Restorative dentistry is designed to restore the mouth to a fully functional and esthetically-pleasing state. As a form of integrated management for oral health issues, restorative dentistry is considered a dental care specialty by the American Dental Association (ADA). In fact, most general dentists offer this type of care for patients without needing additional certification or education. Many of the procedures under this umbrella include fillings, crowns, bridges, and partial dentures or dental implants. Similarly, prosthodontic dentistry procedures fall under this category as well.
Taking care of Missing Teeth
Replacing missing, broken or chipped teeth is a form of restorative dentistry. Also known as prosthodontic dentistry, the goal of these treatments is to preserve natural teeth as much as possible. Dental implants, bridges and full or partial dentures are utilized to promote proper dental healthy. In fact, dentists will fill any empty spaces in the mouth, which helps prevent future cavities in the remaining teeth. These gaps are susceptible for plaque-causing bacteria, and must be addressed to secure proper oral hygiene and teeth. Similarly, restorative dentistry restores proper chewing – especially in areas where natural teeth are no longer present.
Tooth Restoration Care
Tooth restoration care is dependent on your immediate dental care needs. At the same token, the dentist will take your physical and fiscal factors into consideration. This means securing dental care within your budget – if possible. Again, most dental care experts will try to preserve your natural teeth if possible. However, they may have to recommend full or partial dentures so you don’t have to clean these devices regularly. If you have missing teeth, dentures or implants will restore your teeth across the mouth. Similarly, your dentist will explain the best oral hygiene procedures – brushing, flossing, using mouthwash, etc.
Different Types of Dental Restoration
When it comes to dental restoration, there are many types and options to consider. In fact, you will have access to a range of choices for repairing worn, damaged, or decaying teeth. Similarly, you will be able to restore a healthy and natural smile – but your dentist will discuss the treatment options in great detail.
This includes the following:
Direct Tooth Restoration
Direct tooth restoration revolves around fillings into prepared tooth cavities. This should be done immediately so that the dentist can preserve the tooth – if possible. This procedure usually takes place within a single office visit. However, based on the severity of your dental problems, the dentist may order porcelain caps for teeth that need root canals for extensive cavities. Similarly, the dentist will choose the best filling options based on the location and type of filling needed. For example: resin ionomers or glass may be used for replacements near the tooth’s root. The same can also be for areas that usually do not experience heavy pressure via chewing.
Indirect Tooth Restoration
Indirect tooth restoration requires customized tooth replacements. These are in the form of crowns, as well as inlays or onlays. Crowns essentially cover the entire chewing surface of the damaged tooth or teeth. At the same token, inlays lie within the cusps of the teeth, while onlays cover one or more cusp tips. This includes the part of the chewing surface of the tooth or teeth in question. Indirect tooth restoration requires more than one office visit. This is due to the intricate and detailed dental treatments needed to install the inlays or onlays.
Inlays and onlays are manufactured and customized in dental labs. When ready, the dentist will fit the crowns to see how well they work in your mouth. If there is a space between the upper and lower teeth, the crown and/or cap may be slightly shaved to secure proper chewing functionality and performance. Onlays, inlays and crowns are made from a myriad of materials. This includes gold, along with porcelain and tooth-colored composite resins. Again, it depends on the color of your teeth as a whole, which determines the right crowns to be implanted for normal teeth and chewing restoration.
What is the Cost of Dental Restoration?
Most dental insurance plans (DMO) do not cover dental implants. However, some plans may cover this if medical conditions caused your tooth loss. On average, dental crown replacement can cost from $600 to well over a $1,000. It’s the type of material used in the tooth restoration that is the determining factor. Inlays and onlays can also cost from $650 to $1,200 per tooth. Similarly, tooth-colored fillings average in cost around $150 to $200 per filling. Speak to your dentist about a convenient payment plan for in-house insurance options. Similarly, speak to your insurance company to see which dental services are covered and not.
Why Restorative Dentistry is Important?
Restorative dentistry is important since its restores your nature smile and proper oral health. Again, this term refers to replacing missing or damaged teeth via fillings, crowns (caps), bridges and implants. The goal of any restorative dentistry is to restore your smile and prevent future oral health problems from occurring. With this in mind, here are some of the essentials of this specialty dental practice:
• Filling empty spaces in the mouth -t his results in straighter and properly aligned teeth.
• Replacing teeth makes it easier to maintain proper and good oral hygiene. Similarly, it helps prevent future plaque-build up and cavities.
• Missing teeth can seriously impact your health, appearance, and especially self-esteem.
• Most dentists offer complimentary consultations about preserving or restoring your dental health. They also explain each dental treatment in great detail, while discussing the cost and insurance factors of restoration dentistry as a whole.
• After your procedures, it is important to follow all your dentist’s instructions on oral health and care. This includes proper brushing techniques, along with flossing and using the right mouthwash and tooth paste.
• Restoration dentistry is designed to preserve the natural teeth that remain unaffected in the mouth. However, teeth that are decayed, damaged or full of excessive cavities may need to be pulled. Similarly, root canals may need to be performed if the nerve is exposed. This portion of the tooth or teeth will then be replaced by caps for better aesthetic appearance.
Post-dental Restorative Care
Your dentist will explain the best tips for taking care of your post-restorative dentistry work. This usually included brushing your teeth twice per day, as well as brushing after each meal if possible. Electric toothbrushes may also be prescribed to remove plaque from teeth and restorative work. Similarly, it is crucial to floss around your teeth, as well as bridges, dental implants, and crowns each day. If you wear dentures, the dentist will recommend the best cleaning and maintenance tips as well. It is also important to avoid chewing hard or sticky foods. These can seriously damage your implants, bridges or browns. Use anti-bacterial mouthwash to fight plaque, and certain mouthwashes may also be prescribed to ensure proper oral health and prevent chronic halitosis.
The Importance of Dental Care
Like the body, your teeth need proper care for longevity and health. This is why it’s important to visit your dentist at least twice a year. This way, he or she can catch any problems before they cause irreparable oral damage and harm. Simply make an appointment today and get your teeth back to working and proper order.