The above elective treatments to improve the appearance of your smile must be applied to healthy teeth and gums. If you need to resolve existing decay or disease, Dr. Scola offers restorations that are designed to look and feel indistinguishable from healthy natural teeth. We have listed a sampling of those treatments below:
● Tooth-colored fillings – No obvious-looking silver that stands out (unnaturally) in your smile here. We use a durable and toothlike composite that is matched to the surrounding tooth structure to “fill in” cavities.● Porcelain crowns – Sometimes, fillings can’t sufficiently resolve tooth decay. In those cases, a little more “coverage” is required. We prepare, design, and place crowns that fit precisely over the natural tooth. They look and feel no different than a natural tooth that is in great shape.● Advanced tooth replacement – In addition to strong and stunning dental bridges to replace missing teeth, Scola Family Dentistry is a proud provider of dental implants. Each implant is designed to function as a tooth root. Other types of tooth replacement only replicate the portion of the tooth above the gumline, the crown.
Since implant-supported crowns, bridges, and dentures are designed like natural teeth, you get the “best” in form (looks) and function.

Modern dentists such as Dr. Valerie Scola can replicate portions of a tooth or an entire tooth using dental materials that have been fabricated and prepared to “mimic” healthy, natural teeth in every way: how they feel in your mouth, how they look, and how they function. For bonding, we use a type of dental material called composite resin. The resin is matched to the surrounding natural teeth. So it blends in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. The material is applied to the teeth as putty. Then, Dr. Scola uses her skills to shape that putty. She may use the resin to cover up chips and modest cracks. The material can also camouflage stained or otherwise discolored teeth and close gaps between teeth. Your dentist can even sculpt the resin to “reshape” or “resize” a tooth with shape and size irregularities. For instance, excessive wear can result in a tooth that appears overly short. Dr. Scola molds the resin to add “height” to the tooth. Additionally, dental bonding may be used to cover up teeth with very dark stains or intrinsic discoloration. Even professional teeth whitening may not sufficiently improve the appearance of deeply or severely stained teeth.

Dental bridges replace the part of the tooth that you see above the gumline, the crown. Conventional dentures are made with dental materials that are designed to replicate both crowns and gum tissue. The replacement tooth or pontic within a bridge system is held in place by neighboring “anchor” teeth or abutments. To optimally support the pontic, each abutment must be crowned.
Due to the anatomical structure of the roof of the mouth, well-fitting upper dentures are held in place by natural suction. Because of the anatomy of the floor of the mouth, lower dentures often need a little support in the form of products such as adhesive creams, sheets, strips, and powders.
Crowns, bridges, and dentures that are supported by implants do not need special products to stabilize them. Likewise, natural and healthy teeth in the mouth are preserved. There is no need to whittle down a portion of neighboring teeth to make room for crowns, as is the case for abutment teeth that hold pontics in place within a conventional bridge. Implant-supported teeth are designed like natural teeth that haven’t been marred by decay.

Historically, the “go-to” option to fill in or treat areas of decay (cavities) was with a filling made from a mix of amalgams or metals. That filling was silver-hued. So, the silver color would be visible in your smile next to the natural white color of the surrounding teeth. Patients appreciate the cosmetic options that are available today. Composite fillings are made from dental resins that are designed to replicate natural tooth material. They are color-matched to the shade of the surrounding tooth structure. Dr. Scola is happy to discuss your options for treatment during a consultation at the Murrieta, CA office.

Dental crowns are highly versatile. They may be used to replace a large filling that is worn, damaged, or old. Teeth with large fillings are more vulnerable to complications, such as breakage. Crowns may also be recommended to resolve large areas of decay that cannot sufficiently be treated with fillings. A tooth is often crowned following root canal therapy and is the “finishing touch” following the placement of an implant. Crowns are also part of a conventional dental bridge; the teeth on either side of the replacement tooth (pontic) are crowned to hold the pontic in place adequately. Crowns may even be used to cover up misshapen teeth, though we can also discuss a range of more conservative options with you to correct cosmetic flaws.

Restorative options such as dental bridges decelerate or halt bone loss. How can this be? The bone in the jaw must retain its strength to provide adequate support that facilitates healthy chewing, clear speech, and provides structure to the face. Bony tissue gets its strength from behaviors such as biting and grinding down food. The force from the act of chewing is transmitted from the crowns to the roots in the jaw. When teeth are lost, the supportive bone does not get the stimulation it needs to stay strong. Fixed dental bridges and implant-retained bridges are designed to function like natural teeth. When bridges are present, the force that is generated every time you chew is transferred to the jawbone. So, the height, width, and density of the bone are maintained, and the devastating consequences of bone resorption are avoided.

As with all treatments at our office, you have to be a good candidate for veneers before moving forward with them. During an evaluation, Dr. Scola examines your teeth and gums to confirm that they are healthy. If active disease is present, it must be resolved before veneers are prepared and placed. She will also discuss considerations and behaviors that could affect the “lifespan” of your veneers, as well as your suitability for this particular type of procedure. Patients who grind or brux their teeth will probably be fitted with custom dental appliances to protect the veneers from damage. These appliances are worn during sleep when bruxers tend to grind their teeth and clench their jaws.

If we determine you are a great candidate for veneers, a small amount of natural enamel is removed from the treated tooth (or teeth). The alteration to the natural tooth is so minimal that it can often be done with little to no numbing anesthetic. The minimally invasive nature of the process also helps to reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity. After the teeth are prepared, molds or impressions are made of the treatment sites and surrounding areas. These molds serve as a guide for the skilled ceramists who will make your veneers from lifelike, durable dental porcelain. To protect the prepared teeth, you may wear temporary veneers while your permanent ones are being made in the lab.

Dr. Scola removes the temporary veneers as needed and places the permanent veneers on the front surfaces of the tooth. Due to precision planning and tooth reduction, the veneers should fit perfectly over the natural tooth surfaces – not bulky, oversized, or fake in appearance. Slight adjustments may be made at this time before cementing the veneers in place. Veneers resist stains, may be cared for easily (like natural teeth), and are a fantastic alternative to more invasive options such as straightening methods or restorations like crowns among patients with cosmetic concerns.

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that aims to lighten the color of your teeth and remove stains or discoloration. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as people strive to achieve a brighter, more confident smile. Here are some key points to shed light on teeth whitening:

Causes of tooth discoloration: Several factors can contribute to tooth discoloration, including the consumption of dark-colored foods and beverages (coffee, tea, red wine), smoking, poor dental hygiene, aging, certain medications, and genetic factors.
Types of teeth whitening treatments: There are various teeth whitening options available, ranging from professional dental treatments to over-the-counter products. The most common methods include:
● In-office teeth whitening: This is performed by a dentist and typically involves applying a bleaching agent to your teeth and activating it with a special light or laser. It is a highly effective and fast-acting method.
● Take-home whitening kits: Dentists may provide customized trays and whitening gels for home use. You wear the trays for a specified period, usually a few hours a day or overnight, for several weeks.
● Over-the-counter products: These include whitening toothpaste, whitening strips, and whitening gels or pens. While they are generally less expensive, they may be less effective or take longer to show results compared to professional treatments.
Whitening agents: The primary whitening agents used in most treatments are hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These chemicals break down stains into smaller pieces, making the color less concentrated and your teeth appear whiter.
Potential side effects: Teeth whitening is generally considered safe, but some individuals may experience temporary side effects such as tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or mild gum sensitivity. These effects typically subside shortly after treatment.
Duration of results: The longevity of teeth whitening results varies depending on several factors, including your oral hygiene habits and lifestyle choices. With proper care and regular maintenance, results can last from a few months to a few years.
Candidacy and consultation: It's important to consult with a dentist before undergoing any teeth whitening treatment. They can assess your oral health, determine the cause of discoloration, and recommend the most suitable whitening option for you.
Limitations: Teeth whitening treatments are most effective on extrinsic stains (surface stains) caused by external factors. Intrinsic stains (stains within the tooth) caused by factors like trauma or certain medications may require alternative treatments like veneers or dental bonding.
Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene, regular dental cleanings, and avoiding habits that cause tooth discoloration can help prolong the effects of teeth whitening treatments and keep your smile bright and healthy.