Restorative Dentistry
Restorative Dentistry Q & A
What is restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry is focused on restoring damaged teeth and gums or other issues affecting the structures of the mouth. Restorative treatments include fillings, root canal therapy, crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays, gum surgery and gum disease treatments, dentures, dental implants and any other procedure that seeks to restore optimal oral health.
Like cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry treatments can be combined and customized based on each patient’s unique needs and goals.
Does a missing tooth always need to be replaced?
Not only can a missing tooth have a major impact on your appearance and self-confidence, but it can also affect bite mechanics, causing uneven tooth wear that increases the risk of decay and may cause neighboring tooth roots to become loose, eventually leading to additional tooth loss.
Plus, a missing tooth can disrupt the normal bite balance, resulting in strain on the jaw joints that can cause chronic jaw pain, headaches, and temporomandibular joint disorder. When multiple teeth are missing, nutrition and speech can also be affected.
Do cracks and chips need to be repaired right away?
What is a tooth-colored filling?
A tooth-colored filling (or white filling) is made of durable composite materials that can be tinted to match the surrounding tooth material so they blend in perfectly and are virtually invisible.
Some studies indicate composite fillings bond more completely with the tooth material, making it more difficult for decay to form around the edges. Plus, unlike metal fillings, composite fillings contain no mercury and they won’t darken over time.
What is an inlay or an onlay?
Inlays and onlays are used to restore teeth with a large amount of damage. Inlays are used to treat damage on the chewing surface of a tooth while an onlay extends down the side of the tooth. Like a crown or veneer, inlays and onlays are made in a dental lab to achieve a custom fit.
If you could benefit from one or more restorative dental service, call Vitta Dental today.