Restorative Dentistry - Columbia, South Carolina
Fresh New Smile, Fresh New You
DENTAL IMPLANTS
Implants are a solid option for patients who are missing all of their teeth. They provide a many of the benefits of natural teeth, and none of the complications and inconveniences of traditional dentures. As implant science and technology improves, more people are candidates for implants. Read More...
FILLINGS
Tooth-colored fillings are nothing new, but did you know you can actually have your old, metal fillings replaced with tooth-colored fillings? In addition to being more attractive and natural, the tooth-colored fillings do not contain mercury, which may be healthier in the long run. We always use tooth-colored fillings in new cavities.
PORCELAIN INLAYS AND ONLAYS
Say what? Inlays and onlays are comparable to fillings, but they’re usually bigger and used to strengthen a tooth that is too damaged for just a filling, but not quite damaged enough to justify a crown. Inlays and onlays are made of porcelain, and the difference is which part of the tooth they cover. An inlay covers a corner or some irregular portion of the crown. An onlay covers all four corners of the bite surface.
CROWNS AND BRIDGES
Dr. Swick uses either metal-free or PFM (porcelain fused to metal) crowns and bridges depending on your specific needs. A crown is essentially a helmet for a badly compromised tooth. Most often, crowns are used after a root canal or when a tooth is severely broken. A bridge takes the place of missing teeth. It basically holds replacement teeth in place by getting support from the adjacent healthy teeth.
PARTIALS AND DENTURES
Sometimes teeth need to be removed due to disease, decay, or just life. When this happens, whether we remove several or all of the teeth, Dr. Swick designs beautiful dentures and partials. Partials are designed for people who are only missing some teeth, and fit in between the healthy teeth. Dentures replace a full arch, either upper or lower. Both may take some getting used to, and we don’t want you to go it alone. Implants are a more natural feeling option, but not everyone is a candidate. Please call us if you have questions.
ROOT CANALS
When a tooth gets infected, the only answer is often a root canal or an extraction (pulling it). We encourage people to keep their natural teeth as much as possible, so root canals afford you that opportunity. While root canals have the reputation of being horribly uncomfortable, it’s actually the infection that precedes them that is painful. Dr. Swick does root canals in house.
ORAL SURGERY
While Dr. Swick does small, uncomplicated extractions (removing a tooth from the gum) in-house, he will send you to an oral surgeon he trusts if you need a larger procedure like removing a wisdom tooth or an impacted tooth (one that hasn’t come out of the gum at all or only partially).