Cavities are small holes or crevices that form in the hard service of your teeth and are caused by bacteria that can eat away at the tooth's enamel. Although it's never pleasant to hear that you have a cavity, we are here to help and will restore your tooth back to a healthy state by inserting a dental filling. Dental fillings are made from either a composite resin or porcelain and are used to fill the cavity, reinforcing the entire structure of the tooth.

What to expect at your consultation: First things first: we will begin by removing any decay and bacteria from the tooth in order to prepare it for its new filling. We will then insert a tooth colored composite resin into the cleaned cavity, allowing it to harden, before we mold and polish the filling, giving it a natural look that blends in with the rest of your smile.



A dental bridge is a custom-made, porcelain replacement piece that literally bridges the gap between one or more missing teeth in order to restore your bite. Bridges are fixed in place and can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years before needing to be replaced.

What to expect at your consultation: During your first visit to Spring Hill Dental Center, we will make an impression of the area in which we will be building the bridge between your teeth. This impression serves as the model which is then sent to our dental lab where the technicians will create your permanent bridge. During this initial visit we will also prepare the adjoining teeth which will hold the piece in place and then fit you with a temporary bridge. On your next visit, we remove the temporary and put in your permanent replacement, adjusting it as necessary to ensure a proper fit.



A root canal is a procedure used to save a tooth that is internally infected or suffering from decay. When the tooth becomes deeply infected the inflammation builds from within and therefore causes pain. The root canal procedure is designed to eliminate the decay and relieve the pain by removing the nerve and then cleaning and sealing the inside of the tooth.



What to expect at your consultation: Yikes! Root Canals have the reputation of being extremely uncomfortable and painful. At Spring Hill Dental Center your comfort will be maintained throughout your treatment and many people say that the procedure is no more uncomfortable than having a filling put in. The pain associated with the infected tooth is often way more painful than the root canal procedure itself. We will begin by numbing the area and then proceed to remove the infected nerve that is causing you pain and trouble. From there, we will clean and then seal the emptied canal with a synthetic material after which we will restore or crown your tooth giving you back your pain-free smile.

If you’re missing teeth, the hit to your self-esteem can be difficult to deal with. Even such everyday things we often take for granted such as chewing, speaking, smiling or socializing can become troublesome. Dental implants offer a way to get your life back and return you to your most confident self.  An implant consists of an artificial root, a post, and a crown, all carefully placed in order to give you a healthy, natural looking smile. Dental implants bond with your jaw bone, meaning that with proper care, they can last a lifetime.

What to expect at your consultation: Getting dental implants is a multi-step process. After your initial examination, we will extract any remaining teeth from the area in which we will be placing the implants. We will then insert the implant roots, which will eventually bond with your jaw bone naturally. Finally, the restorative crown will be placed onto the post. Depending on your needs and the health of your jawbone, the entire process can take as little as a few weeks.



Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a condition in which the gums become infected causing damage that compromises the soft tissue and destroying the bone and the teeth. It is a serious issue that must be treated in order to avoid tooth loss or more severe problems that can affect your general health. Although it is quite common to experience some level of periodontal disease, it is also often preventable through good oral hygiene, including brushing at least two times a day, flossing daily, and regular checkups with your dentist. Common warning signs include:

• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding and/or sensitive gums
• Receding gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
  
  

What to expect at your consultation: We will evaluate your situation and the severity of the periodontal disease in order to make recommendations for a course of action. For milder cases, a change in your oral hygiene routine may be all that is required. However, a deep cleaning will be the best way to go for even mild to moderate cases. This involves a procedure called scaling in which we remove the hardened plaque which has formed below the gum line and where bacteria tends to grow. We may also use laser therapies for early, moderate, and advanced cases, depending on the situation. For advanced cases, it may be recommended that you see a periodontist who specializes in gum disease.