Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry involves repairing or replacing teeth that are damaged or missing – it means restoring your teeth and your smile to perfect condition. Dental restoration can take various forms. The most common include crowns, bridges and implants.
Restorative dental treatment is not just about looking better – although that is certainly a factor. However, it also improves oral health and function. When all your teeth are present and healthy, it is easier to keep them that way and to brush and floss effectively. It also means they work better, keeping your bite even so you can chew food effectively. Furthermore, restorative or reconstructive dentistry can help with speech impediments or difficulties in pronouncing certain words and sounds.
Why You May Need Restorative Dentistry
Most people need restorative dentistry services in one form or another at some point in their lives. Conditions that might require a restorative dentist include cavities, tooth decay, damaged or broken teeth, and missing teeth.
The type of tooth restoration depends on the type and severity of the condition. Often, there are different options; if so, your restoration dentist will talk you through each of them, explaining the pros and cons and the costs and timescales involved.
Restorative Dentistry vs Cosmetic Dentistry
You might have heard of cosmetic dentistry, and some patients ask what the difference is between this and restorative dental treatment. As the name suggests, cosmetic dentistry is focused on improving your appearance by ensuring your teeth are straight, even, and white. With teeth restoration, the emphasis is on improving oral health and function.
Having said that, many dental procedures offer both functional and cosmetic benefits, improving the functionality of your teeth and also making them look better. Dental crowns are a good example, as they improve your bite and give your teeth a more even appearance.
Teeth reconstruction allows you to enjoy the best possible oral health for the long term by repairing or replacing decayed and damaged teeth. It also improves your ability to eat, chew, and speak clearly.
Types of Reconstructive Dentistry Procedures
We offer customers in Brighton, QLD, several different types of dental restoration treatment tailored to each patient’s unique needs. These include the following:
- Fillings – 80 percent of Australians have at least one filling, and the average person has three. When bacteria erode your tooth enamel, it results in a hole known as a cavity. Left untreated, the infection will spread, but if caught early, the restoration dentist can treat it with a filling. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed to halt the progression of the decay and prevent further damage. Then, the dentist will fill the cavity with a tooth-coloured composite material. Today’s white fillings are practically invisible.
- Crowns – your dentist will fit a crown to repair larger cavities or to restore a broken tooth. The crown is like a cap that fits over your entire tooth, and to fit it, the dentist will remove some of the natural tooth enamel, ensuring a snug fit that looks completely natural.
- Dental inlays – in some cases, the cavity or damage is too large for a filling but not large enough to justify a crown. Here, the dentist might suggest an inlay. This is a custom restoration that is bonded to the tooth, a little like a jigsaw piece.
- Dental onlays – an onlay is similar to an inlay, but it fits over at least one cusp of the tooth.
- Bridges – a bridge is fitted to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of a crown to replace the missing tooth, connected to crowns on either side attached to the adjacent teeth. If two, or even three, teeth are missing, the bridge can be extended by using additional crowns.
- Implants – the ultimate tooth restoration is to replace missing teeth with implants. An implant is a small threaded root that is bonded to the jawbone. Once in place, the dentist adds a crown, resulting in an artificial tooth that functions as well as, or even better than, the real thing.
Benefits and Risks of Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry can offer genuinely life-changing benefits to patients of all ages. These include eliminating dental pain, improving oral health, improving chewing function, and reducing the risk of other dental issues manifesting in the future. Most restorative procedures also have cosmetic benefits and improve the appearance of your smile.
There are very few downsides or risks associated with restorative dentistry. Some specialist procedures, such as fitting gold crowns, can increase tooth sensitivity. Still, for routine procedures such as those outlined above, the only downside is some discomfort or soreness during recovery. Typically, this is minor and only lasts a few days, so it is significantly outweighed by the long-term benefits.
Ultimately, restorative dentistry is vital to repairing damaged teeth and improving overall oral health and function. Understandably, you might feel some trepidation about undergoing a dental procedure, but the sooner an issue is treated, the less likely it is to trigger other problems.
Get Started Today
Contact us today to arrange a same-day appointment for restorative dentistry Brighton!
Common Questions Related to Restorative Dentistry
What is The Recovery Time After a Restorative Dentistry Procedure?
That depends on several factors, including the type of procedure and the number of teeth that need treatment. For example, if you have one cavity filled, you can resume normal activities immediately. However, if you have several implants placed, you will need a couple of days to recover. Your dentist will talk you through the recovery timeline for your specific circumstances.
How Much Does Restorative Dentistry Cost?
The cost of restorative dentistry depends on the type of restoration needed and the complexity of treatment. At Brighton Dental suite, our experienced dentists will be able to assess each case individually and formulate a tailored treatment plan and suggest a range of options and costs involved.
Is Restorative Dentistry Worth It?
Yes, dental restoration has multiple benefits, including helping you improve your gum health and reducing your risk of developing dangerous illnesses. It also improves chewing function and enhances your appearance.
Can a Dentist Save Terrible Teeth?
Every case is different, but various restorative dentistry options are available for even severely damaged teeth. The dentist will advise you on the best options and will always try to save teeth when possible.
Is Restorative Dentistry Painful?
Modern dental procedures are painless; if you experience any pain during treatment, you should immediately let the dentist know. Depending on the type of procedure, there might be some short-term sensitivity or soreness during recovery, but this can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Am I Too Old For Restorative Dentistry?
In short, no. There is no upper age limit for dental procedures; in some respects, prioritising dental health when you get older is more important than ever. Regardless of age, general health is something that is taken into account when evaluating different restorative dentistry alternatives.