Restorative Dentistry

The goal of Dr. Kumi and her team is to provide every patient with the smile they desire and deserve in a comfortable and relaxing environment. We provide our patients with knowledgeable and gentle care to restore the health of their teeth and gums.

While there are a number of options available when it comes to restorative treatments, you can be confident that we will recommend only the best possible solution for your oral health needs.

DENTAL FILLINGS

When a filling is required, Dr. Kumi and her team can provide aesthetic tooth colored/bonded restorations. Closely matched to the color and shape of your surrounding teeth, this procedure protects the health of your teeth while providing a beautiful smile.

Dr. Kumi will also closely examine any existing filling for any signs of failure. After years of use, fillings can start to break down at the edges, which can lead to new decay or weakening of the surrounding tooth structure.

DENTAL CROWNS

Dr. Kumi strives to provide imperceptible dental work to all of her patients. Upon request, we can exchange existing crowns and fillings with restorations that look and feel like your natural teeth.

Fitting a crown may require more than one visit to see Dr. Kumi. As a first step, Dr. Kumi will remove any decay from the tooth structure, shape the tooth as needed, and then fit the tooth with a temporary crown.

During the subsequent visit, Dr. Kumi will remove the temporary crown, replacing it with a permanent crown. Once adjusted, the permanent crown will be cemented into place, and you’ll have a new, beautiful looking tooth.

RESTORING YOUR SMILE

Maintaining your ability to speak, chew, and retain proper alignment of your jaw requires the presence of all of your teeth. If you have experienced tooth loss, Dr. Kumi offers restorations to replace lost teeth, including dental bridges, dental implants, and removable partial and full dentures.

DENTAL BRIDGES

One of the most damaging side effects associated with missing teeth is the increased risk of gum disease. You lower your risk of developing gum disease through the use of a dental bridge, which Dr. Kumi can provide to replace missing teeth. The bridge attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth and can be crafted using porcelain, gold, or a combination of these two materials.

Fitting a dental bridge usually takes two appointments to complete. The construction of a bridge must be precise to guarantee a correct bite and to match the opposing teeth.

Dr. Kumi will take impressions of your existing teeth and send the impressions to a lab for the fabrication of your bridge. Between appointments, a temporary bridge will be provided.

A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. Good dental care of these teeth is critically important, as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

An increasingly popular way to replace missing teeth, dental implants not only support crowns, bridges, and dentures, they also take the place of the roots themselves.

Dental implants are fixtures made from titanium which are surgically placed into your jawbone. The implant acts as an anchor for a crown or denture to fit over. When a crown is fitted onto an implant, most people can’t even tell the difference between an implant and their natural teeth.

While dentures and removable partials can become loose and unstable, implants provide you with dental replacements that look and feel natural. Implants perform better than their removable counterparts and offer the same force for biting as natural teeth. Best of all, they will last a lifetime if properly maintained.

A dental implant also requires no alterations to the adjacent teeth. To keep your implants clean and healthy, you still need to stay diligent with your daily oral hygiene. It’s also important to regularly visit Dr. Kumi for routine follow-up appointments and cleanings to keep your new smile healthy and bright!