Restorative Dentistry
Many patients who have lost teeth or have teeth that are severely damaged may feel self-conscious about their appearance and shy away from social situations. They may also find it difficult to eat properly. Restorative dentistry can help patients regain their confidence and enjoy a better quality of life by repairing damaged teeth and replacing missing teeth. We love to see you smile-especially if we helped make it sparkle!
What is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry is a branch of dental science that restores teeth to full function. It repairs damage including tooth decay, cracks, and chips, using materials such as porcelain, gold, or composite resin to recreate the natural appearance of teeth. Restorative procedures can also be used to replace missing teeth with bridges, crowns, or implants.
The goal of restorative dentistry is to effectively restore teeth that have been affected by periodontal disease, an injury or infection, or tooth loss. This can be achieved using many different techniques, from simple fillings to more complex procedures such as dental implants or tooth-colored fillings.
Types of Restorative Dentistry
ROOT CANAL
One of the most common dental procedures, a root canal, removes the infected nerve tissue and cleans out an abscessed or decayed tooth. Tooth decay can spread into the jawbone and surrounding tissues if left untreated for an extended period.
A deep filling alone will not stop the infection, which should be treated with antibiotics before the root canal procedure. We know, we have heard it before: this term SOUNDS "scary!" However, times have changed, and a root canal is not as fearsome as it once was.
CROWNS
A crown, also known as a "cap," completely encases the damaged tooth and is designed to restore it to full function. Crowns can be made of porcelain or gold and bonded with cement. Although crowns can be used for both decayed and cracked teeth, they're most commonly used to cover misshapen teeth due to decay or fracture.
FIXED BRIDGES
Another option for replacing a missing tooth is a fixed bridge, which can span the distance between two teeth or as a partial denture. Generally made of porcelain and metal, a fixed bridge replaces missing teeth. It is a group of connected crowns, some of which are suspended over the area of a missing tooth or teeth, and the neighboring teeth or dental implants anchor the others for support. A fixed bridge can be either removable or non-removable, depending on the type of abutments used.
FILLINGS
Small cavities that form on the surface of teeth are easy to spot and treat with a simple filling, which is bonded to the tooth's enamel to prevent further decay. Before placing a filling, it may be necessary to numb your mouth to avoid discomfort during the procedure. Dentists can repair some tooth decay with a tooth-colored filling, which is matched to the color of your teeth. White fillings, made from a type of plastic resin, are a less expensive alternative that may last longer.