What is Restorative Dentistry? Restorative dentistry is the study, diagnosis and treatment of disease and damage to the teeth and their supporting structure. This can encompass a broad range of problems and below we will look at some of the possibilities of restorative dentistry.

Restorative dentistry is either a simple tooth replacement or it can be a complex series of procedures. The aim of this type of dentistry is to repair damaged or missing teeth and restore proper function. For instance if you have suffered an injury in which one or more teeth have become extremely loose or missing it can be repaired.

Why You Should Choose Restorative Procedures?

A lot of people look at orthodontia and restorative procedures as merely cosmetic, however it is important to note that problem teeth can lead to eating problems and even illness. To stay healthy everyone needs good teeth and a healthy mouth.

However, broken, misaligned or missing teeth can make it difficult to chew food properly. This can lead to digestive issues from swallowing food that has not been adequately processed. Restorative dentistry can fix these problems through dentures, braces, implants or bridges.

How Does it Work?

Most cases where a patient needs restorative dentistry will you will need several appointments. The initial appointment will consist of examining your teeth, taking x-rays and coming up with a treatment plan. If you will have been experiencing pain and swelling most dentists recommend a round of antibiotic treatment before beginning restorative procedures.

There are new systems being offered at select locations today that offer restoration in a single visit. Porcelain veneers, outlays, inlays, and crowns can be accomplished in the office in a short amount of time. This can be very beneficial as the patient does not have to go around with missing teeth, however it is important to note that the procedures are new and may not be applicable for all situations.

How To Choose A Dentist

If you do not already have a dentist who can perform restorative dentistry you need to keep a few things in mind while shopping around. A good dentist will take an interest in your overall health as well as the presentation of your smile. They will focus on prevention over cure and be methodical in their approach to your dental needs. For instance a good dentist should require new films (unless you have recent x-rays), do a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth, gums, glands, lips and inside of the cheeks. You can further check the qualifications of your dentist by calling your Better Business Bureau and inquiring about complaints.

In Conclusion

There are many positive things that come from restorative dentistry. Common problems such as missing or damaged teeth can be addressed as well as gum disease and other issues. Be sure you get the right dental treatment regularly.

Your dentures or partials don’t have to look like dentures. They don’t have to feel like dentures either. Many cosmetic dentists are trained to use NobelBiocare to ensure your partials and dentures are cosmetically pleasing as well as functional and comfortable. Incorporate dental implants with an overdenture to ensure a great fit and ultimate comfort. Two implants can be used to anchor your denture. It is different from a conventional denture because it is permanently stabilized in the mouth.

In three easy steps, you can enjoy the comfort and beauty of your dentures. Installing the implants – The first step is installing dental implants to secure the overdenture. Only two implants are needed. Attaching the overdenture – The overdenture is securely fixed on top of the implants. They will be removable for cleaning and oral hygiene. The beautiful result – At last, there’s no need to worry about a slipping, sliding or clicking denture. You’re free to enjoy life.

Many cosmetic dentistry offices have exciting new biomaterials that can give your smile a lift without invasive treatments.

Some cosmetic dentists use ultra-thin porcelain veneers to correct chipped, weakened, or discolored teeth. No more yellow. No more gaps or embarrassing chips. And their veneers can return real structural integrity to damaged teeth, while leaving them looking as good as (in many cases better) than the originals.

Think of this treatment as a manicure for your smile. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are custom fitted over your natural teeth, with a translucent finish to blend in with surrounding teeth. People won’t notice the veneers, they’ll simply see your beautiful, natural smile. Change the shape, color and length of your teeth in only two visits to most cosmetic dentistry offices. It looks so good you’ll wonder why you waited so long.

When the size of a “filling” exceeds a certain proportion of the tooth, it must be replaced with a “crown,” which looks and functions just like natural teeth. Your cosmetic sentist may recommend a crown if your tooth has enough decay that it cannot hold a filling, or if your tooth is cracked or broken and in danger of cracking down into the root if left unattended. A crown covers your tooth completely. It fits snugly at the gum and protects what remains of the natural tooth. A plastic surgeon uses porcelain crowns that look very natural and don’t have a dark metal line at the gum. Porcelain crowns, when performed correctly using the latest materials and most up to date procedures are natural looking. The untrained eye can barely notice a different between a porcelain crown and your own natural tooth. Many cosmetic dentists extensive training makes them qualified to give you the most up to date, natural looking crowns.

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Gum disease is a condition that seems to plague a good number of people, but most especially those who are advanced in age.

It is also said to be a silent killer, spawning certain types of heart disease.

However, the question is, is there even a way to prevent it, given its propensity?

It is said that over thirty million people have this condition. Causes for this range from poor dental hygiene or lack of hydration to other, more systemic conditions such as diabetes.

What are your treatment options, then?

Of course, preventive care must include regular (and proper) brushing and flossing of the teeth.

But if you are already afflicted with gum disease, then you may be presented with both surgical and non-surgical treatment options by your dentist or periodontist.

In either case, it is important to do what you can do keep your own natural teeth – if at all possible.

When it comes to non-surgical treatments, the American Academy of Periodontics guidelines stress that periodontal treatment should be accomplished in the least invasive but most cost-effective manner.

So, the most common treatment would be scaling and root planing followed by adjunctive therapy.

Scaling and root planing are terms used for separate procedures to scale, or strip-off the tartar from the teeth and plane, or clean and smooth the exposed root surfaces using hand instruments.

The purpose of each is to remove debris and bacteria-laden tartar, but also to smooth the tooth surfaces so that plaque has a harder time of adhering in the future.

After scaling and root planing, most patients do not require additional, intensive therapy.

However, because of its limitations, there may be a need for some patients to undergo surgical treatments.

Surgical treatments would involve pocket reduction procedures, regenerative procedures, crown lengthening and bone or soft tissue grafts.

Of course, these types of procedures will be much more costly but could be a necessary measure in order to prevent the disease from further spreading and branching off into other complications.

Protect yourself from periodontal disease and ensure your dental insurance policy covers all aspects of periodontal treatment, so you won’t have to bear the cost of treatment that could save your precious teeth.

*Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to advise upon, diagnose or treat any health problem whatsoever. If you have or think you might have a health problem, visit your doctor or dentist for advice, diagnosis and treatment.