Restorative Dentistry

Dentistry from A-Z, our husband and wife team has you covered!
Restore the Beauty and Function of Your Smile

Choose your restorative dentistry service.

CEREC machine used to create crowns, bridges, and other dental restorations at South Shore Prosthodontics

Click play to find out more about dental crowns.

CEREC® Crowns

Crowns are synthetic caps, usually made of a material like porcelain, placed on the top of a tooth.
Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth’s function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal. When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed, crowns are often used to restore the tooth.

Crowns are also used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent a cracked tooth from becoming worse, or an existing filling is in jeopardy of becoming loose or dislocated. Crowns can serve an aesthetic use too and are applied when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance.

As a skilled Hingham restorative dentist, Dr. Khayat can restore your smile in one visit using CEREC® technology. This modern procedure allows him to complete the design, creation, and placement stages in our office. No referrals, messy impressions, or repeat visits, just a restored smile!

Caring for Your Crowns

With proper care, a good quality crown could last up to eight years or longer. It is very important to floss in the area of the crown to avoid excess plaque or collection of debris around the restoration.

Certain behaviors such as jaw clenching or bruxism (teeth grinding) significantly shorten the life of a crown. Moreover, eating brittle foods, ice or hard candy can compromise the adhesion of the crown, or even damage the crown.

Fixed bridges and implants are often used to replace missing teeth and to correct some kinds of bite problems.
Crowns and bridges are the most effective procedure for replacing missing teeth or bite problems.

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Dental Bridges

Bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can replace a section of missing teeth. Because they are custom-made, bridges are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth.

There are several types of fixed dental bridges (cannot be removed), including conventional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges, and resin-bonded bridges. Some bridges are removable and can be cleaned by the wearer; others need to be removed by a dentist.

Porcelain, gold alloys or combinations of materials are usually used to make bridge appliances. Appliances called implant bridges are attached to an area below the gum tissue or the bone.

Click play to find out more about dental bridges.

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about inlays and onlays.

Inlays & Onlays

Inlays and onlays are dental restorations made of porcelain. In certain cases, inlays and onlays are a conservative alternative to full coverage dental crowns. Also known as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays offer a well-fitting, stronger, longer-lasting reparative solution to tooth decay or similar damage. These restorations are beneficial from both: an aesthetic and functional point of view.

Inlays and onlays can often be used in place of traditional dental fillings to treat tooth decay or similar structural damage. Whereas dental fillings are molded into place within the mouth during a dental visit, inlays and onlays are fabricated indirectly using CEREC® technology before being fitted and bonded to the damaged tooth by your dentist.

The restoration is dubbed an “inlay” when the material is bonded within the center of a tooth. Conversely, the restoration is dubbed an “onlay” when the extent of the damage requires the inclusion of one or more cusps (points) of the tooth or full coverage of the biting surface.

Typically, an inlay or onlay procedure used to be completed in two dental visits, but with our in-house technology, Dr. Khayat can do it in one visit. During your appointment, our expert Hingham dentist will prepare the damaged tooth. A digital impression of the tooth is then taken and sent to our computer software, where an inlay or onlay is designed and fabricated. Once fitted, the inlay or onlay is bonded onto the tooth, and the margins are polished.

  • The Benefits of the Conservative Approach
     

    Superior Fit: Inlays and onlays offer a conservative preparation that preserves as much healthy tooth as possible. They are a great choice if you have minimal to moderate tooth decay that extends into a flossing area, offering an excellent alternative to full coverage crowns.

    Tooth Color: Boasting aesthetic longevity, inlays and onlays are not likely to discolor over time as tooth-colored resin fillings often do.

    Tooth Structure Safeguard: Inlays and onlays preserve the maximum amount of healthy tooth structure while restoring decayed or damaged areas, helping to ensure functional longevity.

    Easy Tooth Cleaning: Because the fit is tailored at all edges and the preparation minimal, your tooth can be easier to clean than it would be with full coverage restorative alternatives such as a dental crown. Composite fillings can shrink during the curing process, whereas prefabricated porcelain or gold inlays and onlays will not (ensuring a precise fit).

    Tight Space Fulfilments: If you have a cavity between your teeth, consider an inlay rather than a direct composite filling. Inlays are better at sealing teeth to keep out bacteria; they are easy to clean, will not stain and offer exceptional longevity.

    Strength and Stability: Inlays and onlays are extremely stable restorative solutions for the treatment of decay. The superior fit and durable material make inlays and onlays a stable choice that can actually strengthen a damaged tooth.

    Weak Tooth Protector: An onlay can protect the weak areas of the tooth. The procedure does not require the complete reshaping of the tooth.

     

Female patient smiling as she sits in the dentist chair as Dr. Khayat plans to check her root canal

Posts & Cores for Root Canal Treated Teeth

Teeth sometimes have large portions missing due to decay, fracture, the loss of a filling and, in the case of root canal treatment, the creation of an access cavity.

Core placement refers to a procedure where a dentist replaces missing tooth structure in preparation for making a new dental crown. Replacing these missing portions creates the optimal foundation for the new restoration.

A core can be made out of any type of permanent dental restorative. In most cases, it’s either dental amalgam (metal filling material) or else dental composite.

Here’s the reason why a core is placed. A great deal of a crown’s stability depends on the amount of tooth structure that extends into its interior. If very little tooth structure occupies this space, the crown will be easily dislodged, especially by forces directed at its side.

By “building up” the tooth first with a core (rebuilding the tooth, so it is closer to its original dimensions), the dentist can greatly increase the stability of the crown, and therefore maximize its long-term chances for success.

What are a post and core? The difference between a dental core and a post is that with the latter, a dental post is used to help to anchor the core to the tooth.

While a dental core can be created for any tooth, a post and core can only be made for a tooth that has had root canal treatment.

Female patient smiling as she sits in the dentist chair as Dr. Khayat plans to check her root canal which is offered as part of our restorative dentistry services.

I have had the best experience at this office. In the past year, I have done significant work - wisdom tooth pulled and two crowns replaced. Dr, Becerra and Dr, Khayat are terrific. The procedures were painless, the office staff is really friendly, and they made the whole process easy and fun. Plus, both doctors were recommended by fellow dentists, as they are known for the quality of their work.

Jim M. (Actual Patient)

Dentures

As a fully-trained prosthodontist, Dr. Khayat is able to restore your smile using a range of denture appliances.

  • Complete Denture
    Dentures are false teeth, made mostly of plastic, that replaces missing or lost teeth. Complete dentures cover your entire jaw, either upper or lower. Some people call them “plates.” Complete dentures rest directly on the gum that covers the bone.

    Complete dentures are custom made for you. The process involves multiple appointments, usually about five. First, we take impressions of your mouth. At later visits, you and the doctor select the size, shape, and color of the artificial teeth followed by appointments to check your bite before the process is completed.

  • Complete Lower Denture
    Lower dentures tend to be more difficult to keep in your mouth than upper dentures. That’s because the surface area of the lower jaw is much smaller than the top jaw. An upper denture covers the entire palate, which helps it stay in place. Therefore, an overdenture can be most helpful for the lower jaw.

    Dentures can be either complete or partial. Complete dentures are made for people who have lost all of their teeth. They can be given more support by placement of implants in the bone under the denture. Partial dentures are used to replace only a few teeth. They attach to nearby teeth.

  • Partial Denture
    Partial dentures are created specifically for you. The dentures are created to provide a replacement tooth or teeth. The teeth will fit in to the spaces where there are missing teeth. The final result is a smile that appears to be full of beautiful teeth.
  • Immediate Denture
    Immediate dentures are dentures that are made for a patient while some remaining teeth are still in place and are delivered at the time of extractions. Molds and measurements of the mouth are still taken, and the patient will have a try-in appointment to see their denture in a wax format. While the denture can’t really be “tried in,” there may be multiple appointments during the construction phase of the denture. When the denture is complete, the patient is scheduled for the extraction of their remaining teeth.
Dentures Videos

Click play to find out more about complete dentures.

Click play to find out more about partial dentures.

Click play to find out more about locator retained dentures.

Denture Maintenance

Dentures today are made from very advanced materials designed to give you a natural appearance. However, keep in mind that just like your teeth, dentures should be cared for with the same diligence. This means daily brushing and regular visits to your dentist.

Regular visits to your dentist are critical. Dr. Khayat will also make minor adjustments that ensure that your dentures continue fitting naturally and comfortably. Just like natural teeth, dentures need to be cleansed of plaque, food particles and other debris. Keeping your dentures in top shape will also help keep the soft tissues of your mouth healthy; an unclean or malformed denture can cause infections and irritation.

Cleaning Techniques

Remember to rinse and brush your dentures after every meal, and soak them in denture solution overnight. This also allows your gums to breathe while you sleep. Here are some simple techniques for keeping your dentures clean:

  • People can brush their dentures in a variety of ways. Some people use soap and water or a slightly abrasive toothpaste. Popular denture pastes and creams also can be used.
  • Avoid using highly abrasive chemicals or pastes, or vigorously brushing with hard bristled toothbrushes. These can scratch or even crack dentures.
  • Hold your dentures gently to avoid loosening a tooth.
  • Clean your dentures with cool or tepid water over a water-filled sink. Hot water may warp a denture. A small washcloth placed in the bottom of the bowl will ensure that your denture isn’t damaged if it falls.
  • Soak your dentures overnight in any commercially available product like Efferdent or Polident, and remember to rinse your dentures before placing them back in your mouth.

Remember to use a separate toothbrush to clean your own natural teeth, as well as all of your gum tissues. In lieu of a toothbrush, a soft washcloth may be used to wipe your gums.

Over time, even daily care of your dentures may require them to be cleaned by the dentist. A powerful ultrasonic cleaner may be used to remove hard accumulations of tartar and other substances.

Beautiful woman who underwent a full mouth reconstruction, which included both cosmetic and restorative dentistry.

Click play to find out more about full mouth reconstruction.

Full Mouth Reconstruction

Full mouth reconstruction, full mouth rehabilitation, and full mouth restoration are terms often used interchangeably to describe the process of rebuilding or simultaneously restoring all of the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws.

Full mouth reconstructions are best done by our expert prosthodontist (performing procedures like crowns, bridges and veneers), and can incorporate other dental specialists like our periodontist (specializing in the gums), oral surgeon, or an orthodontists (specializing in tooth movements and positions) and endodontists (specializing in the tooth pulp).

The need for full mouth reconstruction may result from:

  • Teeth that have been lost due to decay or trauma
  • Teeth that have been injured or fractured
  • Teeth that have become severely worn as a result of long-term acid erosion (foods, beverages, acid reflux) or tooth grinding
  • Ongoing complaints of jaw, muscle and headache pain requiring adjustments to the bite (occlusion)

If you think you need full mouth restoration or reconstruction, contact us for a comprehensive examination. We will examine your mouth to determine the extent of the problem and the treatment options that can be used to correct it.

  • Common Procedures
    The following procedures may be involved, depending on your needs:

    • Prophylactic teeth cleaning and periodontal
    • Crown lengthening to expose healthy, sound tooth structure for possible crowns or bridges
    • Orthognathic surgery to reposition the jaw
    • Contouring of the gum tissue to create balance and harmony in your smile
    • Preparation (reduction) of your natural tooth structure so crowns, bridges or veneers can be placed
    • Placement of temporary restorations so you can become accustomed to your new teeth and the feel of your new mouth or bite alignment
    • Orthodontics (braces) in order to move your teeth into the optimal position for reconstruction
    • Implant placement and restoration to replace missing teeth and/or anchor bridge restorations
    • Bone or soft tissue grafting to enhance the stability of your teeth, proposed implants and/or other restorations

    Once we have obtained all information relevant to your case, we will develop a comprehensive, step-by-step treatment plan to correct all of the problems in your mouth and complete your full mouth reconstruction.

Older male patient looking down and smiling after he received a dental implant from Dr. Khayat which is offered as part of our restorative dentistry services.

Dental Implants

Before the development of dental implants, dentures were the only alternative to replacing a missing tooth or teeth.

Implants are synthetic structures that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root. Implants are anchored to the jawbone or metal framework on the bone and act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge. In some cases, implants can be used to attach dentures.

Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant, however. For a successful implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and have a strong immune system. In all cases, dental implants require strict oral hygiene.

Implants are so well designed that they mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. Implants are usually made of a synthetic yet biocompatible material like metal or ceramic.

Surgery is necessary to prepare the area for an implant and place the implant in the mouth. Following the procedure, a period of time is required for the implant to take hold and for bone tissue to build up and anchor the device. In some cases, metal posts are inserted into the implant during a follow-up procedure to connect the tooth.

Because implants require surgery, patients are administered anesthesia and, if necessary, antibiotics to stave off infection following the procedure.

Like any restoration, implants require diligent oral hygiene and proper care to ensure they last a long time.

Older male patient looking down and smiling after he received a dental implant from Dr. Khayat which are part of our restorative dentistry services.

See Our Specialties

Dr. Khayat is a world-class prosthodontist, while Dr. Becerra is a well-renowned periodontist.