You may have heard of a few different forms of dentistry that are offered by dental clinics, and one of the most common is “restorative dentistry.” What is restorative dentistry, and how does it improve both oral function and aesthetics simultaneously for many patients?
At Midnight Sun Dental, we’re here to offer the best restorative dentistry services available around Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla, and nearby areas, including dental crowns, same-day crowns, and various dental implant solutions. Here are some basic definitions of restorative dentistry, plus how these services help improve both function and aesthetics for patients in multiple potential ways.
What Does Restorative Dentistry Cover?
Restorative dentistry is actually an umbrella category that contains a few key sub-categories:
- Crowns: Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps placed over teeth that have been damaged or weakened by decay, injury, or other issues. Crowns provide strength and protection for the remaining tooth structure.
- Bridges: Bridges are permanent prosthetic devices used to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of a pontic (artificial tooth) anchored on either side by dental crowns.
- Implants: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically implanted into the jawbone to support replacement teeth such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.
- Dentures: Dentures are removable appliances used to replace multiple missing teeth. They can be partial (replacing some but not all teeth in an arch) or complete (replacing all teeth in an arch).
Kinds of Issues Restorative Dentistry is Often Used For
While this is not an exhaustive list by any means, here are some of the issues restorative dentistry will often be employed to help remedy:
Tooth Loss
For the most part, restorative dentistry is used to correct issues with the teeth that have been lost as a result of injury or decay. This includes both individual tooth loss as well as multiple teeth at once.
When someone loses a tooth, they can experience all sorts of problems over time. Their remaining teeth may drift, for example, leading to changes in their bite and noticeable gaps between their teeth. A dentist qualified in restorative dentistry can use implants, partials (dentures), or bridges to replace missing teeth and keep things functioning properly.
Tooth Damage
Teeth might be damaged through general wear and tear, trauma (such as knocking them out while playing sports), or even biting down on something hard. With the exception of a knocked-out tooth, this damage is usually less severe than the issues discussed above. Nevertheless, if left untreated, it can still cause problems for you down the line.
Fortunately, dentists are highly trained in restorative dentistry and can offer a range of solutions for damaged teeth. These may include fillings, crowns, or veneers, depending on the extent of the damage. In some cases, root canal treatment may also be necessary to save a severely damaged tooth.
Tooth Decay
In many other cases, restorative dentistry will be used to address tooth decay. This is a common problem caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria on the teeth, which produces acids that can eat away at the enamel and eventually cause cavities.
If left untreated, tooth decay can progress and lead to serious oral health issues such as gum disease or tooth loss. But restorative dentistry will use procedures such as fillings, crowns, and root canal treatment to repair the damage caused by decay and restore the strength and function of the affected tooth.
How Restorative Dentistry Improves Both Function and Appearance
In many cases, restorative dentistry offers both functional and aesthetic improvements. Some examples:
- Improved chewing: When a tooth is damaged or missing, it can make chewing difficult and uncomfortable. Restorative procedures such as fillings, crowns, or implants can restore the ability to chew with ease.
- Better speech: Missing teeth or poorly fitted dentures can affect speech patterns and lead to difficulty speaking clearly. With restorative dentistry, these issues can be corrected and improve overall communication.
- Enhanced appearance: Restorative dentistry not only repairs damage, but it can also greatly improve the look of a smile. Procedures like dental bonding or veneers can correct imperfections such as chips, cracks, discoloration, or gaps between teeth.
- Preservation of natural teeth: In some cases, where a tooth is damaged or decayed, restorative dentistry can save the natural tooth instead of needing to extract it. This is important for maintaining proper chewing function and preventing future oral health issues.
- Boosts confidence: A restored smile can have a big impact on one’s self-confidence and self-esteem. Restorative dentistry can help individuals feel more comfortable smiling, talking, and interacting with others without worrying about their teeth.
At Midnight Sun Dental, we’re proud to offer comprehensive restorative dentistry solutions to patients around Anchorage, Wasilla, Eagle River, and nearby areas. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment!