Repair Your Smile

Marin Center for Aesthetic Dentistry takes pride in providing COMFORTABLE dental services to our patients by using high-tech dental equipment.

Restoring your smile is easier than ever in our dental office! Please see below for detailed descriptions and animations of the repair dental services and treatments available in our office.

Types of Crowns

Dr. Frade, your San Rafael crown dentist will explain your crown options and answer your questions. There are four basic types of crowns:

1) Zirconia
2) Porcelain outer surface with a metal base crown
3) All metal crown, which is usually gold
4) Pure porcelain or composite crown
They all differ in durability, strength, appearance and cost.

Fixed Bridges

A fixed dental bridge is a permanent replacement to missing teeth, including front teeth, a bridge can help restore the look and function of your teeth. An artificial tooth, called a pontic, takes the place of the missing tooth. The pontic is secured by two or more crowns connected on either side of the missing tooth and cemented. This is an alternative procedure to an implant but will involve more teeth.

Implant Supported Bridge

An implant-supported bridge has several advantages verses traditional bridges. Traditional bridges rely on adjacent teeth for support, teeth need to be prepared before the bridge is secured in place using dental cement. Using implants to secure the bridge instead means that no teeth need to be ground down in order to replace a missing tooth. An implant-supported bridge is a replacement for several teeth that is secured permanently to dental implants. A fixed implant-supported bridge is a more cost-effective solution than individually replacing each missing tooth with its own implant and implant crown.

Extractions

Although permanent teeth were meant to last a lifetime, there are instances where a tooth may need to be “pulled” or extracted. A very common reason involves a tooth that is fractured, has trauma or decay that is unrestorable. The procedure is done using forceps, grasping the tooth and gently rocking it back and forth to loosen it from the jaw bone and ligaments that hold it in place. On occasion, a hard-to-pull tooth must be sectioned and removed in pieces. Once the tooth is out, a blood clot usually forms in the socket. Dr. Frade will pack gauze into the socket and have you bite down on it to help stop the bleeding. If needed a few stitches will be placed. If a tooth or teeth are impacted or too difficult of an extraction, Dr. Frade will refer out to a trusted specialist.

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that re-contours the gum tissue and often the underlying bone of a tooth. Crown lengthening is often for a tooth to be fitted with a crown. It provides necessary space between the supporting bone and crown, which prevents the new crown from damaging bone and gum tissue.

Full Arch Dentures

A full arch denture is a removable tooth replacement option for those who need all their teeth replaced. They can be crafted to provide the characteristics (tooth shape and color) the patient desires. Advances have been made in the materials used for dentures and in the way they are designed. If you already have dentures (partial or full arch) you may be experiencing a loose fit or denture slipping. This can lead to gum sores, can affect your chewing and your speech and decrease your confidence when speaking and/or laughing with others. We can help restore your dentures to the correct fit.

Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry administers oral medication to help dental patients remain calm and relaxed prior to and during dental procedures. If you are experiencing an uncomfortably high level of anxiety, Dr. Frade may recommend dental sedation. The most common form of dental sedation is an oral medication or nitrous oxide gas which is inhaled.

Decades of research and successful practice have shown that the inhalation of a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen provides fast, effective analgesia, pain relief and, relaxation. Allowing Dr. Frade to complete your dental work while you stay absolutely comfortable. Nitrous oxide takes effect almost instantly and is out of the patient’s system within a few minutes, allowing a patient to quickly return to normal activities after dental work is complete.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

(415) 485-1800