Restorative Dentistry
Restorative / Crowns & Bridge/ Dentures
Restorative dentistry is a general term in the dental profession, and it entails a range of procedures for patients. From small chips to missing teeth, a restorative dentist will bring the mouth back into a state of cohesion. Depending on your specific treatment plan, you may need several procedures before you can chew, speak or bite properly again.
Crowns
A dental crown can refer to a full artificial tooth or a partial tooth, so the actual apparatus may be different depending on what your mouth needs. Sometimes called caps, the goal is for a crown to reinforce your mouth by acting like your regular tooth.
Crowns are often associated with root canals, because the procedure will weaken the tooth enough that it needs to be rebuilt. However, crowns can also be used for any type of tooth loss, including chipped teeth or full tooth loss. If you’re looking for restorative dentistry in Irmo, SC, your dentist can tell you more about how your tooth will be either replaced or reshaped.
Bridges
A dental bridge is a device that’s made up of several crowns, and it’s often used in place of partial dentures. With a bridge, there are two crowns on the exterior structure and then a full artificial tooth in the middle. The crowns on the outside are cemented onto your existing teeth to hold the artificial tooth in place.
Bridges are not considered to be as strong as implants, and this is due to the methods by which they are placed. With an implant, there is a metal post that fuses with the jaw bone over time. With a bridge, the device relies on the stability of the remaining teeth. However, for some people, implants will not be an option and bridges are an excellent alternative for those who want a permanent solution. You can talk more to your dentist to determine which procedure is right for you.
Dentures
Dentures are usually recommended to patients who aren’t good candidates for crowns, implants, or bridges. For instance, if you’ve experienced a loss of jaw bone or your gums are too weak to accept a crown. A dentist in Irmo, SC can attach either partial or full dentures, so you can bite and speak as you did before.
Composite White Fillings
Unlike the silver or gold fillings of yesteryears, composite white fillings are made from a resin material that mimics the natural appearance of tooth enamel. This resin is a blend of plastic and glass, offering both strength and a reflective appearance similar to natural teeth. When expertly applied and polished, these fillings are virtually undetectable, allowing you to laugh, talk, and smile with confidence.
Restoration Dentists in Irmo, SC
Restorative dentists can address any number of common complaints from patients, including people who are experiencing pain while they eat or avoiding certain types of foods to limit their discomfort. Broken or missing teeth not only make it more difficult for you to enjoy your favorite meals, though, they can also interfere with your oral hygiene routine. Your remaining teeth can eventually slide into the open spaces in order to fill the gap. Over time, these kinds of inconveniences and frustrations can cause people to lose interest in taking care of their teeth.
A restorative dentist works to both fix problems and prevent problems in the future. The more you take care of your teeth today, the less likely you’ll have to pay for more intense treatments later on. The right dentist can strengthen your mouth, so it can stand up to everyday wear and tear.
In addition to tangible benefits, the very act of getting a crown or dentures can be life-affirming. If you want to learn more about what restorative dentistry can do for you, Peak Dental is here to answer your questions.