Restorative dental care is designed to repair and restore teeth that have been damaged due to decay, trauma, wear, or other dental issues. It includes a variety of treatments that help return both the function and appearance of your teeth. Restorative procedures ensure that you can eat, speak, and smile confidently, even after experiencing dental problems. Whether you need a simple filling or more complex treatments like crowns, bridges, or dentures, restorative dental care can help improve your quality of life and oral health.
Fillings are a common restorative treatment used to repair cavities caused by tooth decay. After the decayed portion of the tooth is removed, a filling is placed to restore the tooth’s structure and function. We offer several types of fillings, including amalgam (silver) fillings, composite (tooth-colored) fillings, and ceramic fillings, depending on your needs and preferences.
A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Crowns are used to protect teeth that have undergone extensive decay, trauma, or wear. Crowns are made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or metal, and can be custom-designed to match the natural color and appearance of your teeth.
Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth by attaching a prosthetic tooth to adjacent healthy teeth or dental implants. Bridges restore the ability to chew and speak properly and improve the appearance of your smile. Depending on the location of the missing teeth, bridges can be made from metal, porcelain, or a combination of both.
Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They can be full or partial, depending on how many teeth need to be replaced. Full dentures are used when all teeth in the upper or lower jaw are missing, while partial dentures are designed to fill in gaps when only some teeth are missing. Dentures help restore the ability to eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
Implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as a root for a replacement tooth. Implant-supported crowns, bridges, or dentures offer a natural-looking and long-lasting solution to tooth loss, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits.
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair moderate tooth decay or damage. Inlays are placed within the tooth’s cusps, while onlays cover one or more cusps of the tooth. These restorations are often made from porcelain or composite material, providing a durable and aesthetic solution for damaged teeth.
1. What is the difference between a filling and a crown?
A filling is used to repair a small to moderate amount of decay in a tooth, while a crown is used to restore a tooth that is severely damaged, weakened, or decayed. Crowns cover the entire tooth, whereas fillings only fill in the area of decay.
2. Are dental crowns and bridges covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans do cover a portion of the cost for crowns and bridges, especially if they are medically necessary. However, coverage varies depending on the plan, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider for specific details.
3. How long do dental implants last?
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last for 20 years or more. They are designed to be a permanent solution to missing teeth and offer a highly durable and long-lasting alternative to traditional dentures and bridges.
4. Are dentures uncomfortable to wear?
Dentures may feel a bit awkward initially, but over time, most patients adjust to them. Modern dentures are designed to be comfortable and functional. If you experience discomfort, adjustments can be made to ensure a proper fit.
5. How do I take care of my dental restorations?
Caring for dental restorations involves maintaining good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly. It’s also important to avoid biting down on hard objects and to visit your dentist for regular check-ups to ensure the longevity of your fillings, crowns, and other restorations.
