method of restoring strength to teeth that have been broken or decayed. Strong and durable, they can also protect the remaining tooth structure while returning health and beauty to your smile.
Tooth decay caused by such things as smoking, gum disease, or cavities, as well as accidental injury like chipping, leave behind weak or missing teeth. Porcelain crowns solve such problems by effectively “capping,” or covering, the damaged tooth, supporting fillings, and attaching bridges to build replacement teeth. Aside from their incredible durability, porcelain crowns are also customized to match the natural color of your teeth. Unlike older metal crowns, they leave no dark line along the gums.
Creating your custom porcelain crown is easy. Dr. Wolpo will reduce the size of the selected tooth in order to better fit the crown. After making an impression of your mouth, the crown is made according to your unique specifications. Finally, the porcelain crown is cemented to the tooth.
Dr. Wolpo may recommend utilizing porcelain crowns in conjunction with other treatment options, such as tooth whitening or porcelain veneers, to enhance the results of your procedure. He can also determine if dental implants, laser dentistry, or other options are right for you.
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Inlay/Onlays
Tooth-colored inlays and onlays may be recommended when there is not enough tooth to hold a filling, but a crown is not necessary for support of the tooth. Inlays and onlays are bonded to the tooth and have almost the same strength as real teeth.
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Composite Fillings
Unlike the silver fillings of the past, modern, tooth-colored fillings allow cavities and dental work to go virtually unnoticed by others. Composite fillings are bonded to the teeth, providing a durable, more natural-looking effect.
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