Restorative Dentistry: Repairing Damaged Teeth
Restorative dentistry is a specialized branch of dentistry that involves the replacement or repair of missing or damaged teeth. The primary goal of restorative dentistry is to restore normal chewing function and improve overall dental health. With restorative dentistry, patients can potentially save their natural teeth and achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.
Learn more about restorative dentistry, who needs these services, and what types of restorative dental procedures are available.
Who Needs Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry focuses on replacing or repairing teeth. These services are generally performed by general dentists or family dentists and may encompass a wide range of services. Most people will need a restorative dentistry service at one time or another. Your Melbourne Florida dentist may recommend restorative dentistry if you have:
- Tooth decay or cavities
- Broken or damaged teeth
- Missing teeth
What Are the Differences Between Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry?
There are many similarities between restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Both types of dentistry are used to restore decayed, damaged, or missing teeth. In addition, both restorative and cosmetic dentistry can be performed by a general dentist, meaning you don’t need to seek out a costly specialist. However, there are some important differences.
- Restorative dentistry is generally referred to as essential, such as repairing a broken tooth or replacing a missing tooth. Cosmetic dental treatments are typically elective procedures designed to enhance the appearance of the smile.
- The purpose of restorative dentistry is to restore full function to a person’s mouth, allowing them to eat and chew without discomfort, such as a crown placed over a weakened tooth after a root canal. In cosmetic dentistry, a crown may be used to improve the color, shape, or size of a tooth for aesthetic reasons.
- Materials used in restorative dentistry are often designed to be durable and affordable. However, materials used in cosmetic dentistry offer both durability and aesthetics, such as dental veneers or dental bonding.
What are the Main Types of Restorative Dentistry Procedures?
The type of restorative dental you need will depend on the condition of your teeth, the symptoms you are experiencing, and the state of your overall health.
Some of the most common types of restorative dental procedures performed in the United States include:
1. Fillings
Dental fillings are one of the most common types of restorative dental procedures. According to the American Dental Association, approximately 175 million filling procedures are performed in the U.S. each year. During a routine filling, your dentist removes the damaged portion of the tooth before filling it with a tooth-colored composite resin.
2. Crowns
Dental crowns act as tooth-shaped “caps” that are placed over damaged teeth to restore their size, shape, or strength. Crowns can be found in a variety of materials, such as porcelain, zirconia, ceramic, metal, or composite resin. This type of dental restoration is best suited for individuals with cracked, weakened, or severely worn-down teeth.
3. Bridges
A dental bridge is a type of fixed dental restoration that is typically made up of crowns on one or both sides of the missing tooth which are used to support the pontic, or false tooth. Dental bridges can help restore a person’s ability to speak and chew, prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of place, and help restore your bite.
4. Dentures
Dentures are a popular oral appliance used to replace missing teeth. Patients have several options when it comes to dentures, including full dentures, partial dentures, immediate dentures, and implant-supported dentures. Unlike many other types of restorative dental options, dentures are removable.
5. Implants
A dental implant is a small, titanium post that acts as a substitute for a tooth root. An abutment is then placed on top of the implant, which then connects to the replacement tooth. The replacement tooth or crown is custom-made to blend in with your remaining natural teeth. Dental implants are considered more invasive than other options as they require the implant to be surgically inserted into the jawbone.
Schedule a Consultation with Artistic Touch Dentistry
At Artistic Touch Dentistry, we offer a wide range of restorative and cosmetic dental procedures, including crowns, bridges, implants, fillings, and more. To learn more about our dental services or to schedule an appointment with our experienced Melbourne FL dentist, contact Artistic Touch Dentistry at 321-724-1400.