Restorative dentistry is all about repairing, refreshing, and renewing the health and appearance of your teeth and gums.
But what, exactly, does that mean?
What types of procedures are involved with getting your teeth back to a healthier state?
The truth is that when we say “restorative dentistry,” we could be referring to a number of important procedures. Some of them could be focused on reducing pain. Others might be about restoring lost functionality. Then again, we might recommend some that are just about giving you the confidence to show off a beautiful smile.
Ideally, of course, we can head off the need for most restorative treatments with plenty of attention to preventative treatments.
Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, decay, trauma, and disease can work together to force us to look at some procedures to get everything back in order.
What Are the Most Common Restorative Dental Procedures?
- Dental implants to replace your missing teeth and preserve the stability and strength of the jawbone and keep the proper alignment of the surrounding teeth.
- Porcelain crowns to fit over teeth that have been broken, weakened, or misshapen. We also use them after root canal therapy.
- Periodontal therapy to keep your gums healthy and strong. This may include root planing and scaling to remove any bacteria that hide beneath the gum line.
- Fillings and root canals to get rid of any decay or infections that may be causing problems or pain. Tooth-colored fillings are strong and reliable and help you keep a beautiful smile.
- Teeth straightening is about more than a great smile. It’s easier to clean and maintain straight teeth so bacteria don’t have a place to hide.
- Bridges and all-on-4 dentures are used to replace teeth and make sure they have a stable foundation.
- Inlays and onlays to repair cracks, chips, or gaps in your teeth. This procedure can also add some stability to weakened teeth.
- Cosmetic dental procedures to ensure you feel like sharing your smile once these treatments are completed.
While many of these procedures can be completed in a single visit, everyone has different needs and it may take a number of appointments to restore your gumline, rebuild your teeth, and restore any lost functionality.
Our first goal is always going to be to alleviate any pain that you may be feeling, and then we will work with you to determine the best course of action to fully restore the functionality and appearance of your mouth.
Do You Need a Restorative Procedure?
Most of these procedures are very common, and most patients need at least one of them on occasion.
On the other hand, there are some people that need so many of these procedures that we refer to it as a “full mouth reconstruction.”
Ask yourself these questions to determine whether you need some serious work:
- Am I experiencing severe pain?
- Have I experienced a trauma that has led to missing teeth?
- Are my teeth fracturing in several places?
- Do I have headaches that could be related to jaw pain or a misaligned bite?
- Are my teeth always extremely sensitive to temperatures?
- Do I constantly grind my teeth, causing significant wear?
If you answered yes to one or more of these, it may be time set up an appointment with us.
Finding a Reason to Smile Again
Having a great, healthy smile can do a lot to boost your confidence and help you feel more comfortable around others.
If, however, you’re experiencing significant pain or are concerned about damaged or missing teeth that might be visible when you smile, it can make you hesitate and hide away your smile.
Restorative dentistry is intended to get everything back in shape and working properly so you won’t have a reason not to sharing your smile.
Many of these procedures are simple and can completed in a single visit you’re your dentist in Northport. Others, though, will require some extra work. However, when it comes to restoring the functionality of your mouth, the time spent will be worth it.
Contact us today to consult with our specialists and find out how we can tailor our services to your needs.