Restorative Dentistry at Dr. Jack Hemelstrand

To ensure overall oral health, missing or damaged teeth need to be replaced or restored by a licensed dentist. Dr. Hemelstrand will provide a personalized treatment plan that is right for you to get your smile back to its best.

Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)

Gum disease accounts for approximately 70% of all tooth loss in adults. Early signs of gum disease include bleeding gums when flossing or brushing, and gums that are red, inflamed or swollen.

Gum disease and tooth decay are two different diseases. Gum disease starts to deteriorate the bone, and if deterioration is allowed to continue, "pockets" form in between the teeth and the gums. Pockets deeper than 3mm may require special treatment to remove the bacteria and plaque. Without treatment and continuous maintenance, gum disease will eventually decrease the bone levels and may lead to tooth loss.

Gum disease is not curable; however, it can be controlled with proper personal hygiene and regular periodontal maintenance.

Composite or Amalgam Fillings

Fillings are used to restore tooth damage caused by tooth decay. After removing the decay and cleaning the area, Dr. Hemelstrand will add filling material. Fillings are made from traditional amalgam (silver-colored) or composite (tooth-colored) material. Composite fillings, unlike traditional fillings, are more aesthetically pleasing and bond directly to the tooth.

Dentures

Dentures are a "replacement" option for missing teeth. There are two variations of dentures: partial dentures and full dentures. The difference between the two lies in how many natural teeth remain.

A complete denture is a removable prosthesis of white plastic teeth in a pink gum-colored plastic base; the denture rests on the remaining gum ridge once all of the teeth in the arch have been removed.

It is important to note that an upper and/or lower denture is a major lifestyle change when compared to natural teeth.

Reasons for a Full Denture

•	All teeth missing in the same arch
•	Restore chewing ability
•	Restore a natural looking smile
•	Economical alternative to other procedures

Root Canal Therapy

A root canal becomes needed when tooth decay is so deep that it reaches the tooth pulp. Once the pulp is infected, it cannot heal on its own. Sometimes tooth trauma, such as a fracture, can lead to the need for a root canal as well. In addition to being painful, untreated infections can reach the root tip and compromise the entire immune system. Symptoms of pulp infections may be:

•	Sensitivity to hot/cold
•	Sensitivity to sweets
•	Pain, especially when biting
•	Swelling
•	Bad taste in the mouth

A root canal procedure includes cleaning out the infected pulp, disinfecting the canals and filling the void with a rubber like substance. In addition to a build-up, a crown is often recommended after a root canal to restore the tooth's shape and strengthen the tooth's structure.

Tooth Extractions

A tooth extraction is the procedure done to remove a tooth that is damaged beyond repair. Extractions are also done to remove wisdom teeth if needed.

Many extractions can be performed in our office, more complicated procedures may be referred to our trusted oral surgeons.

Why Are Teeth Extracted?

•	Severely decayed teeth
•	Periodontal disease leading to bone loss
•	Fractured in such a way that it is impossible or impractical to repair
•	Badly positioned (impacted wisdom teeth)
•	Non-functional or poorly functional teeth that should be replaced with a bridge, denture or dental implant

Dr. Jack Hemelstrand

Phone:(503) 665-3116

Office Hours:
Wednesday – Friday
8AM to 5PM, lunch taken 12PM to 1:30PM
Closed Monday & Tuesday,
Saturday & Sunday

Address:
60 NW 2nd St.
Gresham, OR 97030-7222
Phone: (503) 665-3116
Email: drhemelstrand@gmail.com

Request an appointment with Dr. Jack Hemelstrand

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Hemelstrand Family Dental Care, 60 NW 2nd St., Gresham, OR 97030-7222 : (503) 665-3116 : drhemelstrand.com : 1/2/2026 : Page Phrases: dentist Gresham OR :

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