Fillings That Actually Last
Cavities remain one of the most common dental problems, but modern fillings have come a long way from the obvious metal versions your parents probably had. Composite resin fillings match your tooth color so seamlessly that you might forget which teeth have them.
Dr. Oxley removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills the space with this durable material. The resin bonds directly to your tooth structure, which means less drilling and more of your natural tooth preserved. These fillings work well for small to medium-sized cavities in any part of your mouth.
The process happens quickly—most fillings take about an hour from start to finish. You leave the office able to eat and drink normally once the numbness wears off, though you might want to avoid super hard or sticky foods for the first day.
When Crowns Become Necessary
Sometimes a tooth has too much damage for a filling to work. Large cavities, cracks, root canal treatments, or severe wear leave teeth structurally weak. Crowns cover the entire visible portion of the tooth, protecting what remains while restoring shape and function.
The preparation involves reshaping the damaged tooth to create room for the crown. Dr. Oxley takes detailed impressions or digital scans that capture the exact dimensions needed. While a dental lab crafts your permanent crown—usually taking a couple of weeks—a temporary crown protects your tooth and lets you function normally.
Modern crowns use materials that look incredibly natural. Porcelain and ceramic options match your surrounding teeth so well that most people can’t distinguish between crowned teeth and natural ones. They’re also strong enough to handle normal chewing forces for many years.
Bridges for Missing Teeth
Losing a tooth creates problems beyond the obvious gap in your smile. Neighboring teeth gradually shift into the empty space, your bite changes, and the jawbone beneath starts deteriorating without the stimulation that tooth roots provide. Bridges address these issues by literally bridging the gap.
A traditional bridge uses crowns on the teeth flanking the empty space to support a replacement tooth in between. This three-unit restoration stays permanently cemented in place—you care for it just like your natural teeth with regular brushing and flossing.
Dr. Oxley also offers implant-supported bridges for people missing multiple adjacent teeth. Instead of relying on natural teeth for support, these bridges anchor to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone. This approach preserves bone health and doesn’t require altering healthy neighboring teeth.
Dental Implants as Permanent Solutions
Implants represent the gold standard for tooth replacement in restorative dentistry in New Bern. These titanium posts integrate with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration, essentially becoming artificial tooth roots. Once healed, they support crowns, bridges, or even full dentures.
The process takes several months because proper healing can’t be rushed. Dr. Oxley places the implant during a surgical appointment, then allows three to six months for your bone to fuse with the titanium. After confirming successful integration, he attaches an abutment and finally the permanent crown.
Implants feel and function like your original teeth. You brush and floss them normally, eat whatever foods you enjoy, and don’t worry about them slipping or clicking like traditional dentures sometimes do. With proper care, they can last decades or even a lifetime.
Dentures for Extensive Tooth Loss
When someone has lost most or all of their teeth, complete or partial dentures restore the ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently. Today’s dentures look far more natural than older versions, with realistic gum coloring and teeth shaped to match facial features.
Partial dentures replace several missing teeth while working around remaining natural teeth. They typically use metal clasps or precision attachments to stay secure. Complete dentures replace all teeth in an arch and rely on suction and proper fit to stay in place.
Dr. Oxley also offers implant-retained dentures, which snap onto dental implants for superior stability. These don’t slip during eating or speaking, allow you to enjoy a wider variety of foods, and feel more like natural teeth than conventional dentures.
Understanding Treatment Priorities
Sometimes multiple teeth need attention, and figuring out where to start feels overwhelming. Dr. Oxley evaluates which problems need immediate treatment to prevent worsening damage and which can wait if budget or scheduling requires staggering appointments.
Active infections or severe decay take priority because they won’t resolve on their own. Missing teeth in visible areas or spots affecting your bite also rank high. Together, you’ll create a treatment plan that makes sense for your situation—one that addresses urgent needs first while keeping long-term goals in mind.
Restorative Dentistry in New Bern
Restored teeth require the same daily care as natural ones. Brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting for professional cleanings prevent new problems from developing. If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a custom nightguard protects both natural teeth and restorations from excessive wear.
Don’t let damaged or missing teeth hold you back from enjoying life fully. Contact Oxley Comprehensive Dentistry today to discuss restorative dentistry options with Dr. Eric Oxley and take the first step toward reclaiming your smile’s health and function in New Bern.
