How Does Restorative Dentistry Work?

How Does Restorative Dentistry Work?

April 1, 2023
Restorative dentistry focuses on replacing or fixing damaged and missing teeth. The procedures of restorative dentistry help improve oral health and functionality. Familiar dental restorations include fillings, dental crowns, bridges, and implants.

Restorative Dentistry Explained

Restorative dentistry concentrates on fixing or replacing teeth. The focus of restorative dentistry is to help improve oral health and chewing function. These procedures are performed by many general dentists who routinely provide dental fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants. You may need help from restorative dentistry near me if you have tooth decay or cavities, damaged or broken teeth, and missing teeth.

Differences between Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry

While restorative dentistry looks to improve oral health and functionality, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the looks of your smile. However, some dental treatments are beneficial for functional and aesthetic needs. For example, dental crowns, while improving chewing function, can also give you a constant smile.

The Importance of Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry is essential because it provides the best chances of enjoying long-term oral health. By fixing damaged and decayed teeth, your dentist helps restore your smile and more functionality, including your eating, speaking, and chewing abilities.

Different Types of Dental Restorations

Depending on your unique needs are different types of dental restorations offered by dentists. Some examples are mentioned below for your reference:
  • Dental Fillings: when bacteria erode tooth enamel to cause a cavity, dental fillings help repair them. When restoring teeth with tooth decay, dentists remove the decayed portion before filling the hollow space with various materials to prevent the progress of decay and reduce further damage.
  • Dental Crowns: If your tooth is significantly damaged from large cavities or injuries, dentists provide dental crowns, also known as tooth caps, by encasing your entire tooth. Before placing a dental crown, the dentist must remove the tooth structure to have the restoration customized before placement.
  • Endodontic Treatment: Occasionally, cavities or cracks in your tooth can reach the dental pulp when the bacteria penetrate the tooth. In such cases, endodontic treatment helps eliminate the infection because the dentist removes the infected pulp and the nerves inside the tooth. They will also clean the tooth and disinfect it before filling it with a rubber-like material, gutta-percha. A dental crown also becomes necessary after receiving endodontic treatment to protect the weakened tooth from further damage.
  • Bridges: dental bridges help replace single or several missing teeth in a row. Bridges consist of artificial teeth held by dental crowns on either side. The dentist must alter the shape of the natural teeth beside the missing tooth to accommodate the dental crowns, with the dental bridge held between them to function as your replacement tooth.
  • Dental Implants: Dental implants are another option for replacing missing teeth offered by restorative dentistry in Saybrook, CT, if you desire a permanent replacement solution for missing teeth. The implants represent tiny screws that help replace the missing tooth root. After you have recovered from the surgical procedure for dental implant placement, the dentist provides you with a national-looking and feeling dental crown mounted on the implant to function as your replacement tooth.

Benefits of Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry offers many benefits to patients of all ages. These procedures can help restore oral health, improve chewing function, eliminate dental pain, minimize the risk of dental issues later, and enhance the smile's appearance.

Are There Risks with Restorative Dentistry?

Some risks are involved with every procedure, and restorative dentistry is no exception. However, the risks are minimal and commonly cause sensitivity and discomfort after receiving any process. Rarely infections or allergic reactions to metals used in restorative dentistry can create problems. You may also experience a cracked or broken crown on occasion. If you delay getting restorative dental treatments for deep cavities by neglecting fillings, it can result in needing endodontic treatment or getting the tooth extracted. Therefore if you have a problem with your teeth, contacting the dentist immediately is suggested to ensure you receive restorative dentistry to protect your teeth and oral health. Restorative dentistry works to repair damaged or missing teeth and improve the overall health and functionality of the mouth. The procedures might appear scary, especially if you have never undergone these treatments. However, the sooner you receive restorative dentistry procedures are less likely you will encounter problems later, saving you plenty of time and money besides the stress in the long run. Whether you need a cavity filled or a tooth replaced using restorative dentistry procedures, Saybrook Family Dental Care helps provide the treatment you need to fix your dental problem and restore mouth functionality. Please arrange an appointment with them for any dental issue bothering you to have it fixed with restorative dentistry procedures without delay.