Why You Should Consider Restorative Dentistry in 2023

It’s almost a new year, and that means it’s time to start thinking about your dental health! If you’re due for a check-up, or if you’re interested in restorative dentistry, 2023 is the year for you! Restorative dentistry can fix many common dental problems, such as cavities and tooth decay. 

What is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is the branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing and treating oral diseases. It often involves restoring missing or damaged teeth. Restorative dentistry includes a variety of procedures, such as crowns, dental implants, bridges and veneers. These restorations are designed to improve both the function and appearance of your teeth. Restorative dentistry focuses on improving oral health and function. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your smile.

Some dental procedures offer both functional and cosmetic improvements (aesthetic restorative dentistry). For example, a dental crown restores chewing function, but it can also make your smile look more uniform. Restorative dentistry gives you the best chance at long-lasting oral health. Your dentist can help restore your smile to full function by fixing damaged or decayed teeth. This improves your ability to eat, speak and chew.

Benefits of Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry offers several benefits, including:

– Boosted self-confidence and improved appearance: A restored smile can improve your appearance and boost your self-confidence.

– Improved dental health: Restorative dentistry helps treat and prevent oral diseases. This can help you maintain better overall dental health.

– Increased longevity: Restorative dentistry can help you keep your natural teeth for a longer period of time, increasing the longevity of your smile.

– Improved function: Restorations such as crowns and bridges can improve chewing ability and other oral functions.

Restorative Treatment Options

The following treatment options are available through restorative dentistry:

Fillings

When bacteria eats away your tooth enamel and causes a hole, it’s called a cavity. Smaller cavities are usually repaired with dental fillings.

During this procedure, your dentist removes the decayed portion of your tooth, then fills in the hole with a tooth-colored composite material. This halts the progression of tooth decay and reduces the risk of further damage.

Crowns

Dentists use dental crowns to repair large cavities or restore broken teeth. Sometimes called a cap, a crown fits over your entire tooth.

In order to place a crown, your dentist must remove some of your natural tooth enamel. So, they’ll alter your tooth (shave part of your tooth down), then place a crown over it.

Inlays and onlays

Sometimes a cavity is too big for a filling, but too small for a crown. In a case like this, your dentist might recommend an inlay or onlay. These custom restorations fit into your natural tooth structure like puzzle pieces. Your dentist permanently bonds them into place.

Inlays and onlays are similar. While an inlay fills the area between the cusps of your teeth, an onlay also covers at least one cusp.

Root canal therapy

Sometimes a cavity or crack goes deep enough into your tooth that it reaches the pulp. If bacteria get into the pulp of your tooth, it can cause a painful infection. In these cases, root canal therapy is necessary.

During this procedure, your dentist removes the diseased pulp, including the tiny nerves and blood vessels inside of your tooth. Next, they’ll thoroughly clean and disinfect the inside surfaces of your tooth, then fill the canals with a rubbery dental material called gutta percha. Then, they’ll place a filling to seal the tooth and prevent bacteria from entering.

In most cases, people who undergo root canal therapy also need a crown to provide additional strength and support.

Bridges

A dental bridge can replace a single missing tooth or a row of missing teeth. A bridge consists of artificial teeth with dental crowns on either side. Your dentist will alter (shave down) your natural teeth on both sides of the gap. Next, they’ll bond the bridge to your natural teeth. The crowns fit over your natural teeth and the artificial teeth span the gap in between them.

Dental implants

A dental implant is a small, threaded post that replaces a missing tooth root. Once your dentist adds a crown to your implant, it functions just like a natural tooth.

Your dentist can restore dental implants with crowns, bridges and even dentures. Unlike traditional crowns and bridges, implants don’t require alteration of your natural teeth. Many dentists consider implants to be the golden standard of teeth replacement.

Dentures

Dentures are another traditional teeth replacement option. Full dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth. Partial dentures replace several missing teeth in different areas. Dentures rest on top of your gums, and the jawbone underneath supports them.

Make an Appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental

If you’d like to learn more about our restorative dentistry options, contact Stonebrook Family Dental today. We offer full-service family dentistry and customized treatment plans for all of your needs. From exams and cleanings to fillings, crowns, bridges and implants—we provide everything you need for a healthy, beautiful smile in 2023!