Restorative Dentistry Specialist

What is restorative dentistry?

Restorative dentistry includes all the techniques and procedures aimed at repairing damage caused by decay and disease, restoring teeth and gums to better health while also improving the appearance of patients’ smiles. Restorative treatments can include tooth-colored fillings, inlays, onlays, crowns, bridges, gum surgery, and other options based on each patient’s unique needs and treatment objectives. Dentures, bridges, and implants may also be considered a part of restorative dentistry since they’re used to restore the mouth following tooth loss or extraction.

What are tooth-colored fillings?

Sometimes called white fillings, tooth-colored fillings are made of strong composite resins that can be tinted and shaped to match the color and contour of the tooth that’s being filled for a more comfortable final result that’s virtually invisible to anyone except the patient’s dentist. Composite fillings use strong bonding agents that can help prevent decay-causing bacteria from seeping below the restoration.

What are onlays and inlays?

Inlays and onlays are restorations that are used when a damaged area is too large or extensive to be repaired with a filling but not extensive enough to require a crown. Inlays are used to repair damage on the top surface of the tooth, while onlays are used to restore damaged areas that extend down the side of the tooth. Inlays and onlays are custom-made to fit the contours of the tooth and tinted to match the surrounding tooth material.

How can restorative procedures help patients have better health?

Decayed areas that are not promptly and properly treated can spread to the rest of the tooth as well as other teeth, resulting in more extensive damage that can be more difficult and more costly to repair. Restoring teeth also improves oral health by maintaining the natural bite pattern to avoid stress and strain on the jaw, which can result in temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), chronic headaches and jaw pain. And, of course, restoring damaged teeth and gums can help patients feel more confident about the way their smile looks, a benefit that should not be overlooked.