Adults ages 20 to 64 have an average of 9.3 missing, filled, or decayed teeth. Without restorative dental services, your smile and oral health will suffer. You may notice a change in your appearance, self-confidence, and oral health.
What is restorative dentistry, exactly, and what dental restoration services are available? Read on to find out! Review this guide to determine if you need dental treatment today!
What Is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry involves replacing or repairing a patient’s teeth. The primary goal is to improve a patient’s oral health and ability to chew. Examples of restorative dental treatment include:
- Cavity fillings
- Dental implants
- Root canals
Restoring the functionality and structure of your teeth can improve your oral health. For example, perhaps you’re missing a tooth. The surrounding teeth may begin shifting toward the gap in your smile.
If you have a cavity, the infection could spread through your blood. Your risk of other health conditions could increase.
Ideal Candidates
You may need dental treatment if you have:
- Missing teeth
- Damaged teeth
- Broken teeth
- Cavities/decaying teeth
If these problems sound familiar, visit your dentist’s office right away. They’ll determine if you’re an ideal candidate for restorative dentistry treatment.
Immediate treatment can help you avoid complications. Otherwise, you may need additional dental treatment later.
Restorative vs Cosmetic
Restorative and cosmetic dental treatments are different. Remember, restorative dentistry focuses on improving your functionality and oral health. Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth and smile.
Some dental procedures can offer cosmetic and functional benefits. For example, perhaps you’re missing a tooth. A dental implant and dental crown can improve the appearance of your smile and ability to chew.
The Benefits
Restorative dentistry treatment will improve your oral health. You’ll have an easier time smiling, brushing, and flossing your teeth. Good oral hygiene can help you avoid other health issues.
If you have damaged or missing teeth, you may feel self-conscious. You may start hiding your smile or avoiding social settings. Your quality of life could suffer as a result.
Dental Restoration Procedures
If you have damaged, missing, or decayed teeth, talk to your local dentist. They can develop a treatment plan based on your needs. Here are a few dental restoration procedures they may recommend.
Fillings
Neglecting to follow an oral hygiene routine gives bacteria and food particles the chance to form plaque. Plaque is the clear, tacky substance that can cling onto your teeth. Over time, plaque and bacteria will eat away at your protective tooth enamel.
Holes, or cavities, can form. If you have small cavities, your dentist may recommend dental fillings.
During the procedure, your dentist will first remove the decayed portion of your tooth. They’ll use a tooth-colored composite material to fill the hole. A dental filling can halt the progression of tooth decay before it causes further damage.
Crowns
For a larger cavity, your dentist may recommend dental crowns. Crowns are also used to restore broken teeth. These caps are designed to fit over an entire damaged tooth.
Your dentist will first remove some of your natural tooth enamel. They’ll shave it down to make room for the dental crown. They’ll place the crown over your existing tooth to restore your smile.
Dental Implants
About 120 million people in the US are missing at least one tooth. Another 36 million Americans are missing all their teeth in one or both jaws. Missing teeth can impact your:
- Ability to chew
- Job prospects
- Smile/appearance
- Self-confidence
- Overall health
Your dentist may recommend a dental implant; a small post they’ll insert into your jaw to replace a missing tooth root. Your jaw will grow around the implant through a process called osseointegration. Once the implant is secure, your dentist will place a crown over the implant to restore your smile.
Your dentist won’t need to shave down your protective tooth enamel for this procedure. Many dentists consider dental implants the gold standard for tooth replacement.
Dentures
Dentures are a tooth replacement option. A full set of dentures can replace an arch of missing teeth. Partial dentures can replace several missing teeth in different areas of the jaw.
Your dentures will rest over your gums, relying on your jawbone for support. Implant-supported dentures are also available. These dentures are attached to dental implants to ensure stability.
Inlays and Onlays
If a cavity is too big for a filling, your dentist may recommend an inlay or onlay. These restorations are customized to fit into your natural tooth structures. Your dentist will bond them into place to restore your smile.
Inlays are designed to fill the area between the cusps of your teeth. Onlays cover at least one cusp.
Root Canal Therapy
A cavity can reach a tooth’s pulp if you neglect treatment. Once bacteria reaches the pulp, an infection could develop. Your dentist may recommend root canal therapy.
This procedure involves removing diseased pulp, including blood vessels and tiny nerves inside a tooth. Your dentist will clean and disinfect the area before filling the canals with dental material. They’ll place a filling to seal the tooth and keep new bacteria from entering.
Your dentist may recommend pairing tooth canal therapy with a dental crown. The crown can provide additional support and strength.
Bridges
Dental bridges are used to replace a row of missing teeth or a single tooth. They consist of artificial teeth with dental crowns on each side.
Your dentist may need to shave down your natural teeth first. They’ll bond the bridge to your natural teeth to restore your smile.
Request Restorative Dental Services Today
Don’t let a missing or decayed tooth affect your oral and overall health. Instead, visit your dentist to discuss these restorative dental services. They’ll determine which procedures suit your needs.
Need immediate restorative dentistry care in Lexington, KY? Garden Springs Dental is your premier destination for family dental care and dental implants.
We’re committed to providing exceptional care for you and every member of your family. We take the time to understand each patient’s needs to deliver the highest standard of care. Contact us now to schedule your first visit.
