Untreated tooth decay is a problem that affects more than 25% of adults in the United States. This untreated tooth decay can lead to worsened problems, tooth sensitivity, and more.
One common cause of this tooth decay is poor oral hygiene, which can lead to other problems like missing or weakened teeth. However, these oral health problems can be fixed with the help of restorative dentistry.
If you are dealing with any of these issues, there are dental restorations that can replace or restore your damaged teeth. What is restorative dentistry? Keep reading this guide to learn more about restorative dentistry, common restorative dental procedures, and more!
What Is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry includes any dental procedures that repair or restore the damage in your mouth. Whether you are dealing with missing teeth or decay, restorative dentistry can fix these problems to prevent them from worsening.
This will restore the function of your mouth. It also prevents any future pain from these oral health issues.
When Do You Need Restorative Dentistry?
There are many reasons why you may need to get restorative dental procedures. First, if you have had poor oral health habits and have developed cavities or other oral health problems, you will likely need the help of a restorative dentist to fix these issues.
Another reason why you may need restorative dental work is if you are getting older.
Restorative dentistry treats problems for people of all ages. However, older adults typically need restorative treatment more often. As people age, they become more susceptible to oral health problems and weakened teeth.
Finally, you may need restorative dental procedures if you have had any oral trauma or injuries. For example, if you were in an accident or had a sports injury that resulted in broken or dislodged teeth, your dentist can help repair these and restore the function of your mouth.
Common Types of Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry includes many common treatments. While many of these treatments improve the function of your mouth, they may also improve the appearance of your smile.
Here are some of the most common types of dental restorations that you may need.
Fillings
One of the most common restorative dental procedures is dental fillings. When you have decay on your teeth, you can use fillings to replace the decay that causes cavities.
Fillings prevent your cavities from worsening and will last for years. Because tooth decay can cause serious sensitivities in your mouth, fillings also help your teeth function normally without pain.
Crowns
Crowns are another common dental procedure used to restore a damaged, decayed, or cracked tooth. A crown is a cap that is placed over your tooth that is the same shape and color as your natural tooth.
Dental crowns are also often used after a root canal when you cannot save the natural tooth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a restorative procedure that is used to replace missing teeth in your mouth. If you no longer have a healthy root for your teeth, your dentist can replace it with a metal screw to anchor in a replacement tooth.
This will make it easier to chew and will fill any gaps in your smile.
Veneers
While veneers are often a cosmetic dental procedure, they are also a restorative procedure. In these procedures, your dentist will bond porcelain shells with your teeth.
In many cases, you use veneers to improve the aesthetics of a smile, whether you want to improve the color or shape of your teeth.
However, veneers are also used to prevent further damage to teeth that are broken or chipped. You can also use veneers to reduce teeth sensitivities and other oral health problems.
Root Canals
Finally, root canals are a common procedure that is required when your tooth is badly decayed. This procedure cleans out the decay from your tooth and will fill the hole with a compound.
Typically, root canals are accompanied by a dental crown to restore the strength and appearance of your tooth.
Restorative vs. Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic and restorative dentistry often have overlapping procedures. However, the purpose for treatment is the biggest difference between these two types of dentistry.
For restorative dental work, treatment is needed due to a disease or another oral health issue. While restorative dental work often results in improved aesthetics of your smile, this is not the main goal of the procedure.
Cosmetic dental work is used to improve the appearance of your smile. While things like veneers can be used for restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, the purpose of the treatment is the main difference.
Benefits of Dental Restoration
There are many benefits of getting restorative dental procedures.
First, they can help your teeth function better. When you have damaged teeth, it may be harder to chew your food. However, replacing or fixing the damage to your teeth allows you to use your teeth normally.
Dental restorations also provide many cosmetic benefits for your teeth. As was mentioned before, there is some overlap between restorative and cosmetic dental procedures.
If you are looking for ways to have a better smile, restorative dental procedures can accomplish this.
Finally, dental restoration allows you to keep your natural teeth. The goal of restorative dental work is always to save your natural teeth. Because of this, dentists always do their best to restore your natural teeth rather than suggesting an extraction.
This is because your teeth are stronger and feel more natural than a replacement.
Find Restorative Dentistry Near Me Today
Restorative dentistry is an important part of your oral care if you are dealing with missing, weakened, or damaged teeth. Now that you know the answer to "What is restorative dentistry?", it is time to book an appointment!
Are you looking for restorative dentistry in Seattle? Seattle Speciality Dentistry can help! Our team of dental experts provides everything from complex restorations to subtle and simple rejuvenation.
Contact us today to learn more about our restorative dental services and to book an appointment in our dental office!