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Unlike cosmetic dentistry<\/a>, where the main concern is aesthetics, restorative dentistry involves both structural and cosmetic enhancement for Dr. Yokoyama\u2019s patients whose teeth have been damaged by decay, infection, wear, or other factors.\u00a0 Restorative dentistry solutions such as dental crowns and bridges restore strength and protect teeth that are compromised, while dental implants restore functionality and appearance when patients are missing one or more teeth.\u00a0 With Dr. Carter Yokoyama\u2019s<\/a> artistic application of the most modern restorative dentistry techniques, his Kailua-Kona patients enjoy smiles that are not only strong and healthy, but also radiantly beautiful.<\/p>\nDental Crowns<\/a> <\/p>\n [ back to top<\/a> ]<\/p>\n [ back to top<\/a> ]<\/p>\n Sometimes, patients come to Dr. Yokoyama\u2019s restorative dentistry practice in Kailua-Kona in need of significant intervention to restore functionality and appearance to their teeth.\u00a0 In such cases, Dr. Yokoyama can combine any number of restorative dentistry techniques to repair and protect broken teeth as well as to replace teeth that are missing or need to be removed.\u00a0 To complete a full mouth rehabilitation, Dr. Yokoyama may also employ cosmetic dentistry solutions such as teeth whitening to ensure his patient\u2019s smile is beautiful as well as healthy.<\/p>\n When a patient has a tooth that is damaged, infected, or missing, the health of surrounding teeth is compromised.\u00a0 Fortunately, patients of Dr. Carter Yokoyama have access to modern restorative dentistry solutions designed to keep their smiles strong and healthy for a lifetime.\u00a0 If you suffer with teeth that are broken or missing, or if you would like to refresh your smile with all new porcelain dental crowns, we invite you to contact Dr. Yokoyama<\/a> for a restorative dentistry consultation at his office in Kailua-Kona.<\/p>\n
\nDental Bridges<\/a>
\nInlays and Onlays<\/a>
\nDental Implants<\/a>
\nFull Mouth Rehabilitation<\/a><\/p>\nDental Crowns<\/h2>\n
![\"Dental](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Dental-Crowns-Kailu-Kona-300x200.jpg\")
When teeth are structurally compromised, lab-fabricated dental crowns provide a stable bite and enhance aesthetics.\u00a0 Crowns are used to support the tooth and help prevent fractures in teeth that are chipped or worn or compromised by severe decay, large old fillings, or root canals. To place a crown, Dr. Yokoyama first prepares the surface of the tooth by eliminating any infection or decay, then gently filing the sides of the tooth to accommodate the crown.\u00a0 He then takes a mold of the tooth, which is sent to a premier dental laboratory, and fits the patient with a temporary crown.\u00a0 When the restoration is ready, the patient returns to Dr. Yokoyama\u2019s office in Kailua-Kona to have his or her crown fitted and bonded into place.\u00a0 Dr. Yokoyama most commonly uses porcelain dental crowns, but these restorations can also be constructed from gold or a combination of porcelain and gold.\u00a0 While traditional, metal-based dental crowns can leave a tell-tale black line at the patient\u2019s gum line, white porcelain crowns lend a more natural appearance that lasts for decades with proper care.<\/p>\nDental Bridges<\/h2>\n
![\"Dental](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Dental-Bridge-Work-300x200.jpg\")
When a patient loses a tooth due to trauma or infection, the gap left by that tooth can invite further decay and may cause surrounding teeth to shift position.\u00a0 To remedy this, Dr. Yokoyama can use a porcelain dental bridge to replace the tooth to maintain proper smile structure.\u00a0 A dental bridge<\/a> is most commonly held into place by crowns placed on the teeth on either side of the gap and the replacement tooth is fused between them.\u00a0 While dental implants are the ideal and most permanent restorative dentistry solution to missing teeth, dental bridges are just as natural-looking and more often affordable.<\/p>\nInlays and Onlays<\/h2>\n
![\"In](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/In-Lays-and-On-Lays-Cosmetic-Dentistry-300x289.jpg\")
Dental inlays and onlays<\/a> are often referred to as indirect fillings, and they are used to seal and protect the teeth when too much tooth is missing to place a filling, but not enough is missing to warrant a crown.\u00a0 Dr. Yokoyama uses inlays to repair areas inside of the tooth that have been damaged, while onlays are applied to the tooth\u2019s surface and cusp.\u00a0 They cover and protect weakened or damaged tooth structure but are more conservative than crowns.\u00a0 Dr. Yokoyama uses natural-looking porcelain for his inlays and onlays, so his patients\u2019 restored teeth are virtually indistinguishable from the rest of their beautiful smiles.<\/p>\n<\/h2>\n
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Dental Implants<\/h2>\n
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If one of his patients in Kailua-Kona is missing one, several, or all of their teeth, Dr. Yokoyama suggests dental implants as the very best solution.\u00a0 Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into to the patient\u2019s jawbone and then fitted with natural-looking replacement teeth.\u00a0 Implants may be used to ground a single dental bridge, or to replace a whole mouth of missing teeth.\u00a0 Unlike removable dentures, dental implants are permanent: they never need to be removed for cleaning, and require no more maintenance than a good daily oral hygiene routine.\u00a0 If you need to replace missing teeth, or are ready to leave your messy, uncomfortable dentures behind, dental implants from Dr. Carter Yokoyama are the most natural-looking and low-maintenance restorative dentistry solution for you. Learn more about dental implants<\/a>.<\/p>\nFull Mouth Rehabilitation<\/h2>\n
Contact us for a Restorative Dentistry Consultation<\/h2>\n