In the same way that cosmetic dentistry focuses on the appearance of teeth, restorative dentistry focuses on the function of teeth. More particularly, dentists that specialize in restorative dentistry near you prioritize rehabilitating teeth or returning dental function to patients who have lost teeth in one way or another.
A dentist in Chestermere that practices restorative dentistry is not deaf or blind to patients’ cosmetic goals. The starting point for their relationship, though, is determining how best to restore or replace dental function that was lost. In doing so, dentists will provide restorative services in the most attractive way possible.
When do you need restorative dentistry?
There are three common situations when you may require the services of a restorative dentist near you.
If you are missing teeth, a clinic that practices restorative dentistry in Chestermere will describe treatment options to restore your ability to eat and speak naturally and to avoid the loss of jaw bone density and mass that can undermine the structure of your face and lend you a prematurely aged appearance.
Even if you are not missing multiple teeth, you may have excessive space or gaps in your mouth if, for example, your teeth may be unusually small for the size of your jaw. Restorative dentists will recommend treatment options to make chewing and eating easier, to eliminate challenges associated with dental hygiene and to reduce the risk of teeth being exposed to inordinate pressure.
Unchecked tooth decay destroys tooth enamel and weakens teeth. Treating advanced tooth decay requires the removal of damaged tooth enamel to prevent the spread of the infection. In both instances, you may be left with cavities. Clinics that specialize in restorative dentistry near you will offer options for protecting those teeth from fracture and further infection while restoring their full function and minimizing the risk that the tooth will need to be pulled and replaced in the future.
What types of treatment do restorative dentists provide?
If you have missing teeth, excessive space or gaps in your mouth or symptoms of tooth decay or cavities, contact a restorative dentist for help in preventing further damage to your oral health and returning your teeth to full function. Four of the most common treatments and services provided by restorative dentists are the following:
- Dental crowns are hollow caps that are placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to cover that tooth from its biting surface to the line of your gums. Crowns led structural support to weakened teeth, perfect the colour and shape of misshapen and discoloured teeth, and protect teeth that have undergone root canal from reinfection
- Fillings “fill” cavities left behind by tooth decay or the removal of tooth decay from infected teeth. Filling those cavities supports teeth that have lost material to tooth decay and protects the interior of the tooth from penetration by bacteria, acid, sugars and food particles
- Dental implants are the most stable and most permanent alternative for replacing missing teeth using implants rooted directly into your jaw with the added benefit of stimulating bone growth and eliminating the risk of the loss of bone density and mass due to the absence of natural tooth roots
- Dental bridges are a less expensive and less durable alternative to dental implants for replacing one or more adjacent missing teeth using a structure mounted with dental crowns on natural teeth that support artificial replacement teeth in the gaps left behind by missing teeth
While all dentists are concerned with cosmetic issues and the restoration of lost dental function, specialists are particularly well qualified to provide treatment for unique and specific needs. If you have lost any dental function due to tooth loss or other issues, contact a dentist that specializes in restorative dentistry near you to discover your best options for recovering what you’ve lost.