Restorative dentistry is that discipline which pertains to the repair and/or replacement of the natural dentition. Although restorative dentistry is not a recognized specialty within the dental profession, it is the area in which our practice has chosen to focus its mission. The scope of restorative dentistry is quite broad, encompassing everything from simple fillings to major oral reconstruction and rehabilitation. Esthetic enhancements, or cosmetic dentistry are also a major element of comprehensive restorative dentistry. By practicing comprehensive dentistry, our overall objective is to provide our patients with a lifetime of comfortable, disease-free oral function.
One of the primary goals of restorative dentistry is to create an environment in the mouth which is conducive to healing and the maintenance of health. Because the scope of dental disease is quite broad, restorative dentistry often requires the preliminary intervention of certain dental specialty services to prepare the mouth for restoration. These specialties include periodontics, orthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery and implantology. Some of these services we provide in our practice, and for others, we work closely with a network of excellent dental specialists. When specialists are called upon, the restorative dentist acts as the overall treatment coordinator to see that all necessary preliminary mouth preparation is properly completed in the appropriate sequence prior to final restoration.
Whether your restorative needs are limited to a single tooth, a complete mouth restoration, or anywhere between, our practice stands ready to provide the appropriate and comprehensive solution for your particular situation.
All Ceramic and Porcelain Crowns
A crown is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.
Reasons for crowns:
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Cosmetic enhancement
- Decayed teeth
- Fractured fillings
- Large fillings
- Tooth that has a root canal.
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate impressions that will be used to create your custom crown. An impression will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by our dental laboratory.
While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.
At your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate and then permanently cemented.
Porcelain Fixed Bridge
A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth when implants are not an option.
A bridge consists of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth and are attached to a pontic (artificial tooth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
Reasons for a fixed bridge:
- Fill space of missing teeth.
- Maintain facial shape
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
- Restore chewing and speaking ability.
- Restore your smile.
- Replace removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance.
A bridge procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate impressions that will be used to create your custom bridge. An impression will also be used to create a temporary bridge which will stay on your teeth for approximately two weeks until your new bridge is fabricated by our dental laboratory.
While the teeth are numb, the dentist will prepare the teeth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the bridge. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary bridge will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.
At your second appointment your temporary bridge will be removed, the teeth will be cleaned, and your new bridge will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate and then permanently cemented.
Dental Implants
Dental Implants are a great way to restore a smile and promote good oral health by helping to preserve your bone after a tooth has been lost due to trauma or decay. Implants provide excellent support and stability for crowns, bridges, and implant overdentures. Consultation appointments are schedule with our doctors to determine if a patient has accurate bone, gum tissue and spacing for implants.
Reasons for dental implants:
- Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
- Resolve bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
- Restore a patient’s confident smile.
- Restore chewing, speech, and digestion
- Restore or enhance facial tissues.
- Support a crown, bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.
The process for implants requires a number of visits over several months.