Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry is the branch of dentistry that focuses on repairing or replacing damaged or missing teeth. It is a broad field that encompasses a variety of procedures, including fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures. The goal of restorative dentistry is to improve oral health and function, and to restore the appearance of the smile.

Common Restorative Dentistry Procedures

Some of the most common restorative dentistry procedures include:

• Fillings: Fillings are used to repair cavities, which are small holes in the teeth caused by tooth decay. Fillings can be made from a variety of materials, including gold, amalgam, composite resin, and glass ionomer cement.
• Crowns: Crowns are caps that are placed over teeth to protect them, restore their function, or improve their appearance. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain, or a combination of both.
• Bridges: Bridges are used to replace missing teeth. They are made up of two or more crowns that are connected by a pontic, which is a false tooth. Bridges can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain, or a combination of both.
• Implants: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed in the jawbone. They are used to support crowns, bridges, or dentures. Implants are made from titanium, which is a biocompatible material that is easily accepted by the body.
• Dentures: Dentures are removable false teeth that are used to replace missing teeth. They can be full dentures, which replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, or partial dentures, which replace only some of the teeth. Dentures can be made from a variety of materials, including acrylic resin, porcelain, or metal.

Benefits of Restorative Dentistry

There are many benefits to restorative dentistry, including:

• Improved oral health: Restorative dentistry procedures can help to improve oral health by repairing damaged teeth, replacing missing teeth, and preventing further dental problems.
• Restored function: Restorative dentistry procedures can help to restore the function of the teeth, so that patients can chew, speak, and smile comfortably.
• Improved appearance: Restorative dentistry procedures can help to improve the appearance of the smile, so that patients can feel confident and attractive.

Who Needs Restorative Dentistry?

• Anyone who has damaged or missing teeth may be a candidate for restorative dentistry. Some of the most common reasons for needing restorative dentistry include:
• Tooth decay: Tooth decay is the most common cause of damaged teeth. It is caused by bacteria that feed on sugars in the diet and produce acids that attack the teeth.
• Gum disease: Gum disease is another common cause of damaged teeth. It is caused by bacteria that attack the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth.
• Trauma: Teeth can also be damaged by trauma, such as a blow to the face or a fall.
  Birth defects: Some people are born with missing or malformed teeth.

Restorative dentistry is an important part of maintaining good oral health. If you have damaged or missing teeth, talk to us about restorative dentistry options.