Restorative dentistry refers to any dental procedure that repairs or replaces a missing tooth/teeth. Common dental restorations include cavity fillings, root canals, crowns, bridges and implants. There can be two goals in restorative dentistry: to restore the function of the teeth and to restore the appearance of the teeth. In some cases it's one or the other, and in some cases it’s both.
Restorative dentistry is often referred to as prosthodontic dentistry. Whether your dental professional uses the term "restorative dentistry" or "prosthodontic dentistry," the goal is to preserve natural teeth as much as possible, improve oral health, recover chewing function and smile appearance.
There are several different types of dental restorations, depending on your unique oral health needs;
Cavity Fillings
This is by far the most common restorative dental procedure.When bacteria eats away your tooth enamel (the hard outer layer) and causes a hole (known as a cavity), it needs to be filled to protect the soft pulp inside. During this procedure, our 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
When a tooth becomes damaged in some way, whether from severe decay or a crack or break in the tooth, or the tooth received a root canal therapy. it can be reinforced with a crown. 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. The crown looks and functions just like your natural tooth and the natural root remains in place.
Inlays and onlays
Sometimes a cavity is too big for a filling, but too small for a crown. In a case like this, we might recommend an inlay or onlay. These custom restorations fit into your natural tooth structure like puzzle pieces. We permanently bond them into place rather than cementing them like crowns.
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 inner nerve tissue. 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, our endodontist “root canal specialist” removes the diseased nerve tissue, 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, support and prevent tooth fracture.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is an artificial tooth/teeth that are suspended between two crowns. The bridge is held in place by crowns placed over the existing teeth on either side of the bridge, or by dental implants. At Dr. Raed M. Abutteen Dental Center, our restorative 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. Dental implants can be restored with crowns, bridges and even dentures. Unlike traditional crowns and bridges, implants don’t require alteration of your existing natural teeth. At Dr. Raed M. Abutteen Dental Center, we consider dental 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.
You can also opt for implant-supported dentures. These appliances are similar to traditional dentures, but instead of resting on your gums for support, they attach to dental implants. Implant supported dentures (also known as snap-on dentures) are held in place by a few dental implants placed in the jaw. Implant Supported dentures offers much more stability compared to conventional dentures.
What are the Advantages of Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry offers a wide range of benefits for people of all ages. For example, it can:
• Restore oral health.
• Restore and improve chewing function.
• Eliminate dental pain.
• Reduce the risk of dental issues in the future.
• Improve the appearance of your smile.
• Preserve jawbone density.
Dr. Raed M. Abutteen Dental Center, restorative dentistry is one of the most common services we provide. Most people will need some type of restorative procedure at some point in their lifetime. We believe in saving your teeth whenever possible and replacing them when necessary. By keeping up with your regularly scheduled appointments every 6 months we can carefully monitor your dental health. Best case scenario, we prevent the need for any restorative procedures. Next best case scenario, we detect any problems as soon as possible so they can be corrected and your teeth restored.
Call us today to schedule an appointment and enjoy maintaining/restoring your oral health and smile.
