Restorative Dentistry

Tooth-colored fillings, onlays, crowns, fixed (permanently cemented) bridges, implant crowns, or full/partial dentures are all offered in our office. Dr. Wagner strives to provide predictable and functional options for his patients to achieve the dental health and esthetics they deserve.

Many patients are in need of custom dental restorations but lack the open schedule for multiple appointments over several weeks. Here in Manchester Center, Dr. Wagner and his team are proud to simplify this process with state-of-the-art CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) technology. Now, all crowns, onlays, inlays, veneers, and other restorations can be crafted and placed over the course of a single appointment. 

Tooth-colored Fillings

For many years, amalgam (silver) filling material was all that was available to restore cavities. Fortunately, tooth-colored filling materials have evolved to restore posterior as well as anterior teeth in an esthetic and predictable way. Made of a high-quality, non-toxic resin material, Dr. Wagner is able to closely color match your natural enamel for an unnoticeable finish. 

Onlays/Crowns/Cemented Bridges

Sometimes decay, damage, or excessively large fillings can lead to a tooth needing an onlay or crown (sometimes known as a cap). An onlay is a type of custom-made dental restoration used to repair a damaged, decayed, or cracked tooth when the damage is too extensive for a standard filling, but not severe enough to require a full crown. Crowns are used to restore broken, cracked, or structurally weakened teeth. This type of restoration covers the entire tooth structure and can be done in one visit by utilizing our advanced technology. 

While crowns are a great restorative option for existing teeth, patients often look for a restoration option for one or more missing teeth. Our office offers both implants and zircona bridge to restore areas where teeth are missing. The bridge process is completed by crowns acting as anchors on nearby teeth, which will hold a new “tooth” in place for added durability and permanence. 

Root Canal Therapy (Endodontics)

Root canal (endodontic) therapy becomes necessary when deep decay reaches the tooth’s inner nerve, structural damage compromises the tooth, or persistent discomfort and infection cannot otherwise be resolved. This routine procedure is designed to relieve pain and save your natural tooth. After the area is fully numbed for your comfort, the infected or damaged tissue within the root canals is carefully removed. The canals are then thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and sealed with a biocompatible filling to safeguard against future infection. Depending on your situation, targeted antibiotics may also be prescribed if an active infection is present. Following treatment, a custom restoration—such as a crown—is typically placed to reinforce, protect, and restore full function to the remaining tooth structure.

Extraction

Extraction is never a dentist’s first choice when it comes to your oral health. However, there are cases of advanced decay or damage where other restorative methods are simply not an option. In these cases, Dr. Wagner makes every effort to ensure the process is as efficient and comfortable as possible. For patients who feel nervous or anxious, we provide relaxing sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral medication. Following your procedure, once the area is healed, our team will review custom replacement options—such as implants, bridges, or dentures—to restore both function and aesthetics to your smile.

Dentures - Full or Partial

Dentures, full or partial, are removable oral appliances that are designed to replace a number of missing teeth as well as the structure of the surrounding tissue. Full and partial dentures are custom - made after extractions have been completed and the patient has had time to heal. Dr. Wagner will assess your need for a new denture or an upgrade from an existing denture. Implants may aid in ill-fitting dentures if indicated or desired. All types of dentures may need some adjustments to be comfortable.