What Is Restorative Dentistry? | Hancock Village Dental

Restorative dentistry refers to dental procedures used to repair or replace damaged teeth. A tooth can suffer damage due to cavities, facial trauma from an accident, eating something hard, or damage from sports. Large amalgam fillings can also cause the remaining structure of the tooth to become brittle over time, resulting in issues like chips and breaks. Restorative dentistry aims to restore the tooth and relieve uncomfortable symptoms like pain and sensitivity. The type of restorative dental treatment needed is based on the type of damage and the condition of the teeth. At Hancock Village Dental, we offer a variety of restorative dental treatments.

Importance of Restorative Dentistry

There are many reasons why local dentists recommend restorative dental care to patients suffering from a damaged tooth. First, restorative treatments can be used to fill empty spaces in the mouth to keep teeth properly aligned. Missing teeth can affect your appearance, health, and self-esteem. However, restorative treatments can restore missing teeth and give patients their health and confidence back.

Replacing missing teeth makes it easier to maintain proper oral healthcare habits and prevent a buildup of plaque and tartar. The main goal of restorative dentistry is to save teeth and restore the shape, look, and feel of a patient’s natural teeth. This can be achieved through a number of different restorative dental treatments available at various price points.

Common Restorative Dental Treatments

Different dental materials are often used in the restorative process. Some of the most common materials used include metals, ceramics, amalgam alloys, composites, polymers, glass ionomers, noble and base metals, and denture base resins. After a thorough exam has been performed and a diagnosis made, your dentist in Clermont may recommend one of the following restorative dental treatments:

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are some of the most common restorative treatments performed in dental offices. If a tooth is damaged due to decay or trauma, a dental filling can be used to restore it back to its normal shape and function. There are several types of fillings used, including amalgam (silver) fillings, gold fillings, composite resins, and porcelain fillings.

Crowns

Dental crowns or ‘caps’ are placed on damaged teeth to protect weakened teeth when normal fillings are not sufficient. These tooth-shaped caps are placed over your natural tooth, restoring its size, shape, appearance, and strength. Crowns can be made out of metal, resin, porcelain, or ceramics, and require only regular oral health maintenance. Crowns may be used to restore a broken tooth, protect a weak tooth, support a tooth with a large filling, cover a misshapen or discolored tooth, cover a dental implant, or cover a tooth that has received a root canal.

Bridges

When a patient has one or more missing teeth, their Clermont dental practice may recommend a bridge. A bridge is a false tooth held in place by abutment teeth on each side of the gap. The artificial tooth, also known as a pontic, can be made of a variety of materials, such as porcelain or gold. There are four main types of dental bridges, including traditional, Maryland, cantilever, and implant-supported.

Root Canals

Root canal treatment aims to eliminate bacteria that may accumulate in an infected root canal and save a patient’s natural teeth. During root canal therapy, the infected or inflamed root canal is removed. Then, the tooth’s interior is cleaned, filled, and sealed. Saving your natural teeth can have countless advantages. Advantages include an improved natural appearance, normal biting force, efficient chewing, and protection of other teeth from excessive wear and tear.

Extractions

Although your adult teeth are designed to last a lifetime, incidents can occur that make it necessary to have one or multiple teeth pulled. Tooth extractions are often recommended when a tooth is so damaged that it cannot be saved. Extractions may also be recommended. Removal may be needed when the mouth is too crowded, a severe infection has developed that extends to the pulp, or if a patient has a higher risk of infection due to having a compromised immune system.

Schedule an Appointment With Our Dentist in Clermont

Restorative dentists treat patients of all ages, including children, teens, adults, and seniors. For more information about restorative dentistry or to schedule an appointment to see a restorative dentist, contact Hancock Village Dental.