Composite Fillings

Tooth-colored fillings for a healthier, natural-looking smile.

Cavities form when tooth decay eats through the enamel. If caught early, they can be treated quickly and painlessly with a dental filling—often in a single visit. At Ora Dental, we use composite (white) fillings that are safe, strong, and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

What Is a Composite Filling?

A composite filling is made from a tooth-colored plastic resin material that bonds directly to the tooth. It restores both the look and function of your tooth while protecting it from further decay or sensitivity.

The Process: What to Expect

Here’s how we place a composite filling:

  1. Local Anesthetic – We numb the area to ensure your comfort.

  2. Decay Removal – The decayed portion of the tooth is gently removed using a dental drill or laser.

  3. Tooth Preparation – The tooth is cleaned and prepared for bonding.

  4. Layered Application – Composite resin is applied in layers and hardened with a special curing light.

  5. Shaping & Polishing – The final layers are shaped and polished to match your natural bite and appearance.

Most fillings take just one appointment and require minimal downtime.

Why Choose Composite Fillings?

  • Natural appearance – Matches the color of your teeth for a seamless look

  • Conservative treatment – Less tooth structure needs to be removed compared to silver (amalgam) fillings

  • Mercury-free – No metal, no mercury—just safe, modern materials

  • Durable – Strong enough for everyday chewing and biting

Bonds to the tooth – Creates a tight seal that helps protect against further decay

Concerned About Old Silver Fillings?

Many patients ask about replacing older amalgam (silver) fillings due to cosmetic concerns or worries about mercury content. Composite fillings are a safe, attractive alternative—and we’re happy to discuss your options during your next visit.

Root Canal Therapy

Save your natural tooth. Stop the infection. Protect your health.

When the inner pulp of a tooth becomes infected or damaged, root canal therapy (also called endodontic treatment) can save the tooth and prevent serious health complications. At Ora Dental, we perform root canals with precision, care, and a focus on your comfort.

Why Would I Need a Root Canal?

Infection can reach the pulp (the tooth’s inner nerves and blood vessels) due to deep decay, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental work.
If left untreated, it can cause:

  • Severe toothache or pressure

  • Swelling in the gums or face

  • Abscess (infection at the root)

  • Risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream

A root canal treats the infection without removing the tooth, preserving your natural smile and preventing the need for implants or bridges.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Despite what many think, a root canal is no more painful than a regular filling—and it’s the best way to stop the pain caused by infection.

Here’s what to expect:

  1. Local Anesthesia – We numb the area so you feel no discomfort.

  2. Tooth Isolation – A rubber dam is placed to keep the tooth dry and clean.

  3. Access & Cleaning – The dentist makes a small opening to reach the pulp, removes the infected tissue, and disinfects the canal.

  4. Filling the Canal – The space is filled with a special biocompatible material to seal it and prevent reinfection.

Restoration – A temporary or permanent filling is placed. In most cases, the tooth will later need a crown to fully restore strength and function.

Is a Crown Always Needed After a Root Canal?

Yes, in most cases. After the root canal, the tooth becomes more fragile. A custom crown protects it from fracture and helps restore natural function and appearance.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

  • Root canal treatment is usually completed in one visit.

A second visit may be required to place the permanent crown.

Dental Bridges

Replace missing teeth. Restore your smile.

A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. It helps restore chewing function, speech clarity, and the appearance of your smile—all while preventing nearby teeth from shifting out of place.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

  • A bridge consists of:

    • Artificial teeth (called pontics) to fill the gap

    • Crowns placed on the adjacent teeth (called abutments) to hold the bridge securely in place

    Once cemented in, a bridge looks and functions like natural teeth—and doesn’t come out like a denture.

Why Choose a Dental Bridge?

Restores your ability to chew and speak properly
Prevents surrounding teeth from shifting
Maintains proper bite alignment
Improves smile aesthetics
Feels secure and comfortable

A well-designed bridge not only blends seamlessly with your existing teeth—it can even enhance the appearance of your smile compared to the teeth it replaces.

Is a Bridge Right for You?

Dental bridges are a great option if:

  • You are missing one or more teeth

  • The teeth on either side of the gap are healthy enough to support crowns

  • You’re looking for a fixed, non-removable solution

You want to avoid implants or removable dentures

Dentures

Restore your smile. Regain your confidence.

Dentures are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth and the surrounding tissue. Whether you’re missing a few teeth or an entire arch, dentures can help you chew, speak, and smile with ease—while also supporting your facial structure and preventing the sunken look that can result from tooth and bone loss.

Types of Dentures

  • 🦷 Complete Dentures

    Used when all teeth are missing in the upper and/or lower jaw. They rest directly on the gums and are custom-made to restore full function and appearance.

    🧩 Partial Dentures

    Ideal when some natural teeth remain. A partial denture fills the gaps and prevents surrounding teeth from shifting out of position.

Benefits of Dentures

✅ Restore the ability to chew and speak clearly
✅ Improve facial appearance and support facial muscles
✅ Boost confidence with a natural-looking smile
✅ Help maintain alignment of any remaining natural teeth (partial dentures)
✅ Removable for easy cleaning and care

What to Expect: The Denture Process

Getting dentures typically takes several appointments over a few weeks, depending on your needs.

Here’s what the process involves:

  1. Initial Consultation – We assess your oral health and discuss your goals.

  2. Custom Impressions & Measurements – Your dentist takes precise molds to ensure the best fit.

  3. Try-In & Adjustments – You’ll preview your dentures and we’ll make any necessary changes.

  4. Final Fitting – Once the dentures are fabricated, we make sure they fit comfortably and function properly.

Care Instructions – You’ll receive detailed guidance on how to clean, store, and maintain your dentures.

Custom Mouthguards

Protect your smile. Prevent serious injuries.

A mouthguard—also known as a mouth protector—is a flexible, custom-fitted piece of athletic gear designed to protect your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues during physical activity.

Whether you play contact sports or enjoy recreational activities like biking or skateboarding, a properly fitted mouthguard can make all the difference in preventing dental emergencies.

Why Wear a Mouthguard?

  • Accidents can happen in any sport, not just contact sports. A mouthguard helps prevent:

    • 🦷 Broken or knocked-out teeth

    • 👅 Cuts to the tongue, lips, and cheeks

    • 🦴 Jaw fractures and dislocations

    • 🧠 Some concussions or head trauma

    • 🧍‍♂️ Neck injuries from impact

    Mouthguards act as a cushion that absorbs and spreads the force of a blow to the face—minimizing the risk of serious injuries.

Who Should Wear a Mouthguard?

Anyone participating in sports or high-impact activities, including:

  • Hockey, football, and rugby

  • Basketball, soccer, and volleyball

  • Martial arts, boxing, and wrestling

  • Skateboarding, biking, or rollerblading

  • Gymnastics or rock climbing

Tip: Many serious injuries occur during non-contact sports too—don’t assume you’re safe just because the sport isn’t aggressive.

Why Choose a Custom Mouthguard?

Unlike store-bought “boil-and-bite” guards, a custom-made mouthguard from your dentist offers:

✅ A precise, comfortable fit
✅ Better protection and durability
✅ Easier breathing and speaking
✅ Less interference with performance

We custom-make each guard to match your unique bite for maximum comfort and safety.

Inlay Restorations

A durable, conservative solution for damaged or decayed teeth.

An inlay is a custom-made dental restoration used to repair a tooth with moderate damage or decay. More precise and durable than traditional fillings, inlays are crafted in a dental lab and then permanently bonded to your tooth by your dentist.

What Is an Inlay?

An inlay fits inside the grooves of a tooth, without covering the cusps (the raised edges). It’s typically made from one of the following materials:

Tooth-colored porcelain – blends naturally with your smile
White composite resin – durable and aesthetic
Gold – extremely strong and long-lasting

Unlike direct fillings that are placed chairside, inlays are fabricated in a dental lab to ensure a perfect fit and superior strength.

Benefits of Inlay Restorations

Stronger and longer-lasting than traditional fillings
More conservative than crowns – preserves more of your natural tooth
Custom fit for superior comfort and function
Highly aesthetic – especially with porcelain or composite inlays
Bonded securely to prevent further decay

When Is an Inlay Recommended?

Your dentist may recommend an inlay for:

  • A broken or fractured tooth

  • A decayed tooth that’s too damaged for a filling, but not enough for a crown

  • Large or failing fillings

  • Fractured fillings

Cosmetic enhancement of a visible back tooth

How Long Do Inlays Last?

While inlays aren’t permanent, they are extremely durable and can last for many years with proper care. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene will help extend their life.

Onlay Restorations

Restore strength. Preserve your tooth.

An onlay is a custom-made dental restoration used to repair a damaged or decayed tooth. Sometimes called a partial crown, an onlay covers one or more of the tooth’s chewing cusps—providing added protection while preserving more of your natural tooth compared to a full crown.

What Is an Onlay?

Onlays are made from:

  • Tooth-colored porcelain – blends seamlessly with natural teeth

  • Composite resin – strong and aesthetic

  • Gold – extremely durable and reliable

Each onlay is custom-crafted in a dental lab, then permanently bonded to your tooth by your dentist.

Onlay vs. Inlay: What's the Difference?

  • Inlays fit within the grooves of the tooth, without covering the cusps.

  • Onlays cover one or more chewing cusps, making them ideal for larger restorations.

Both are conservative alternatives to crowns, helping preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible.

 

Benefits of Onlay Restorations

Strengthens and protects damaged teeth
More conservative than full crowns
Long-lasting with proper care
Custom-fit for comfort and precision
Natural-looking results with porcelain or composite options

When Is an Onlay Recommended?

Your dentist may suggest an onlay if you have:

  • A broken or fractured tooth

  • A large cavity that can’t be filled with a regular filling

  • A fractured or worn-out filling

  • Teeth in need of cosmetic improvement

A desire to avoid a full crown when possible

How Long Do Onlays Last?

Onlays are designed to be highly durable, and with good oral hygiene and regular checkups, they can last many years—often over a decade.