RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
Learn about our Restorative Dentistry service
The term "restorative dentistry" is the integrated management of oral health problems and restoration of the mouth to a functional and esthetic state. While it is not currently recognized as a dental specialty by the American Dental Association, general dentists are able to perform many of these procedures without additional education and certification. It all depends on how difficult the procedure is and what the dental professional feels comfortable with. Many of the procedures are also covered by the dental specialty of prosthodontic dentistry, including fillings, veneers, crowns, bridges, full and partial dentures, and dental implants.
Dental Crowns
Tooth decay (dental caries) or trauma can cause significant damage to the enamel jacket of the tooth and its underlying structures. A decayed tooth, one with a large filling, or a tooth that is broken or worn down can usually be saved with a dental crown. That avoids having to go through extraction and be left with a gap in your smile.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are perhaps the most significant dental innovation of our generation! They are designed to mimic the entire structure of our natural teeth, With the highest success rate of all tooth replacement options, implants are the best long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. When properly placed and cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Dental Bridges & Partials
Dental bridges literally bridge the gap between healthy teeth and a decayed or missing tooth! They are a wonderful restoration option for patients who do not have enough bone structure to support a dental implant, or who do not want to commit to an implant. Bridges are a less costly alternative to replacing a missing tooth compared to a dental implant, and will still provide a long-lasting restoration to your smile!
Dentures
Complete dentures are used to replace missing teeth for people with no remaining teeth. Dentures may also be used for people who have lost several teeth. In this case, the appliance is called a partial denture or an overdenture.
Tooth loss may result from periodontal disease (gum disease), tooth decay, or traumatic injury. It is very important to replace missing teeth. The ill-effects of not doing so can be a shift in remaining teeth, an inability to bite and chew properly, as well as a sagging facial appearance, which makes one appear older than they are.
The beauty of dentures today is that they are designed to be comfortable and functional. They are very similar in appearance to natural teeth and can improve a smile or facial appearance.
Inlays & Onlays
Though traditional dental fillings are a great option for patients with minor tooth decay, what are the options for restoring a tooth with significant damage? Inlays and onlays, also known as indirect fillings, are a wonderful option of restoring a tooth with significant decay; they preserve the maximum amount of healthy tooth structure compared to a crown, and compared to a large filling they can actually strengthen the tooth!
