What is Restorative Dentistry and Which Procedures Does it Covers?
Teeth damage can affect your oral functions and esthetics significantly. Even worse, it can increase your risk of further issues such as gum disease and decay, leading to the need for expensive and more invasive treatments. Fortunately, restorative dentistry can help repair teeth damage and give you a healthy, functional, and aesthetically appealing smile. Contact our dentist in Houston for restorative treatments.
What is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry involves using various dental procedures to restore your oral health. This can include replacing missing teeth, repairing dental chips, breaks, or fractures, and more.
Unlike cosmetic dentistry, which mainly focuses on improving the esthetics of your teeth, restorative dentistry seeks to restore the health and integrity of your tooth. In some cases, it can also improve the esthetics of your teeth.
If you have dental flaws such as chips, cracks, breaks, fractures, decay, worn-out enamel, or missing teeth, you should visit a dentist near you for treatment. The dentist will examine your teeth and mouth and develop a customized treatment plan to address the issue.
Different Restorative Dentistry Procedures
Depending on your condition, budget, preferences, and other factors, your dentist can suggest any of the following restorative treatments:
1. Dental Implants
When you’ve lost a tooth, a dental implant is the closest thing to your natural tooth. The implant, a titanium post, is surgically implanted into the jawbone to replace the missing tooth’s root. A crown is placed over the implant for added support and protection. Dental implants replace missing teeth and restore your oral function and appearance.
2. Dental Bridges
Dental Bridges are alternatives to dental implants. A dental bridge is a dental device with an artificial tooth or teeth that replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge is held in place by dental crowns attached to adjacent teeth next to the gap.
3. Root Canal Therapy
When a tooth is decayed, a root canal procedure may be needed to save the tooth. The procedure entails drilling through the tooth and removing the infected tissues and nerves from the tooth’s pulp.
Next, the tooth is cleaned, rinsed, disinfected, and sealed to prevent re-infection. The tooth can be filled and a dental crown placed to restore its strength and protect it from further damage.
4. Dental Crowns
When a tooth is severely decayed, chipped, worn-out, or broken, your dentist in 75024 can recommend placing a dental crown. A dental crown is a dental cap that is placed over a tooth, covering its entire visible structure.
It holds on to the tooth’s structure, restoring its strength, stability, and appearance. The procedure requires the dentist to shave a small part of the tooth’s enamel to create enough room for the crown to fit perfectly.
5. Dental Veneers
Your dentist may recommend dental veneers when you have minor teeth damage such as chips, cracks, or dislocation. A veneer is a tooth-colored coating or shell that is placed on the front of a tooth to repair the damage.
While veneers are often considered cosmetic, they also offer restorative benefits for minor tooth damages. Veneers are also effective in correcting minor teeth misalignment and improper teeth gaps. Like dental crowns, placing a dental veneer requires the dentist to reshape the tooth by trimming a portion of its enamel.
6. Dental Bonding
Dental bonding offers both restorative and cosmetic benefits. Mainly, dental bonding is used to fill cavities and repair minor dental issues such as chips, stains, and cracks. Bonding can also close improper teeth gaps. However, the procedure isn’t effective for moderate to complex dental damages.
7. Dental Fillings
A dental filling is among the most popular restorative procedures. As the name suggests, dental fillings are primarily used to fill cavities. During the procedure, the dentist begins by removing the infected parts of the tooth, leaving a hollow area. The dentist uses composite materials to fill the hole and restore the tooth’s structure and strength. The filling also prevents further bacteria attacks on the tooth.
8. Dentures
When you’ve lost multiple teeth, you can consider replacing the teeth with dentures. A denture is a dental device with artificial teeth and an acrylic base that is used to replace missing teeth and gums. Replacing lost teeth with dentures restores your oral function and appearance.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Are you looking for a treatment for restorative dentistry in Houston, TX? Contact Lynn Alan Palmer, DDS, to book your appointment today.