Regular dental cleaning appointments are essential to good oral health. Cavities can still happen, however. Restorative dentistry can help teeth damaged from an injury or decay. Here's what you need to know.

What is restorative dentistry? 

Restorative dentistry encompasses a variety of dental procedures and uses treatments to repair and restore the function and appearance of teeth damaged by injury or disease. These procedures can range from simple dental filling to more complex tasks such as dental implants and full mouth reconstruction.

Are there different types of restorative dentistry? 

There are many different types of restorative dentistry procedures, including:

  • Fillings. Dental fillings repair teeth damaged by decay. The filling material is placed into the tooth to restore its structure and function.
  • Crowns. A tooth with a large cavity or extensive damage may need a crown. A dental crown is a custom faux tooth placed over a damaged tooth to restore its function.
  • Bridges. When you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge is used to 'bridge' the gap left by those teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth anchored on either side of the gap.
  • Dentures. Dentures are removable artificial teeth that replace one or more missing teeth.
  • Implants. Dental implants are made of titanium and are placed into the jawbone to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, or denture.

What type of materials do restorative dentistry services use?

There are several different types of materials that restorative dentistry procedures use, including: 

  • Composite resins. Composite resins are a plastic and glass mixture that can match your teeth' color. Fillings, veneers, and bonding all use composite resin.
  • Ceramics. Crowns, bridges, inlays, and onlays use ceramics. Veneers also use ceramics.
  • Metals. Restorative dentistry also uses metals such as gold, palladium, and chromium.  

What are the benefits of restorative dentistry?

Restorative dentistry can provide many benefits, including:

  • Oral health. Restorative dentistry procedures can improve oral health by repairing or replacing damaged teeth and restoring proper function.
  • Appearance. This type of service can also improve the appearance of your smile by repairing or replacing damaged teeth and filling in gaps left by missing teeth.
  • Self-confidence. Improving your appearance can also lead to an improvement in your self-confidence and quality of life.

Additionally, these procedures can help to prevent further damage to your teeth by repairing or replacing damaged teeth and correcting problems with your bite.

What are the risks of restorative dentistry?

As with any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with this type of dentistry. These risks are minimal but can include allergic reactions to the materials used in dental fillings or crowns. Therefore, discussing your concerns with your dentist before restorative dental work is essential.

If you are considering restorative dentistry services, be sure to consult with a qualified dentist to discuss your options and find the best solution for your individual needs.

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