Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry is a branch focused on restoring the health and function of your smile after it has been compromised by dental disease or injury. Dental restorations are performed to improve tooth function and health and create a beautiful aesthetic smile. Multiple restorative appointments are sometimes necessary to restore a tooth’s strength and functionality.
At Healthy Smiles of Saint Louis, our dentist can evaluate your smile and recommend the best treatment plan for restoring its health and function. Often, your treatment plan will likely include a combination of treatments such as dental crowns, bridges, or dental implants. Our dentist will ensure that all restorative work blends seamlessly into your natural smile during your appointments.
Types of Restorative Dentistry
Fillings
Dental fillings restore teeth damaged by decay and minor fractures. Over time, bacteria in the mouth can weaken the tooth enamel and cause tiny holes known as cavities to form. When tooth decay is left untreated, it can lead to serious oral health problems. During a filling procedure, the decayed portion of the tooth is removed and then filled with a dental filling material. The dentist will match the color of the filing to the color of your teeth for a seamless result.
Crowns
A crown is a tooth-like cap that is placed over a tooth that has been damaged due to decay or injury. The crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth and restores it to its original shape and size. This makes it an ideal restoration for teeth that are misshapen, cracked, discolored, or have large cavities. Once in place, dental crowns look entirely natural and can last a lifetime with proper care!
Bridges
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace a section of missing teeth. It is permanently anchored to a healthy tooth on either side of the gap, and a false tooth is fused between the two abutments. Bridges are custom-made to fit the space required and are colored to match surrounding teeth.
The Benefits of Restorative Dentistry
- When teeth are lost due to infection or trauma, you may also experience jawbone deterioration. This is because the natural teeth are no longer stimulated by the jaw bone, resulting in bone loss. Dental implants can help prevent this bone resorption by replacing your missing teeth with artificial teeth roots that keep the jaw stimulated and promote healthy bone density in the jaw.
- Restorative dental procedures can also help improve your appearance by correcting cosmetic imperfections in your teeth, such as chips, cracks, discoloration, and even misalignments.
- Restorative dentistry treatments can also improve oral health by lowering tooth enamel erosion and cavities risk.
