Restorative Dentistry

The goal of restorative dentistry is to replace or restore teeth. It primarily enhances oral health and chewing functionality. General dentists practice dental restoration techniques, including crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures, to help their patients feel confident with their smiles.

It cannot be very comforting to have a dental procedure, especially if you’ve never had one before. But the sooner you get a tooth condition fixed, the better it will be for you in the future, lowering the risk of more issues. Early detection and treatment can save you a lot of time and problems.

Who Needs Dental Restoration?

If you have the following issues, you may need dental restoration.

  • Tooth decay or cavities
  • Broken or damaged teeth
  • Missing teeth

Difference between Cosmetic Dentistry and Restorative Dentistry

The goal of restorative dentistry is to enhance dental health and functionality. The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to make your smile look better. Some dental treatments include cosmetic and functional improvements such if you get a dental crown, it’ll restore your chewing functionality and enhance your looks and smile.

The Importance of Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry is the best option for maintaining good dental health over the long term. By repairing decayed or broken teeth, your dentist in Shreveport can help restore your smile to its full potential. This enhances your capacity for speaking, chewing, and eating.

Types of Dental Restoration

Dental restorations can vary depending on your particular oral health requirements; we’ll discuss some below.

1. Fillings

A cavity develops when bacteria eat through your tooth enamel, creating a hole. Dental fillings are typically used to treat smaller cavities. Your dentist will remove the decayed area of your tooth during this surgery and then replace the hole with a composite material that matches the color of your tooth. This slows the spread of tooth decay and lowers the possibility of further harm.

2. Crowns

Dental crowns are used by dentists to fix big cavities and broken teeth. A crown is a cap that covers your entire tooth. Your Shreveport dentist must remove some of your natural tooth enamel to place a crown. Therefore, they will modify your teeth, shave a portion down, and then cover it with a crown.

3. Inlays and Onlays

Sometimes a cavity is too tiny for crown treatment or too big for filling treatment. This is where your dentist suggests you an inlay or onlay treatment. These specialized restorations fit like puzzle pieces into your natural tooth structure. Your dentist fixes them with a durable bond. Onlays and inlays are the same procedures; inlay is used to fill the space between the cusp of your teeth; however, an onlay covers a minimum of one cusp.

4. Root Canal Therapy

Sometimes a crack or cavity penetrates a tooth deeply enough to reach the pulp. Bacteria can create a painful infection if they enter the pulp of your tooth. In such situations, root canal therapy is required. Your dentist will perform this treatment to remove your tooth’s damaged pulp, tiny nerves, and blood vessels. They will thoroughly clean and sterilize the interior surfaces of your tooth before filling the canals with gutta-percha, a rubbery dental substance. Afterwards, your dentist will fill your tooth with a filling to seal it and keep bacteria out. Sometimes people need a crown followed by a root canal procedure for additional support and strength.

5. Bridges

A dental bridge is a procedure to replace a single lost tooth or a row of missing teeth. Dental crowns are placed on either side of artificial teeth to form a bridge. Your dentist shaves your natural teeth on either side of the gap and then bonds the bridge to your natural teeth. Your natural teeth are covered by crowns, while artificial teeth fill the spaces between them.

6. Dental Implants

A dental implant is a threaded, tiny post that replaces your tooth root. Your implant will work like a natural tooth once your dentist attaches a crown. Your dentist can repair dental implants using bridges, crowns, or dentures. Unlike conventional crowns and bridges, implants don’t involve changing your original teeth. Many dental professionals view implants as the gold standard for tooth replacement.

7. Dentures

Dentures are yet another conventional method of tooth replacement. Complete dentures replace an entire arch of lost teeth. Partial dentures replace multiple lost teeth in various locations. Your jawbone supports dentures since they lie on top of your gums. Dentures supported by implants are another option. These gadgets resemble conventional dentures. But they attach to dental implants rather than using your gums as support. Compared to traditional dentures, this provides a lot more stability.

What are the Benefits of Restorative Dental Procedures?

Restorative dentistry offers a variety of advantages for patients of all ages. For instance, it could help:

  • Reduce dental pain.
  • Lessen the likelihood of future tooth problems.
  • Regain dental health.
  • Improve your appearance.
  • Enhance the chewing process.

The most common risk following a restorative dentistry operation is sensitivity or overall discomfort. It is unlikely that you will become sick or develop an allergy to the metals being used. Dental restorations have very minimal risk factors, whereas crowns run the danger of breaking or chipping. Deep cavities or delayed filling may require root canal therapy or tooth extraction. If you have a dental issue, contact a dentist immediately before it is late.

Recovery Time After Dental Restoration

It relies on many elements, such as the kind of surgery and the number of teeth requiring treatment. For example, patients can instantly return to their routine after filling a cavity. A person who has undergone four dental implants will require a few days to heal. Your dentist can explain how much recovery time you need depending on your situation.

When Should You Schedule a Dental Appointment?

Make an appointment with a dentist if you have teeth that are damaged, decaying, or missing. They can help regain your smile’s health, functionality, and attractiveness. Additionally, it would help if you went to the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. In between appointments, make sure you maintain appropriate oral hygiene at home.

Bottom Line

Restorative dentistry restores or replaces decayed, broken, or missing teeth. Dental restoration has various types of treatment; your dentist in Shreveport would recommend the type of surgery you may require. Getting your oral health checked earlier to prevent further complications would be best.