Restorative dentistry encompasses treatments designed to protect your natural teeth or replace those that are missing. These procedures will enable you to eat comfortably and speak clearly while restoring oral health.
This guide explains more about the restorative dentistry procedures offered at Clock Tower Dental, the potential benefits of treatment, and what to expect during the process.
What Is Restorative Dentistry?
When teeth fail or are missing, simple everyday actions like talking and eating a nutritious meal can be uncomfortable or even painful. Restorative dentistry aims to ensure you can eat properly, enjoy a wide range of foods, and protect your oral health.
When to Consider Restorative Dentistry
We may suggest considering restorative dentistry if you have any of the following issues.
- Tooth decay.
- Broken or damaged teeth.
- Teeth that are missing.
What Are the Signs I Need Restorative Dentistry?
Some dental problems cause few, if any, symptoms. However, there are some signs to be aware of, which can include the following:
- Toothache that may be continuous or intermittent and can vary in its intensity.
- Visibly chipped or damaged teeth.
- Ill-fitting or loose restorations.
- Signs of infection include red, swollen gums, bad breath, or a nasty taste.
If you think you have a problem with your tooth or are concerned about a chip or crack in it, please schedule an appointment to come and see us sooner rather than later.
The more quickly we can treat the problem, the less likely you will have a dental emergency later. When a tooth is failing, there is a better chance we can restore it the sooner you seek professional dental care. Also, faster treatment can be less invasive and more cost-effective.
What Are the Benefits of Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry can provide some significant benefits, including:
- Restoring your ability to speak and chew.
- Preventing further oral health problems such as teeth that move out of place.
- Providing durable, long-lasting dental restorations.
- Boosting your overall quality of life and self-confidence.
- Enhancing the appearance of your smile.
Common Restorative Dentistry Treatments
Clock Tower Dental provides a comprehensive choice of restorative dental treatments. Each treatment is custom-designed to provide optimal results, addressing your unique oral health issues. Our dental office is equipped with the latest technologies and uses advanced materials to provide better long-term results.
Our range of restorative dentistry treatments includes:
- Dental crowns
- Dental bridges
- Full and partial dentures, including denture repairs
- Dental fillings
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are also called caps because they cover or cap a tooth entirely. They are ideal for restoring badly damaged teeth and preventing infection and decay.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges bridge the gap left by one or more missing teeth that were originally side-by-side. They are supported by your natural teeth and are durable and cosmetically pleasing.
Full and Partial Dentures
Full and partial dentures are another option to restore missing teeth. These appliances are removable and consist of lifelike denture teeth supported on a base material. The base is generally acrylic and may be strengthened with metal. Clock Tower Dental also provides flexible partial dentures made from a material similar to nylon.
When a denture needs repair, we can ensure it is completed quickly and professionally.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings can be made from various materials depending on their location in the mouth and size. Available materials can include tooth-colored composite resin and porcelain fillings, also called inlays and onlays.
Understanding the Process for Restorative Dentistry
The process for restorative dentistry is straightforward but varies depending on the treatment required. For example, the procedure for placing a dental crown is very different from the process for making and fitting full and partial dentures.
A general overview of what to expect is outlined below. You can find more detailed information on the separate web pages for each treatment.
Initial Consultation
Every treatment provided at Clock Tower Dental begins with an initial consultation with one of our experienced dentists. We must gently examine your mouth and conduct a comprehensive dental exam.
As part of this process, we will evaluate your medical history. Keeping you safe is our priority, so we need to ensure there aren’t any pre-existing medical conditions or that you aren’t taking any medications that could affect our recommended treatments.
Diagnostic images like digital dental X-rays and possibly other digital imaging help us evaluate areas hidden from the naked eye.
For example, if we suspect you have a cavity and require a filling, we must be able to see the extent of the decay, which won’t necessarily be visible. Our dental office has the latest technologies, including laser caries detection for tooth decay treatment.
Treatment Planning
Once we have all this information, we can plan your treatment. Your personalized treatment plan will outline procedures we know will help restore your dental health. Sometimes, there may be more than one solution available.
Our dentist will explain every possible treatment clearly, and we always encourage questions. We will also provide an accurate quotation of the costs involved. We want to be sure you have all the information you need before deciding whether to proceed.
Scheduling Your Procedure
The next stage is to schedule your treatment at a convenient time. Most restorative dental care treatments will require two or more appointments to complete them. The only exceptions are dental fillings, such as composite resin fillings, which we can place chairside during a single appointment.
Looking after Your Restorations
Once you have your new restorations, we can provide lots of information on how to care for them properly. Proper after-care that includes a good daily oral routine and professional preventive dentistry will help prolong their life and ensure they remain looking good for longer.
Will Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Restorative Dentistry?
Almost certainly, yes, as these treatments are designed to preserve and protect your oral health and restore essential functions like eating. Although the treatments we recommend may provide cosmetic benefits, this is not the primary aim of restorative dentistry. The percentage covered will depend on your treatment plan and your choice of materials.
How Long Will Restoration Dentistry Last?
All your dental restorations should last years with the proper after-care. Some materials are more durable than others. For example, porcelain is stronger than composite resin and is stain-resistant. However, all restorations will need replacing eventually.
We can discuss how long you can expect your restorations to last and how to help prolong their life during your consultation.
Schedule Your Consultation with Our Restorative Dentist
If you think you have a problem tooth or teeth that are failing or missing entirely and have been searching for a restorative dentist near me, we are here to help you.
Contact us to learn more about our restorative dentistry treatments and how they can help protect your oral health and smile.