Restorative dentistry fixes or replaces teeth. Restorative dentistry focuses on dental health and chewing. Family or general dentists provide restorative dentistry. Crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures are dental restorations. Get help from a dentist in Maryville, TN if you have the following:
- Tooth decay/cavities.
- Broken teeth.
- Tooth loss.
What distinguishes cosmetic and restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry enhances oral health and function. Cosmetic dentistry enhances smiles.
Aesthetic restorative dentistry improves function and appearance. For instance, a dental crown improves chewing and smiling uniformity.
Restorative dentistry—why?
Restorative dentistry is optimal for long-term oral health. Your dentist can repair damaged or rotting teeth to restore your smile. Eating, speaking, and chewing improves.
Dental restoration procedure details:
Dental restorations vary depending on your oral health needs:
- Fillings
Cavities result from microorganisms eating away dental enamel. Fillings fix smaller cavities. Your dentist eliminates and replaces the decayed part of your tooth with a tooth-colored composite. Stopping tooth decay prevents future damage.
- Crowns
They heal major cavities and fractured teeth. A crown caps your teeth. Your dentist has to remove tooth enamel to fit a crown. They will trim your teeth and crown them.
- Inlays, onlays
Some cavities are too big for fillings yet too small for crowns. Your dentist may suggest an inlay or onlay. Custom restorations fit your teeth like puzzle pieces. Your dentist cements them. Onlays are like inlays. Onlays cover at least one cusp, while inlays occupy the space between them.
- Root canals
Sometimes cavities or cracks reach the pulp. Bacteria can cause painful tooth pulp infections. Root canal therapy is required.
During this operation, your dentist removes the damaged pulp, including small nerves and blood vessels. After cleaning and disinfecting your tooth's interior, they will fill the canals with gutta-percha. A filling will seal the tooth to prevent bacteria from entering.
Bridges can replace one or more teeth. Dental crowns flank fake teeth in a bridge. Your dentist will trim your teeth on both sides of the gap. They will next attach the bridge to your teeth. The crowns cover your natural teeth, and the fake teeth fill the gap.
Dental implants
Dental implants are small, threaded posts that replace tooth roots. Your implant becomes a natural tooth when your dentist crowns it. Crowns, bridges, and dentures can repair dental implants. Implants do not modify your teeth like crowns and bridges. Dentists consider implants the gold standard for tooth replacement.
Traditional tooth replacement is dentures. Full dentures restore a missing arch. Partial dentures replace many teeth. The jawbone supports dentures on your gums. Implant-supported dentures are another option. They resemble dentures. Dental implants instead of gums support them. This is more stable than ordinary dentures.
