Restorative Dentistry

What is restorative dentistry?

"Restorative dentistry" is the term dental professionals use to explain how to repair damaged teeth or replace missing teeth. The goal is to bring back your natural smile and restore proper chewing function.

Why restorative procedures are important:

• Filling in empty spaces in the mouth helps to keep teeth in the right place.
• Replacing teeth helps to maintain good oral care habits, which can help prevent oral disease and plaque buildup.
• Missing teeth can affect your health, looks, and how you feel about yourself.

Restorative options include:

Dental Fillings

Most of the time, tooth colored filling material (composite) can be used if the cavity is not too large. If a significant amount of tooth structure is missing, a porcelain crown may be best. Other filling materials are available depending on the situation. The doctor will discuss what is most appropriate for you.

To treat a cavity your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then "fill" the area on the tooth where the decayed material was removed.

Dental Implants

A Dental Implant is a “man-made” replacement for a missing root. Made from titanium, this screw-like object is inserted under the gum and placed directly into the upper or lower jawbone. This creates an anchor for the new tooth to be placed onto the dental implant. There is usually minimal discomfort involved with this procedure. Many of our patients have commented on being surprised that they felt little to no discomfort during the implant process.

Benefits of a dental implant

• Dental implants look, function & feel like your natural teeth.
• They are the longest lasting solution for missing teeth.
• They are maintained by routine hygiene preventive care appointments.
• A dental implant can last approximately 30 years to a lifetime.
• They decrease the possibility of bone loss, periodontal disease, tooth movement, and further tooth loss.

Dental implants often replace the need for a removable full or partial denture. With major advancements in dentistry, we can offer a very natural, life-like option to replace missing teeth. A complete dental exam and medical history is the place to start.

Crown & Bridge

Crowns

A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth. It is used to strengthen and protect your tooth structure. Most crowns are made of a hard, white substance to help them look natural

Reasons for Crowns:

• Broken or fractured teeth
• Cosmetic enhancement
• Decayed teeth
• Fractured fillings
• Large fillings
• Tooth has a root canal

Fixed Bridges

A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.

Reasons for a fixed bridge:

• Fill space of missing teeth
• Maintain facial shape
• Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
• Restore chewing and speaking ability
• Restore your smile

Bridges

A dental bridge covers or "bridges" the gap between missing teeth. After you lose a tooth, your dentist may suggest that you get a bridge. A bridge can keep your other teeth from moving out of place. Once a bridge is placed, it works just like your natural teeth.

Professional Laboratory Support

Our doctors have very exacting standards and expect only the highest level of service from our Crown & Bridge Laboratory. The lab technicians we have selected to make your crowns are the same lab technicians that we use for ourselves and our families.

Removable Dentures

Reasons for dentures:

• Complete Denture - Loss of all teeth in an arch.
• Partial Denture - Loss of several teeth in an arch.
• Enhancing smile and facial tissues.
• Improving chewing, speech, and digestion.

Complete Dentures

When you lose all of your teeth, facial muscles can sag, making you look older. Dentures can help fill out the appearance of your face and profile. They can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that your appearance does not change much. Dentures may even improve the look of your smile.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. Not only does a partial denture fill in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from changing position. Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile.