Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry is related to any dental procedure that repairs or replaces a tooth. These procedures include: root canals, cavity fillings, and dental implants. The goal is to restore the function of the teeth, as well as the appearance.

The goal of restorative dentistry is to save teeth and also restore the natural look, shape, and feel of natural teeth

Types of Restorative Dentistry

• CROWNS
A crown is a tooth-shaped cap your dentist places over a damaged, decayed, or cracked tooth to restore its proper size, shape, aesthetic, and strength.

• FILLINGS
Dental fillings are one of the most common types of restorative dentistry. This option is used to replace decayed portions of your teeth that have caused cavities to form.

• IMPLANTS
An implant is another way to replace a missing tooth. A metal screw takes the place of the root and anchors the implant in place without the need to carve down the adjacent teeth and install crowns.

• BRIDGES
You may need a bridge if you’re missing one or more teeth. A false tooth takes the place of the missing one, and crowns on the adjacent teeth hold the bridge in place. This eliminates the gap in your smile, restores a normal bite, and helps keep your whole mouth healthy.

• VENEERS
Thin, semi-transparent porcelain shells called veneers bond to your teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers can often improve the look of your smile in place of more complicated, time-consuming procedures, such as having to wear braces.

• DENTURES
If you have missing teeth and damaged gum tissue, dentures are an effective way to restore your smile, prevent speaking difficulties, and make chewing more comfortable.

• COMPOSITE BONDING
Do you have a chipped, cracked, or discolored tooth? Composite bonding is useful for fixing these aesthetic problems to enhance the look of your smile. The process involves chemically bonding a composite material to your existing tooth.

• TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
At our dental office, we consider extractions an absolute last resort. We always strive to save at least a portion of your damaged tooth with other procedures such as root canals, fillings, and crowns. If your tooth is damaged beyond saving, an extraction may be necessary. Then, other restorative dentistry options, including bridges and implants, can fill the gap in your smile so you’re not left feeling self-conscious.

• ROOT CANALS
When a tooth becomes so badly decayed that a filling isn’t enough, you might need to undergo a root canal procedure. This helps clean out decay from the root of your affected tooth to eliminate painful toothaches and restore your oral health.

How Common Is Restorative Dentistry?

Most people will require some kind of restorative dental procedure in their lifetime, whether in the form of a cavity filling, crown, dental implant, or other.