Types of Restorative Dentistry

Along with preventive treatments, restorative dentistry is an important facet of dental care. Hopefully, you follow your dentist’s recommendation of visiting the office at least every six months for teeth cleaning and an examination. In between these regular visits, if you have troublesome issues, including pain and discomfort in your teeth, mouth, or gums, your dentist can provide relief. There are various restorative dentistry treatments available to get your oral health back where you want it and to help you feel and look good.

When to seek treatment

For many patients, it may seem easy to put off a visit to the dentist. It may even be natural for some people to avoid what can be anxiety-filled restorative dentistry appointments. However, the right time to go to the dentist to take care of a problem is now. The longer a person waits to fix a dental issue, the more severe the situation could become. It is much smarter to confront the problem immediately and have peace of mind than it is to keep pushing off visits due to fear or nervousness.

Fillings

Arguably the most common type of restorative dentistry, dentists use fillings to repair cavities in a patient’s teeth. The dentist will first numb the patient and will then drill into the affected tooth to clean out all the decay. Today, dentists usually use composite resin to fill in the cavities, though some may offer gold or silver amalgam. A composite filling is close to the color of the tooth, so it is virtually undetectable.

Inlays and onlays

Sometimes, the damage to the tooth is too extensive to be treated with a filling but still does not require a crown. In these cases, the dentist may recommend a dental inlay or onlay. Both are restorations fabricated in a dental lab and cemented to the tooth. Inlays help repair moderately sized areas of tooth damage inside the chewing surface. However, if the damage extends to include one or more of the tooth's cusps, a dentist may recommend an onlay.

Crowns

For patients with more severe cavities or who have broken teeth, a crown may be the right restorative dentistry option. Crowns are made in a lab after the dentist has made an impression of the person’s mouth. At a subsequent restorative dentistry appointment, once the dentist has the crown from the lab, the dentist will shave down part of the affected tooth and place a crown or cap over it. This protects the integrity of the tooth and its structure. Caps are usually durable, but the dentist will likely keep a close eye on the restoration over the years to make sure it is firmly in place.

Bridge for restorative dentistry

For missing teeth, a bridge may be the most suitable answer for the patient. This restorative dentistry treatment takes care of these gaps and can eliminate the embarrassment the person feels about their smile and appearance. On both ends of the bridge, the dentist places a crown. In between the crowns are artificial teeth. It is designed to allow the person to chew and bite normally. In addition, bridges can also help keep surrounding teeth in the proper places.

Benefits of restorative dentistry

Dental restorations can bring back the shine in one’s smile. Restorative dentistry can help by focusing on dental alignments and gaps. The dentist will recommend restorations after severe decay, dental damage, and staining, as well as crowding. Here are the benefits that the patient can get from restorative dentistry:

• It improves dental structure. A person’s dental structure weakens and deteriorates once tooth loss occurs. Restorative dentistry improves one’s oral health. It can even help maintain the jawbone’s structure.
• It removes discomfort. Chipping, cracking, or decay can cause severe pain. Restorative dentistry can help treat the tooth. The procedure can remove the infection, as well as strengthen and protect teeth from future damage.
• It provides convenient solutions. Restorative dentistry can help patients regain dental health with the right types of dental restoration. These restorations are easy to maintain, remove, and attach. One restoration can replace many teeth. This saves the patient significant time and money.
• It improves the appearance of teeth. Decayed, missing, or damaged teeth can affect a person’s smile and self-esteem. The right restorative dentistry treatment can replace these teeth. The patient can then have a new smile.
• It provides lasting dental solutions. Restorative dentistry can provide durable dental solutions. Each one can last for years with proper care and maintenance. Talking to the dentist can provide the patient the instructions for proper restoration care. Keeping one’s appointments for dental checks and cleanings can help restorations last even longer.

Pick what is right

Significant dental issues can cause a lot of stress and anxiety for people that suffer from them. Luckily, there are ways to combat even the most serious problem. If you have broken or missing teeth or if you have painful cavities, inform your dentist without delay. Together, you can discuss restorative dentistry treatment options and get back on the road to feeling and looking better.

Request an appointment here: https://joyfuldentalcare.com or call Joyful Dental Care at (773) 786-9560 for an appointment in our Chicago office.

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