Dental health is not just about maintaining sparkling white teeth or fresh breath. It's also about preventing and solving problems with the teeth and gums. At times, your teeth may need special attention and treatments from a restorative dentist. Restorative dentistry is an umbrella term used to refer to the different kinds of dental procedures that restore the function, appearance, and health of damaged, decayed, or lost teeth. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the most common kinds of restorative dentistry so that you can have an idea of what to expect.

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are one of the most common kinds of restorative dentistry. They are used to treat cavities resulting from decay, cracks, and fractures of the teeth. The process involves the removal of the decayed or damaged part of the tooth and filling it with a material that is compatible with the natural tooth color. Today, dental fillings can be made of porcelain, composite resin, or other materials to ensure a natural appearance, strength, and durability.

Crowns

Crowns or “caps” are used to cover and restore damaged, decayed, or chipped teeth. The procedure is more extensive than dental fillings as it involves removing affected parts of the tooth and creating a replica of the original tooth. Crowns can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin and are blended with your natural teeth, giving you long-lasting restorations that look and feel like new teeth.

Bridges

Bridges are restorative dental treatments used to replace a missing tooth or teeth in your mouth. They are made up of one or more prosthetic teeth anchored on either side by crowns that are cemented over your natural teeth. Bridges can be used to fill the gap caused by a missing tooth or teeth, restore your smile, and improve oral functions such as biting, chewing, and speaking.

Implants

Dental implants offer one of the most permanent and secure ways to replace missing or damaged teeth. They involve implanting a tiny titanium post into the jawbone and allowing it to fuse with the bone tissue over a period of months. Once the post has fused securely to your jawbone, a crown is then attached to it via an abutment. The result is an incredibly natural-looking and feeling restoration that provides permanent, durable support to your mouth.

Restorative dentistry treatments are essential to ensure the long-term health, function, and appearance of your teeth and mouth. Whether you need a cavity filled or a missing tooth replaced or are seeking a more comprehensive approach to your tooth restoration, there are many different kinds of restorative dentistry options available to you. 

For more information about restorative dentistry, contact a dentist in your area.