If you are experiencing tooth pain, have damaged teeth, or are missing teeth, restorative dentistry can help make your smile healthy again. Having a healthy smile does not only mean having straight teeth — it means having teeth that function properly and make your life easier. No one should struggle to talk, drink, or chew because of damaged or missing teeth. You also should not have to make it through the workday (or any day) with tooth pain. A restorative dentist can treat various oral health issues to restore the mouth to a pain-free state.
Restorative dentistry aims to “restore” the teeth, so they function as intended. This includes making eating, speaking, and drinking cold and hot beverages easier. Along with that, restorative dentistry can help patients achieve lasting relief from toothaches. The goal is to fix current oral health problems and put long-lasting health within reach.
Specifically, restorative dentistry covers all aspects of periodontics, endodontics, and fixed and removable prosthodontics, including maxillofacial prosthodontics and implant dentistry. Any area of dentistry that deals with rebuilding damaged teeth or replacing missing ones typically falls under this category.
A patient may need to have restorations done to their mouth for many reasons. Here are some of the most common restorative dental treatments and the problems they fix:
Fillings are a form of preemptive restorative dentistry because they are one way to slow down tooth decay. If tooth decay is minimal, the dentist will most likely remove all the decay and fix it with a filling. The earlier it is caught, the less painful and invasive the treatment. Do not wait to see a dentist about a potential cavity. If a cavity is allowed to progress, a root canal rather than a filling may be necessary.
When the root of a tooth becomes infected, a dentist will conduct a root canal to save it. Root canals are no longer unbearably painful; modern restorative dentistry has made root canals about as painless as getting a filling. The dentist will remove the abscess, clean the affected tooth, then fill and seal it. Feeling a bit sore for a few days after a root canal is common.
Dental crowns help repair the size, shape, and functionality of teeth, preventing further damage. After removing the damaged area, a crown will go over the top of the remaining tooth. The result is a fully functional tooth. However, if there is a great deal of wear and tear on the teeth, consider talking to the dentist about crowns.
Crowns may be metal, resin, porcelain, or ceramic. Metal crowns are the only ones that stick out (the others blend into natural teeth easily) but are the sturdiest. For this reason, dentists typically use metal dental crowns to repair damaged molars.
If the damaged area is too large for a filling but too small to warrant a dental crown, restorative dentists may utilize dental inlays or onlays instead. Both inlays and onlays are constructed of tooth-like material to help them blend into the rest of the teeth seamlessly. An inlay is used on the chewing surface of the tooth; an overlay extends to cover the cusp of a tooth.
Dentures are a common and well-known tooth replacement. Patients can opt for complete or partial dentures depending on the number of missing teeth. There is a bit of an adjustment period to speaking and eating with dentures, but most people get used to it with practice.
Dental bridges are false teeth that fill the gap where one or more teeth are missing. This can provide varying levels of comfort for the patient and benefit the smile's cosmetic appearance. The false teeth, or "pontics," are held in place by the teeth on each side of the gap. The dentist will place dental crowns on top of these supporting teeth, or "abutment teeth," to secure the bridge.
Dental implants mimic natural teeth in both look and feel, making them a great choice for patients who do not want to bother with dentures. Implants are surgically inserted posts that attach to the jaw. After the surgical site heals, the final step is to place a dental crown on top of the implant.
Do not let oral health concerns get in the way of living life. Our dental team has our patients’ best interests in mind. Contact us today for a happier, more comfortable smile.
Request an appointment here: https://oaktreedentalpoway.com or call Oak Tree Dental at (858) 377-5533 for an appointment in our Poway office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Restorative Dentistry in Poway, CA.
Restorative dentists do not only repair damaged teeth. They also enhance overall oral health. From addressing cavities to replacing missing teeth, these dental professionals provide a variety of treatments that restore the function of damaged teeth and protect your oral health.Restorative dentistry is the dental specialty that restores damaged and decayed teeth. These professionals also…
Restorative dentists aim to protect or restore your oral health, function, and appearance. Achieving these goals often involves repairing or replacing missing or damaged teeth. While they offer many restorative services, here are the five most common.A restorative dentist will introduce a dental bridge to ensure the teeth do not shift after a tooth is…
Your restorative dentist can present treatments that can fix your dental issues. You can have a new smile after your appointment. Some dental problems may need more than one visit. Knowing when to see a restorative dentist can help you get the right procedure to bring back your smile and dental health.A restorative dentist can…
Restorative dentists try to repair a tooth to save it before considering replacement options. Damage and decay can jeopardize a tooth and affect how the smile looks and functions. However, a restorative dentist can restore a tooth's form and function.A restorative dentist is any dentist who fixes or replaces teeth. This differs from cosmetic dentistry…