As much as we work hard to look after our teeth and gums, there can be times when we suffer decay and damage. While we can do everything to protect our teeth, sometimes restorative dentistry is the only way to fix your teeth.
What is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry is the practice of restoring teeth. Suppose people experience various dental issues, from decay to aesthetic problems. In that case, restorative dentistry can help to improve the appearance and fix a wide variety of problems stemming from poor oral hygiene or aesthetic issues.
How Could Restorative Dentistry Benefit You?
For anybody who has had issues with the look of their teeth or has neglected them to such an extent that the teeth are now decaying or suffering some damage, restorative dentistry can help you improve their appearance and functionality. By replacing missing teeth or fixing minor issues, you will not only feel better about your smile, but you will be bringing your teeth back up to a healthy state.
What Procedures Are Associated With Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry covers a variety of procedures and practices and includes the following:
- Crowns. A crown is a cover or “cap” your dentist puts over a compromised tooth. A crown can restore a broken tooth or a decayed tooth. The crown restores the tooth to its standard shape, size and function. Most crowns are made out of porcelain, durable and stain-resistant material.
- Fillings. When you have a repairable cavity, a white material called composite is put into your tooth after the dentist has drilled out all of the decay. Patients can get traditional fillings, inlays, or onlays, depending on the size of the crack or dental decay they need to repair. While conventional fillings use a tooth-colored solution called composite resin, onlays and inlays usually use porcelain for a better seal.
- Bridges. Dental bridges bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. They involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth with a pontic (false tooth) in between.
- Veneers. A veneer is made of fragile customized porcelain artistically crafted to a desirable color and shape. Often patients call dental veneers shells because they look like small shells placed over the front of the tooth. Dental veneers can enlarge, whiten, and straighten the appearance of your tooth.
- Implants. An implant is surgically placed into your jaw bone to replace a missing tooth. Unlike dental bridges, which replace only the visible part of a missing tooth, a dental implant replaces the entire tooth from the tooth’s root to its crown. Patients can receive a dental implant to replace one or more missing teeth. Implants can support dental crowns, bridges, and dentures.
- Dentures. Patients that are missing multiple teeth in a row or an entire set of teeth may benefit from dentures. At Birmingham Dental, we offer two dentures: partial and complete dentures. A partial denture can restore a few teeth in a row, while complete dentures can restore an entire set of missing teeth.
- Tooth Extractions. Part of a restorative dentistry procedure may be a dental extraction. If you have a decayed or broken tooth, the best restorative procedure may be to remove the tooth and replace it. Often extracted teeth can be replaced by dental implants.
Dr. Coburn, Dr. Sgalia, and Birmingham Dental can help you restore your teeth to their optimal health in Birmingham, Michigan! There are several different types of restorative dentistry procedures that we can perform at Birmingham Dental to restore your teeth’ natural look and function. Our most common procedures are dental bridges, crowns, implants, dental fillings, and dental veneers. For more information about restorative dentistry or to schedule an appointment, call our office today.