Restorative dentistry refers to ‘integrated management of oral health problems.’ In layman’s term, it is the process of replacing a missing tooth or fixing a broken tooth by a professional. It refers to dental procedures that restore the aesthetic and functional state of the mouth.

The Benefits of Restorative Dentistry

As the name imposes, restorative dentistry is about restoring oral health. Here are the reasons why restorative dentistry is important.

To reduce and eliminate dental discomfort

Having a cracked or chipped tooth makes someone uneasy. It can be painful too. Eating with a chipped tooth can be discomforting. Dental restoration can eliminate pain. It also prevents further damage to your tooth.

To prevent plague build up

Plaque build-up is faster if you have a chipped tooth. Accumulated food debris can turn into plaque and causes tooth decay. Different restorative dentistry procedures such as bonding can prevent tooth decay from happening.

To improve self-esteem

Dental restoration can improve your teeth appearance and your overall look. With a more beautiful smile and teeth to show, you can have better self-esteem. A frontal dental implant for one enhances an overall smile.

It offers lasting solution

Dental restoration procedures provide a long-lasting solution to different oral problems. A dental implant is a procedure that can fix missing teeth problem. Dental implants last a lifetime.

You can’t tell the difference with dental restoration procedures

The goal of restorative dentistry is to restore your teeth’s function and oral health without looking unnatural. With restorative dentistry, you will get customized dental crowns or dental bridges that blend with your natural teeth.

The Different Restorative Dentistry Procedures

Restorative dentistry involves different procedures and treatments. Here are the common ways of restoring a tooth.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are one of the many ways to replace a missing tooth. Your dentist will use pontics (false teeth) to replace a missing tooth. Here are the different types of dental bridges that you can have.

Traditional dental bridges

Traditional bridges consist of pontics (fake tooth) and abutments (crowns). It is cemented to the adjacent teeth to fill the gap. To cement the abutments, your dentist will have to reduce the enamel of adjacent teeth where it will be attached.

For traditional dental bridges, the abutments need to be attached on both sides. It means needing two natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth.

Cantilever bridges

Cantilever bridges can be done even with a single natural tooth next to the missing tooth. Since the abutment is cemented to a single tooth, that natural tooth also becomes a lever. The downside of this procedure is that it can weaken the natural tooth and it might lead to having a fractured tooth.

Implant-supported bridges

If you have two or more missing teeth, implant-supported bridges are the best option for you. Instead of using crowns, the bridges will be supported by a dental implant. The bridges will consist of implants and pontics, with the implants supporting the entire bridges.

With the implants supporting the bridges, it will feel more natural and long-lasting.

Maryland bridges

Maryland bridges are a conservative take to having dental bridges. Instead of using abutments, your dentist will use a metal framework to keep the bridges in place. The framework is bonded onto the back of your natural teeth that adjacent to the gaps.

Maryland bridges are easier to do; however, the strength of the bridge is limited and is prone to chipping when used for biting hard foods.

Dental crowns

A dental crown is used to restore a tooth’s shape and strength. It is like a ‘cap’ placed on top of a damaged tooth. A dental crown is recommended for the following reasons:

  • To protect a weak tooth
  • To prevent further decay due to cavities and plaque
  • To restore a broken tooth
  • To cover a tooth with a large filling
  • To support a dental bridge
  • To cover a discolored tooth
  • To save a damaged dental implant

There are different types of dental crowns to choose from. Here are the different types:

Stainless steel crown

A stainless steel crown is often used in restoring childrenâ€