Understanding Restorative Dental Treatments

If you are experiencing dental issues, you may want to consider restorative dental treatments. Restorative dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on restoring teeth to their former state of health and function. From minor repairs to more extensive treatments, restorative dental treatments can help you regain your smile and maintain your oral health.

What Is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is the practice of repairing and replacing teeth that have been damaged or lost due to decay, trauma, or other issues. Restorative dentistry can be used to restore the appearance and function of a person’s teeth. It is a form of preventative dentistry that can help a person maintain their oral health and quality of life.

The following are some types of restorative dentistry:

Bridges

Bridges are a type of dental restoration that is used to replace missing teeth. It is made up of two or more crowns that are placed on the teeth on either side of the missing tooth and a false tooth (pontic) that is held in place by the crowns. They are made of either porcelain or metal and can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. The crowns are secured using dental cement. These can improve the appearance of your smile and restore the function of your mouth, making it easier to chew, speak, and otherwise use your mouth.

Crowns

Crowns are a restorative dentistry treatment that is used to restore a tooth that has been damaged or decayed. They are custom-made caps that fit over the remaining portion of the tooth, providing strength, durability, and stability. These can be made from different materials, including porcelain, metal, or a combination of the two. In addition to providing structural support, crowns can also improve the appearance of a damaged or decayed tooth, restoring its shape and color. They are typically used in cases of severe tooth damage when a filling is not enough to restore the tooth to its original shape and function. Crowns can also be used to support a bridge, cover a dental implant, or protect a weak tooth from breaking.

Dental Implants

Dental implants consist of a titanium post that is surgically placed in the jawbone and serves as an artificial tooth root. Once the post has been implanted, a dental crown, bridge, or denture can be attached to it. The dental implant is designed to blend in with your surrounding teeth and provide a natural-looking and long-lasting solution. The implant becomes a permanent part of your mouth, providing a secure and stable foundation for your replacement teeth. This allows you to eat, talk, and smile with confidence. Additionally, dental implants can help prevent bone loss in the area of the missing tooth and can help maintain the contours of your face.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are a removable treatment option for replacing missing teeth. They are usually made of acrylic and metal and are custom-made to fit your mouth. The metal framework helps to support the denture and aids in keeping it in place. Partial dentures typically consist of replacement teeth that are attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base. This base is connected to a metal framework that clasps your existing teeth. They are used when some natural teeth remain and are used to fill in the gaps created by missing teeth. Partial dentures help to restore your smile, improve your biting and chewing ability and help to prevent other teeth from shifting out of position. They also help to restore your facial shape and help to prevent any further bone loss in the jaw. With proper care, partial dentures can last for many years.

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays are used to repair tooth damage on the biting surface of the tooth, while onlays are used to repair larger areas of damage, including damage to the cusps of the tooth. Inlays and onlays are made from composite materials or porcelain and are bonded to the damaged tooth using special dental cement.

The first step in the process is to remove the damaged portion of the tooth. The dentist will then take an impression of the tooth, which will be used to make a custom-fit inlay or onlay. Once the custom restoration is complete, the dentist will etch the surface of the tooth to ensure a strong bond between the restoration and the tooth. Finally, the inlay or onlay will be carefully placed and bonded to the tooth.

Inlays and onlays are a great option for restoring teeth that have been damaged by decay or injury, as they provide a strong, durable restoration that can last for many years with proper care.

Fillings

During a filling procedure, a dentist will remove any decayed or damaged portions of the tooth, clean it, and then fill the cavity with a composite resin material. The resin is hardened with a special light, and the tooth is then polished. Fillings are used to restore strength and integrity to the tooth, and can also improve the appearance of the tooth.

Advantages of Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry has some great benefits such as the following:

Improved Oral Health

The primary benefit of restorative dentistry is improved oral health. Restorative procedures like fillings, crowns, bridges and dental implants can help to repair damaged teeth, protect them from further damage, and restore their function. These restorative treatments can also help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to more serious oral health problems.

Improved Appearance

Restorative dentistry can also help to improve the appearance of your smile. By restoring damaged or missing teeth, you can achieve a more natural-looking smile that you can be proud of.

More Comfort

Restorative dentistry can also help you feel more comfortable in your own mouth. By repairing damaged teeth and restoring their function, you can enjoy a more comfortable bite and improved comfort while speaking or eating.

Long-Lasting Results

Restorative dentistry treatments also provide long-lasting results. With proper care and maintenance, your restorations can last for many years, providing you with a beautiful and healthy smile for years to come.

Restorative dental treatments can be a great way to get your teeth back to a healthy condition and protect your oral health. If you are looking for a dentist in the Greater Houston area, contact The Family Dental Center for their expert dental services. They offer a wide range of restorative treatments to give you the smile you deserve. Get in touch with us now!