Dr. Joseph Schirru
Dentistry for Bright & Healthy Smiles!
Visit Us in St. Catharines to Achieve Optimal Oral Health
Our general and preventive dental treatments in St. Catharines help you attain the oral health you wish to have. We will evaluate your teeth condition during your routine check-up and offer tips to keep your pearly whites for years to come. Go ahead and read our services provided at Northtown Dental Centre.
Checkups
Patients are recommended to visit a dentist at least once in every six months to maintain proper dental hygiene. At Northtown Dental Centre, we check for any signs of plaque, gum disease, cavities, or tartar during your regular dental visit. The mechanical aspects of your bite patterns and jaw alignment will also be evaluated. We can diagnose and fix complex bite disorders.
Bridges
A fixed bridge is an excellent long-term solution for gaps created by missing teeth. Simply put, a bridge is a network of connected crowns that serve to 'bridge' a space or gap between teeth. This is achieved by placing crowns over the natural teeth on either side of the gap and connecting them with an artificial tooth that fills in the empty space. Once they are in place, bridges fit comfortably and securely, so there is no need to worry that they will accidentally fall out. In addition to improving your appearance and the structural integrity of your smile, bridges also reduce your chance of developing gum disease and bite problems, both of which often result from gaps left by missing teeth.
Crowns
When a tooth is cracked, contains a large filling, and/or has been root-canal treated, it is at increased risk of fracture. Dental crowns, also known as “caps,” are custom-fitted restorations designed to return strength and beauty to teeth that have become severely damaged. Made of durable materials, crowns can also reduce the chance of injury to existing teeth by improving the functional stability of the entire treatment area. When a tooth is cracked, contains a large filling, and/or has been root-canal treated, it is at increased risk of fracture. When a tooth is cracked, contains a large filling, and/or has been root-canal treated, it is at increased risk of fracture.
Dental crowns, also known as “caps,” are custom-fitted restorations designed to return strength and beauty to teeth that have become severely damaged. Made of durable materials, crowns can also reduce the chance of injury to existing teeth by improving the functional stability of the entire treatment area.
To place a dental crown, the dentist first reduces the size of the damaged tooth to accommodate the new restoration, which must fit securely over the natural tooth. An impression is then made of the patient’s teeth and sent to a lab where a technician creates the crown according to exact specifications. This process usually takes a couple of weeks to complete. During this time, the patient wears a temporary restoration created during their original appointment.
Due to the customized nature of the fabrication process, the “capped” tooth is virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding teeth. With proper care, a dental crown can last a long time.
Tooth-coloured Fillings
A tooth-coloured filling is a great option for patients who suffer from tooth decay and wish to retain the natural appearance of their teeth. Because they are white rather than silver, tooth-coloured fillings make it nearly impossible for others to tell that you’ve had any dental work done.
The tooth-coloured resin is first applied in layers and hardened using a high-intensity light. The dentist then shapes the material to the exact contour of your tooth. The procedure is complete after the dentist polishes the tooth to prevent premature wear or staining.
The composite resin reinforces tooth structure and insulates the tooth against extreme changes in temperature, which means that you will be able to enjoy your favourite beverages without pain or discomfort. When placed in smaller cavities, tooth-coloured fillings can last as long time. However, silver fillings are still an excellent option for larger cavities in back teeth (especially those cavities that extend under the gum line) and can provide a cost-effective long-term solution to dental decay.
Disease Prevention
Disease prevention and conservative restorative care are the cornerstones of our practice. We strive to offer each of our patients an individualized patient-centered approach to dental treatment in the context of overall health and wellness. Dr. Schirru is proud to provide all patients with quality, affordable dentistry that fits their unique needs and budget. Whether you need some minor restorative work (routine white or silver fillings) or a custom designed smile makeover, our goal at Northtown Dental Centre is to provide caring and comfortable treatment in a relaxed environment.