Restorative Dentistry
in Bloomington, IN

Cavities are one of the most common oral diseases, so it's imperative we tackle them as soon as they begin to compromise the health and wellness of your teeth. When left untreated, cavities can cause serious discomfort and may require more invasive procedures to alleviate. Utilizing fillings, Bloomington dentist Dr. Cummings can halt the progression of tooth decay in a single visit. By stopping by for your regular 6-month cleaning and checkup, you can prevent new cavities from forming in the first place.

Dental crowns can help revive your smile if you are struggling with cracked or broken teeth. These tooth-shaped caps serve as a protective layer for the natural root of your tooth while enhancing your bite's functionality. Oftentimes, when teeth have large fillings that are breaking down, they are best suited to have a crown so that they have the proper strength to withstand chewing forces. Additionally, if you have undergone a root canal or dental implant procedure, a crown will also improve the health of your tooth. With the option to choose from a range of materials, crowns are suitable for both restorative and cosmetic purposes, allowing you to smile with ease and confidence.

Toothaches not only cause significant discomfort, but they can also be a sign of a serious infection. Fortunately, root canal therapy offers a solution to both provide the relief you need and restore the health of your tooth.

During a root canal procedure, the infected pulp of the tooth is removed, and the area is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Once the tooth has been properly treated, it can be restored with a filling or a dental crown to help maintain its structure.

Root canal therapy can alleviate the pain caused by the infection, and it can also prevent the need for a tooth extraction. By saving your natural tooth, you can smile with confidence and avoid more extensive and costly dental work down the line.

Extractions are always our last option — saving your natural smile is our number one priority. However, a problematic tooth is sometimes more trouble than it's worth. Dr. Cummings may recommend an extraction as the best way to get your oral health back on the right path. With gentle techniques, and local anesthesia or sedation, damaged (decayed, cracked or loose) teeth can be removed to alleviate your discomfort or to make room for dental implants, a bridge, or another type of tooth replacement.

If you're in need of an extraction, or already missing a tooth, there are several options you have for replacing that tooth. Dental implants can restore not just the look of your smile, but the functionality of your bite and your overall oral health. The most secure and long-lasting tooth replacement, dental implants can also slow or even stop the progression of bone loss by replicating the form and function of your natural tooth roots. Schedule a consultation today to find out if dental implants can help you regain your smile!

There's no need to keep covering up your mouth if a missing tooth is leaving a gap in your smile. With a dental bridge, the space left behind by one, or several, missing teeth can be permanently covered. The bridge is attached to your teeth on either side of the gap, so it won't slide around when you eat or speak. Your bridge also won't stand out from the rest of your smile —it will be color-matched to blend with your other teeth. Keep your teeth from shifting and reduce the risk of bone loss and problems with your bite by asking Dr. Cummings about a bridge. Schedule a consultation today to see if a dental bridge can help you complete your smile!

Dentures are a removable, affordable solution that can complete your smile after losing one or all of your natural teeth. To ensure a natural look and feel, full dentures are made are made of acrylic and are custom-crafted for a comfortable fit. Looking to see if dentures are right for you? Schedule a consultation to find out if a set of full or partial dentures can restore your bite. It's about time you got back to living your life with a smile.

Missing just a few teeth? Partial dentures may be the right choice for you. Partial dentures look natural, are removable, and can be a great solution to restoring the function of your teeth and jaw. Partials can be made with acrylic, metal, flexible Valplast or a combination of these materials depending on what's best for your particular needs. Make the first step in restoring your smile by booking a consultation.

Tired of your dentures slipping and sliding around in your mouth? Implant-retained dentures, also called overdentures or snap-on dentures, can replace all of your teeth, just like traditional dentures. However, instead of relying on suction or adhesive, they are secured in place with several dental implants. These removable appliances make it easy to keep up with your oral hygiene, and are made from a combination of acrylic and metal materials for enhanced durability.

After your dental implant has been affixed, Dr. Cummings will make the finishing touches by adding an implant crown! Dental crowns act as tooth "caps" that are fitted onto the implant. Dr. Cummings will ensure the size and color of your implant crown matches with the rest of your other teeth, so you can have a seamless new smile.