Restorative Dentistry

If you're wondering whether or not you need restorative dentistry services, it's important to understand what these services entail. Restorative dentistry involves any dental procedures used to restore the structure and functionality of your teeth.

If you have a tooth that is severely damaged or decayed, it may need to be extracted. In this case, restorative dentistry would involve replacing the tooth with a dental implant. Dental implants are artificial teeth that are surgically placed into the jawbone to provide support for a dental prosthetic (false tooth).

Another common procedure used in restorative dentistry is crown lengthening. This is often necessary if you have a tooth that is too short to support a dental crown. Crown lengthening involves surgically removing some of the bone and gum tissue around the tooth to expose more of the tooth's surface.

In addition to cosmetic purposes, bonding can also be used to restore a cracked or chipped tooth. The process involves using a colored resin that closely resembles the natural color of teeth. By repairing the damage and giving the tooth a more realistic appearance, patients are often able to feel much better about their smile overall.

What Is Restorative Dentistry?

In brief, restorative dentistry comprises any dental procedure that concentrates on repairing or restoring impaired oral structures. This can entail procedures such as fillings, bridges, and implants among other services. Nevertheless, it's worth highlighting that restorative dentistry doesn't comprise those procedures deemed cosmetic like veneers or whitening treatments.

Most Common Restorative Dentistry Practices

There are a few restorative dentistry procedures that our patients often request. Determining whether the procedure is for cosmetic purposes or if it's truly necessary can help you save money. Here are some of the most common treatments:

Fillings. The most typical type of restorative dentistry are fillings, which come in either amalgam (metal) or composite (white). They're used to reinforce and stabilize a tooth that has been weakened from cavities and decay.
Crowns. If a tooth has amassed too much decay to sustain a filling, then it might need a dental crown. Dental crowns act as surrogate teeth, restoring the look of your smile and gumline while protecting your remaining real teeth from more harm.
Bridges. Much like dental crowns, bridges are used to fill in spaces where a tooth has been extracted. This procedure involves placing two or more crowns adjacent to each other and then bonding them onto the nearest healthy teeth on either side of the gap. In doing so, this "bridges" the empty space with a porcelain replacement tooth (or multiple teeth).
Implants. In cases of severe damage, dental implants may be a good option. With this process, existing tooth structures are replaced with implanted artificial teeth. They're attached to your jawbone by a metal post that's bonded to the bone via a screw-like metal root.

Contact Dr. Torculas today for an initial restorative consultation (619) 582-5380