Types of Restorative Dentistry – Which One Is Right for You?

Experts recommend visiting a dental care professional at least once every six months. Doing so gives your dentist a chance to perform routine cleaning and keep your smile bright, clean, and in good shape. Regular visits can also prevent issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health complications. When your dentist detects damage due to oral disease, they can recommend a plan to restore your teeth.

Restorative dentistry refers to the practice of diagnosing and treating dental problems that may cause tooth decay, fractures, stains, or loss. Your dentist can repair and reconstruct broken teeth—even those ruined by physical trauma—to complete a healthy-looking smile. 

There are a number of techniques that a dentist can use to restore damaged teeth. An experienced dentist will perform an assessment to determine the best course of action depending on your condition. Here are several options that they might use:

1. Fillings for cavities

Cavities are small openings on the surface of your teeth, and they can happen for a number of reasons. They may arise from poor dental habits, eating sugary food in excess, or gum disease. These cause a build-up of plaque, that erode the enamel on your teeth, weakening them and creating holes.

If left untreated, cavities can lead to toothache and infection. Severe cavities will require removal of the entire tooth. Dental fillings can treat milder cases. To stop the erosion of your teeth, your dentist will clean the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth and fill it with an amalgam made of gold, porcelain, or silver. Composite resin fillings are popular for this procedure because they mimic the appearance of real teeth and are hardly noticeable.

2. Crowns for chips and breaks

Poor dental habits can also weaken your teeth, and the upper portion, called the crown, may chip or fracture when you bite down hard, chew on hard food, or experience physical trauma to the face. Your dentist can replace the missing portion with an artificial crown that will make it look like the original.

3. Veneers for cracks and uneven surfaces

A method for treating uneven, misshapen, or cracked teeth is to cover one or more of them with a porcelain or composite resin veneer. Veneers are usually applied to the surfaces of the front upper and lower teeth to improve their appearance by smoothing them and evening out the lengths. Veneers also strengthen the teeth to prevent them from further breakage.

4. Implants for gaps and missing teeth

When you are missing entire teeth, whether you lost them due to tooth decay, disease, or physical injury, you can get a full, artificial replacement. Gaps are unsightly, and leaving them open can cause your remaining teeth to shift and move to fill up the opening. Missing teeth can also make it difficult to chew and speak properly. If you are missing teeth, your dentist can use implants to restore your smile. Implants have two parts: a metal anchor that they embed into your jaw, and a false crown that they will attach to it. A highly skilled dentist can make the teeth look as natural as possible for the best effect.

These options will give you a better smile, but it is important to maintain good oral health habits. You can prevent further damage and tooth loss by brushing regularly, avoiding tobacco and sugary food, and visiting your dentist twice a year. 

If your dentist decides you need restorative treatment, they will determine what method will best suit you. Still, it is essential to understand the different techniques. You can discuss your concerns on the expense and maintenance so they can take these into consideration when planning your treatment together with your dentist. 

Are you looking for a dentist in Mansfield, TX? Our family dentistry practice offers expert restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Visit our website to see our full lineup of services and schedule your free consultation today!