Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing and replacing damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. Most people will need restorative dental work in their lifetimes, such as a tooth filling, crown, or root canal. In addition to repairing damage, restorative dentistry can also improve the overall appearance of your smile.
What is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry is any dental procedure that repairs or replaces damaged or missing teeth. This treatment can range from simple fillings, crowns, and dentures to more complex procedures such as dental implants. Tooth decay and gum disease are two of the main reasons why people lose their teeth. By getting restorative treatments, you can help prevent these conditions from getting worse and preserve your natural teeth longer.
Because these treatments are essential in maintaining good oral health, most dental insurance companies provide some coverage for simple restorative procedures. However, coverage for more extensive procedures like dental implants may be limited.
Restorative Dentistry Procedures
There are several types of restorative dental treatments available right now. Dr. Samani will choose the best option for you based on the extent of the damage to your teeth. Basic procedures like fillings can be done in a single visit, while complex procedures may require multiple visits and a longer recovery time.
Cavity Fillings
A cavity filling is used to fix holes in the tooth's hard outer layer. Cavities are caused by tooth decay, which is a result of plaque buildup. Without treatment, decay can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss. During a filling procedure, the dentist removes the decayed area and replaces it with a filling.
Dental fillings can be made from different materials, such as gold, silver amalgam (a mixture of metals), or composite resin. The choice of material often depends on the location of the cavity and the patient's preference. Composite or tooth-colored fillings are recommended if you're looking for a more cosmetic option. Composite fillings can be used on front or back teeth and are less visible than amalgam fillings.
Crowns
Dental crowns are one of the most commonly used treatments in restorative dentistry. These are custom-made, tooth-shaped caps that cover damaged or decayed teeth. Crowns are also used to support a dental bridge or to cover an implant.
Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, and metal. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are the most popular for front teeth, as they provide a natural-looking appearance. Metal crowns are usually used for back teeth, as they are stronger and more durable. The process of getting a dental crown typically takes two visits to the dentist.
Bridges
Dental bridges are another solution for people who have lost one or several teeth. A bridge is composed of two crowns that cover the teeth on either side of the gap and a false tooth (pontic) in between. Bridges can be made from different materials, including gold, porcelain, and metal alloys.
They are usually supported by natural teeth, implants, or a combination. They are an effective way to restore chewing function and improve the appearance of your smile. They are generally very strong and stable, but they can sometimes cause problems with eating and speaking if they do not fit properly.
Root Canal
If your tooth is severely decayed or infected, your doctor may suggest a root canal to save the tooth. Root canals are necessary when the tooth's pulp, or blood supply, becomes infected. This can happen due to a deep cavity, a crack in the tooth, or trauma. Once the pulp becomes infected, it will begin to die. Untreated infection can spread to the bone and cause an abscess.
Root canal therapy involves removing the infected pulp and cleaning the inside of the tooth. The space is filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. A crown is then placed over the tooth to protect it.
Dental Implants
One of the best ways to restore teeth that have been lost or damaged is with dental implants. Implants are made from titanium, a strong and durable metal compatible with the human body. The metal fixture is installed into the jawbone and allowed to fuse with the bone for several months. Once bonded, the implant can support a dental prosthesis, like a crown, bridge, or denture.
Dental implants have a success rate of over 95%, making them a popular choice for tooth replacement. They are also versatile and can support a wide variety of dental prostheses.
Dentures
Dentures are another option for patients who are missing all of their natural teeth. Dentures are false teeth held in place by suction or adhesive and can be removed and put back in. Today, dentures are made from various materials, including porcelain, acrylic, and even metal. While dentures can be a great option for many people, they have some drawbacks. For example, they can be tricky to get used to wearing, and they may need to be replaced every few years as the mouth changes shape.
Benefits of Restorative Dentistry
Restore oral function: Teeth that are not in good condition can impact how you eat and speak. Restorative procedures can help improve both of these functions so that you can enjoy life more fully.
Pain relief: A toothache is no joke. If your decayed or infected teeth are causing you pain, restorative treatments can provide instant pain relief by repairing the damage and restoring the strength of your teeth.
Improve appearance: This is the most obvious benefit of restorative treatments. If your teeth are stained or cracked, various treatments can restore them to their natural beauty. You will feel more confident in your smile and will be able to show off your pearly whites with pride!
Preserve jaw bone density: Every time you lose a tooth, the bone that supports that tooth is no longer needed. This triggers an immune response, and your jawbone begins to break down. This process can affect your teeth' alignment and change the shape of your jaw. Replacing a missing tooth with an implant stimulates the jawbone and preserves its density.
Prevent serious dental problems: Another benefit of restorative dental treatments is that they can help prevent future dental issues from occurring. For instance, receiving fillings for cavities prevents the tooth from infection and tooth loss. Procedures like crowns and bridges can help protect damaged teeth from further decay or injury while restoring chewing function.
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