What Is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is a term used to describe any dental procedure that restores strength, function, and appearance to teeth that are compromised or lost. At Ballas Dental Care, we specialize in providing exceptional restorative dental work that looks and feels natural. Here’s what you should know about restorative dentistry.

Many types of dentists provide restorative dental treatments, including general dentists, cosmetic dentists, periodontists, endodontists, and prosthodontists. Although there may be differences in the types of treatments they offer, they all have the goal of rehabilitating teeth and gums that have sustained damage due to disease, decay, or trauma. The primary objectives of restorative dentistry are to restore:

• Function – Function is the most important goal of restorative dental care. Any restoration should be able to replicate the original function of your natural tooth. In other words, your teeth should meet together properly when you chew and bite and your restoration should feel stable and comfortable so you can speak and eat as you did before your treatment.
• Strength – It’s also important that any dental restoration strengthens a tooth, rather than weakening or compromising it. The highest quality dental restorations are durable enough to last for decades.
• Appearance – Finally, dental restorations should restore appearance to a tooth. In the past, it was common for silver and gold alloys to be used in restorative dentistry, but these days, most dentists (and patients) prefer tooth-colored materials that blend in naturally with the rest of your teeth for a seamless look. We use a skilled dental laboratory to ensure that each of our restorations is realistic and designed uniquely for you.

There are many dental procedures that are considered restorative. These include:

• Dental Fillings – A dental filling involves removing areas of decay, then filling in the tooth structure with a tooth-colored composite material to restore its strength and appearance. Fillings are the most common restorative procedure.
• Dental Crowns – Dental crowns serve a number of purposes in dentistry. When attached to a dental implant, they can replace a missing tooth. They also support dental bridges and restore teeth after root canal treatment, deep decay, trauma, or abnormal wear. Much of the tooth structure is removed for a crown; the crown is then placed over the remaining tooth, restoring its size, shape, function, and appearance.
• Inlays and Onlays – Inlays and onlays are sometimes also called partial crowns. These restorations are used to restore teeth that have more decay than can be treated with a dental filling, but not enough for a dental crown.
• Dental Bridges – While there are a few different types of dental bridges, they all use a system of abutments (supports) to hold in place one or more prosthetic teeth (pontics).
• Dental Implants – Dental implants are the only restorative solution that addresses tooth loss above and below the gum line. There is no other option that functions so much like a natural tooth.
• Dentures – When a number of teeth are missing, dentures can replace them. Dentures may be full or partial; fixed or removable. Today’s dentures are comfortable, natural-looking, and durable.

To learn more about our restorative dentistry options and what we can do for you, contact us today at 314-432-5544 to schedule a consultation.