Dr. Thomas Prendergast and the team at Infinity Dental specialize in restorative dentistry in Fox Lake, IL. We offer many treatments to repair and restore your smile with natural looking results.
Missing, broken, crooked, or cracked teeth are not only aesthetic issues. They can also pose dental health problems. They will affect the function of your bite and put you at risk for decay and gum disease.
Missing teeth create many concerns. It exposes the gums to bacteria and infection and allows remaining teeth to shift position. Crooked teeth can affect the alignment of the bite, leading to jaw pain, and also harbor bacteria in the mouth.
Restorative Dentistry in Fox Lake, IL
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing and replacing damaged and missing teeth. Our goal is to address these issues as soon as possible to help you avoid more dental concerns. The sooner you call to book an appointment, the more conservative your treatment will be. Restorative dentistry ranges from filling a cavity to replacing lost teeth with bridges, implants and dentures. Dr. Prendergast will bring your entire mouth back to health and make it work properly again with a variety of treatments. We offer the range of restorative dentistry necessary to meet your needs and bring back your natural smile.
Restorative Dentistry Treatments
- Dental Crowns: Infinity Dental will use a dental crown, which is like a cap that we cement to the tooth, to repair a damaged or weak tooth. Dr. Prendergast will shape and color-match the crown to blend in perfectly with your surrounding teeth. To learn more about the crown process, see Dental Crowns.
- Dentures and Partials: Dentures are a great treatment option to replace some teeth in a row or an entire row of teeth. This type of prosthesis is essentially false teeth that are mounted to a gum-colored base. We can design removable dentures or non-removable dentures that are secured to dental implants. To learn more about the different types of dentures we offer, see Dentures and Partials.
- Dental Bridges: A dental bridge can replace a single tooth or several consecutive teeth. False teeth, called pontics, are fused to dental crowns and the crowns are cemented to adjacent teeth. We can also secure a bridge to dental implants for a a more durable tooth replacement solution. To learn more about different types of bridges we offer, see Dental Bridge.
- Gum Disease Treatment: If you suffer from gum disease, we offer treatment to help control the disease and repair damage to your teeth and gums. To learn more about the signs and symptoms of gum disease, see Gum Disease.
- Dental Fillings: A dental filling is a common dental restoration we use to fill cavities. Infinity Dental offers several types of fillings to meet the needs of our patients. To learn more about the types of dental fillings we offer, see Dental Fillings.
Restorative Dentistry: what to expect
Many patients who come to us for restorative dentistry have avoided the dentist for years. We understand the fear and anxiety that some people have about visiting the dentist. Our office is comfortable and inviting and our staff will go above and beyond to make patients feel at ease.
If you have been suffering from poor dental health due to dental anxiety and fear, we welcome you to book an appointment with Dr. Prendergast. He can help you learn more about the many benefits of restoring your smile.
During your consult, you discuss your dental history and any problems or concerns you have as well as your dental health goals. The dentist will examine your entire mouth to get a good look at the current state of your oral health. Together you and the dentist will create a treatment plan to give you a healthy, natural looking smile.
We will discuss all of your options as well as the costs of all the treatment. We will file dental insurance claims on your behalf and offer dental financing options for patients that qualify.
The proper diagnosis is critical for making a treatment plan that will provide lasting results. An evaluation at Infinity Dental of Fox Lake will include:
- Diagnostic x-rays
- Oral cancer screening
- Periodontal screening (for gum disease)
- Dental caries (cavities) screening
- Private consultation with the dentist
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you looking to restore your smile and improve the function of your teeth? Our restorative dentistry services can help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that you can confidently show off. Read on for answers to commonly asked questions about restorative dentistry.
Can you still get a cavity after a crown?
Yes. When you have a dental crown, developing a cavity under or around the crown is still possible. This can happen if bacteria and plaque accumulate or get underneath the crown’s margins. Dental crowns can restore teeth but don’t make the tooth immune to decay. You should brush and floss regularly and have routine dental check-ups to help prevent decay under or around your crown.
What happens if you don’t fill a cavity?
If you do not fill a cavity, it will allow the decay to progress. This can lead to further damage to the tooth. Furthermore, not filling the cavity can also result in pain and infection and might require more extensive treatments such as root canals or extractions. Early treatment of cavities helps to maintain the tooth and prevent more serious oral problems.
How many teeth will I need for a bridge?
To place a dental bridge, you usually need at least two teeth to anchor it. These are the teeth on either side of the gap from the missing tooth (or teeth).
For a standard bridge, you need a minimum of two natural teeth to support the structure. However, the exact number can vary based on the gap size and the condition of the adjacent teeth.
Is it better to get full dentures or partials?
The choice between full dentures and partials really depends on your specific needs. If you’re missing most or all of your teeth, full dentures could be the way to go. Conversely, partials fill in the gaps while letting you keep your healthy teeth. Your dentist will consider your oral health, the number of missing teeth, and personal preferences.
What is the best type of dental bridge to get?
The best type of dental bridge for you will depend on the location of the missing tooth and the condition of neighboring teeth. Traditional bridges are great for replacing one or more teeth when healthy teeth are on both sides of the gap. However, if you are missing multiple teeth or lack strong neighboring teeth, implant-supported bridges provide a more stable solution. Additionally, implant-supported bridges won’t affect neighboring teeth.
Who should get an oral cancer screening?
We recommend oral cancer screenings for everyone, especially those at higher risk. High-risk individuals include those who engage in tobacco use of any kind, heavy alcohol consumption, and exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV). However, even individuals without these risk factors can benefit from regular screenings. Early detection is essential in effectively treating oral cancer.
Why Choose Infinity Dental?
Dr. Prendergast offers the very best dental care for the restorative needs of our patients. Whatever your concern or oral health condition, he takes the time to thoroughly evaluate your needs and discuss your goals. We believe that the best dentistry is a collaboration between dentist and patient, developed through communication and trust.
Dr. Prendergast restores all types of implants and will work with you to choose the most suitable treatment option for missing teeth. He will coordinate care with local specialists as needed for extractions and the placement of the implant post.