Inside each tooth is the dental pulp, which includes nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp is damaged by tooth decay or injury, the tooth can become quite painful. Treatment for this ailment is called endodontic therapy, or root canal therapy. With this procedure, the damaged pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and the tooth is sealed and restored to normal function and appearance with a filling or a crown.

In recent years, Endodontics has undergone a tremendous change for the better. New “Rotary” Instrumentation has allowed for greater efficiency and ultimately a more pleasant experience. Dr. Tucker has embraced this new rotary technology, which employs motorized instruments made of nickel and titanium, which are stronger and faster than the old manual instruments. The advantages of this method are safer and more predictable results, shorter treatment times, and greater comfort for the patient.

Bonding is an attractive, affordable way to correct damaged or unsightly teeth. During this treatment, Dr. Tucker will bond a durable resin material to the surface of the tooth, then shape and polish it to a natural and attractive appearance. This treatment can be used to close spaces, correct misaligned teeth, and hide unsightly spots on the faces of teeth.

Porcelain veneers are thin, strong sheets of porcelain permanently placed over your existing teeth. Veneers beautifully correct stained, damaged, or imperfectly shaped teeth, and they can also close gaps between teeth. Porcelain veneers have an extremely realistic appearance because they are slightly translucent, allowing light to gently pass into them as with your natural teeth.

Veneers are also strong and stain-resistant. Consuming coffee, tea, tobacco, or red wine will not affect the appearance of porcelain veneers. If you would like to improve your smile with porcelain veneers, Dr. Tucker would be pleased to discuss the procedure with your during your initial consultation. We look forward to giving you the smile you’ve always wanted!

Lumineers are a particular type of porcelain veneers uniquely made by the Cerinate Dental Laboratory. These veneers are made to be “as thin as a contact lens” yet still retaining tremendous strength. Because the Lumineers are so thin, only minimal, if any, tooth structure is removed (unlike traditional veneers). This allows Dr. Tucker to offer a painless way to permanently whiten teeth and perfectly align smiles. LUMINEERS are the painless, permanent cosmetic solution for stained, chipped, discolored or misaligned teeth.

Crowns (caps) are a treatment option when an insufficient amount of natural tooth structure remains to hold a filling; or damage, whether from decay or injury, requires that a significant portion of a tooth be removed. The crown restores the structural integrity of the tooth, allowing it to function normally during eating and speaking. Crowns are custom-made to fit the damaged tooth, and can be made of all-metal, metal and porcelain, or all-porcelain. For more information about our dental crowns, please contact our office at (512 )346-5738.

As featured on ABC’s hit television series “Extreme Makeover,” whitening can lighten your teeth an average of eight shades in about an hour. At your whitening appointment, we will first use a barrier to isolate your teeth from your lips and gums. Next, the whitening solution will be applied to your teeth. Then the special Rembrant Sapphire light will be used on your teeth to activate the gel. After this procedure, your teeth will be given a brief fluoride treatment to keep them healthy and strong. That’s it! When you walk out the door, your teeth will be six to ten shades whiter – and may even continue to get whiter for a few days. In-House whitening treatment is safe, easy, and convenient. Call today for your whitening appointment!

At Austin Family Dentist, we understand that some people prefer the flexibility and convenience of whitening their teeth at home. We offer a variety of at-home whitening products that can help you achieve a sparkling smile on your own schedule.

Dental implants are a state-of-the-art treatment for one or more missing teeth. Implants are permanent, comfortable, natural looking, easy to care for, and can help you maintain your oral health by preventing your other teeth from drifting toward the empty space left by a missing tooth. Before we can place your implant restoration, Dr. Tucker will arrange for a specialist to perform the surgical portion of the implant procedure. The specialist will insert a small titanium implant into the jawbone, below the gum line. A temporary tooth will be made to fill the space while the implant heals. After a few months, the implant is ready to act as a new “root” or anchor for a custom-made prosthetic tooth. Dr. Tucker will attach the implant crown.

With proper care, dental implants can last many years, even a lifetime. Whether you need to replace one missing tooth or are in need of a complete oral reconstruction, consider Austin Family Dentist to revitalize your smile with dental implants.

Another alternative for replacing a missing tooth or teeth is a dental bridge. A bridge can be used to fill the space or gap. Gaps between teeth can cause the other teeth in the mouth to “drift” or come out of alignment, and can even cause problems with your bite. A bridge is a permanent, prosthetic tooth that is attached to adjoining teeth. This realistic-looking appliance fills the gap left by the missing tooth, stops your other teeth from drifting, and maintains the health and beauty of your smile.

For a variety of reasons, some or all of a person’s teeth may need to be removed or have been removed in the past. Replacing all or most of the teeth can be done with removable partial or full dentures. Full dentures replace the entire set of natural teeth in the mouth, while partial dentures replace only a few teeth. Dr. Tucker can help you assess your dental health and determine if dentures are an option for you. Today’s dentures are more lifelike than ever, helping you to maintain the function and appearance of your smile.