Restorative dentistry consists of the treatments and procedures for restoring your natural teeth that may have become decayed, damaged, or lost. For example,
dental crowns can cap damaged or decayed teeth and can also be used with
dental implants to replace lost teeth. A variety of restorative treatment options exist and can be implemented depending on your unique needs. Prosthodontists are dentists that have specialized training in restorative dentistry. Your prosthodontist or dentist will help you understand your restorative dental treatment options.
A few of the restorative dentistry treatment options include:
- Bonding: Is a restorative dentistry process where teeth that might be cracked, chipped, broken, or have too much space between them can be aesthetically improved. Tooth bonding uses materials that your dentist ìbondsî to the surface of your tooth. Your dentist can work with you on what materials to use and what outcomes you will see as a result of bonding treatment.
- Bridges:: Used to replace teeth that are missing. Apart from aesthetic reasons, missing teeth can affect your bite and speech. Bridging fills in the spaces where teeth are missing with dental implants or partial dentures.
- Dental Crowns: Dental crowns, sometimes called ìcaps,î are used to cover and restore a teeth. When a tooth has broken or when a tooth has too much decay for a simple filling, a dental crown may be needed. Your dentist can place dental crowns on your teeth and shape them to look and function like your original teeth before the damage occurred. Porcelain dental crowns have a translucent appearance much like your natural teeth. However, your dentist will select the material for your dental crowns that will best meet your particular needs for tooth strength and appearance.
- Dental Implants: Dental implants are a more recent development in restorative dentistry and are used to replace any lost or damaged teeth with artificial teeth that are anchored more like your natural teeth. They allow adjoining teeth to be preserved without removing enamel as must usually be done with a bridge. Dental implants are an effective and proven procedure for successfully improving your smile.
- Fillings: When tooth decay or small tooth fractures occur, dentists use fillings to repair the surfaces of your teeth. Routine dental examines and cleanings can often identify cracks or decay in a tooth that would require restorative dentistry treatments. Many times, these can then be remedied with a filling.
- Prosthodontics: A dental field where dental professionals examine and evaluate your dental care and devise a comprehensive restorative dentistry treatment plan designed uniquely for you. Prosthodontists must undergo specialized training in this area and are recognized as specialists in restorative dentistry.
- Porcelain Veneers: A common restorative dentistry procedure is the placement of dental veneers. Dental veneers are custom-made shells of porclelain used to cover the surface of your teeth. Dental veneers can be used to cover worn, chipped, or cracked teeth, and can even be used to improve the appearance of your teeth alignment. With porcelain veneers, patients get a bright smile with custom-shaped teeth that look and feel natural.
