Restorative & Cosmetic

We offer a variety of options to help improve your smile using the latest techniques and technology. The services we offer include:

• Tooth-Colored Fillings

  Tooth-colored fillings or composites are designed to match the color of your teeth. They are made of a mixture of glass or quartz filler and are designed to be used in small to mid-size fillings. Composites are glued into the filling or “bonded.” This allows less tooth structure to be removed when placing the filling as opposed to a silver (amalgam) filling which relies on the undercuts placed into the tooth to hold them. Composites tend to take longer to place because the tooth must be kept clean and dry while the filling is placed.

  “Bonding” can also mean the placement of composite fillings on the front teeth to close spaces or correct rotations.

• Crowns/Bridges/Veneers

  Crowns
  Crowns are used to cover the tooth when there is extensive damage done to the tooth from a broken cusp or a filling that is very large. They are also placed over dental implants and teeth that have had root-canals. Crowns protect the tooth from breaking and mask teeth that are poorly shaped or discolored. They restore the teeth to their normal shape and size.

  Bridges
  If you are missing a tooth, a permanent bridge can often be made to replace it. It should look and feel natural, without hooks or clasps, and stay in permanently, allowing totally normal function. When teeth are missing, the remaining teeth begin to change position. This can lead to numerous problems, including loss of more teeth. A fixed bridge will prevent teeth from shifting, and stabilize your bite. They can also be attached to implants. Bridges can help restore your smile.

  Veneers
  Many people desire a brighter, cleaner and more attractive smile but have chipped, stained, discolored, unevenly spaced, or even slightly crooked front teeth. If this sounds like you, we will gladly evaluate your unique situation and listen to the changes you have in mind. Porcelain veneers can offer a minimally invasive way to provide a dazzling smile in just a few appointments.

  A veneer differs from a crown because much less tooth is removed when compared to a crown. An impression of your teeth is taken and then sent to the lab where a technician makes the veneers out of porcelain. The veneers typically provide superior esthetics compared with direct placed composites or “bonding.” We show you examples of the end result before any treatment is performed.

• Whitening

  South Hill family dental offers both in-office and take home whitening procedures.

  Is it safe?
  Yes, whitening your teeth, under the supervision of your dentist, has been proven safe in clinical studies over a period of many years. The primary ingredient in our bleach is carbamide peroxide, which has been safely used to brighten the smiles of millions of people worldwide.

  How does it work?
  We take impressions of your teeth that will allow for custom trays to be made for your bleaching procedures. The gel is placed in these thin comfortable trays and fitted over your teeth. As you whiten your teeth, carbamide peroxide is broken down and oxygen enters the enamel and dentin. This bleaches out the discolored areas. The structure of the tooth is not changed. The color of the tooth is simply made lighter.

  How long does it take?
  Optimum natural whiteness usually occurs when the process is continued for a week to 10 days. Dr. Craven will go over what you can expect for your individual situation.

  Are there any side effects?
  It is possible to experience increased sensitivity to hot or cold during the whitening process. This is temporary and usually prevented by carefully following the instructions provided by Dr. Craven and her staff. The sensitivity will normally go away within the first 48 hours after the whitening process is completed.

  How long will it last?
  The duration of your results depends largely upon you. Practice good oral hygiene and brush normally, especially after consuming staining foods or beverages and your results could last for years. If you use staining substances like coffee, tobacco, and red wine, you may want periodic touch-ups.

• Root Canals

  Root canal treatment usually involves the removal of the tooth pulp, a small thread-like tissue inside the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. Once removed, it is replaced with materials that seal off the root canal from its surrounding tissues. Years ago, diseased or injured teeth were often extracted. Today, even if the pulp in one of your teeth becomes injured or infected, the tooth often can be saved through root canal (endodontic) treatment.

  Why does the pulp need to be removed?
  If the injured or diseased pulp is not removed, the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth can become infected and an abscess can form, resulting in a pain and swelling. Even if there is no pain, certain substances released by bacteria can damage the bone that anchors the tooth in the jaw. Without treatment, the tooth may have to be removed.

  Why couldn’t you just remove the tooth?
  There are many disadvantages to losing a natural tooth. When a tooth is removed and not replaced, the adjacent teeth may begin to shift from their natural position. This may cause the teeth to become crooked and crowded, which decreases biting and chewing efficiency. Crowded or crooked teeth may be more prone to gum disease because they are harder to keep clean than properly aligned teeth. A replacement tooth (an implant or bridge) is usually more expensive than endodontic treatment and can involve more extensive dental procedures on adjacent teeth. A natural tooth is normally better than an artificial tooth.

• Dental Implant Restoration

  If you are looking for an option to replace one or several teeth, a dental implant may be the best choice for you. The main benefit of implants is they replace tooth roots so individual crowns or even dentures may be attached to them.

  An implant is a special surgical grade titanium post, manufactured to highly precise specifications, under strict sterile conditions, that is inserted surgically into the jawbone below the gum surface. As the bone bonds to the post, it forms a secure foundation onto which your new teeth are then attached and shaped to match your mouth.

• Dentures/Partials

  Dentures and partials are removable appliances that replace missing teeth. They will make it easier for you to eat and speak as well as support your facial muscles. If the facial muscles are not well supported, they can sag and make us look older. Dr. Craven will take the time to make sure these appliances fit well in your mouth and help you look your best.

• Snore-guards/Sleep Apnea

  Have you been told that you snore? It could be affecting either the quality of your sleep or those around you. Some people who snore also suffer from sleep apnea which is when your regular breathing is interrupted during sleep. If left untreated, it can result in other medical problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, heart attack, diabetes or depression. Sleep Apnea is often treated with CPAP (continuous positive air pressure), surgery, or in mild cases, an oral appliance. Dr. Craven can make you a snore guard to help with these conditions and your husband, wife or partner will thank her for it!

• Botox

  Used for treatment of TMD and headaches as well as cosmetic purposes.

The following are available for your comfort:

• Nitrous Oxide
• Conscious sedation
• Noise-cancelling headphones
• Isodry