Restorative Dentistry - Peoria, AZ

Restorative Dentistry At Peoria Dental Smiles 

Unlike cosmetic dentistry, which focuses primarily on the aesthetics of your teeth, restorative dentistry is used mainly to maintain the health of your functional and healthy mouth. 

By repairing or replacing damaged or missing teeth, restorative dentistry helps improve oral health and function. 

What is Restorative Dentistry? 

It is a branch of dentistry that focuses on replacing damaged or missing teeth. Restorative dentistry refers to any dental procedure that repairs or replaces a tooth. This is done to improve dental health and restore chewing function. 

The goal of restorative dentistry is to save teeth and make them look, feel and function like natural teeth by repairing damaged teeth or replacing missing teeth. 

What types of Restorative Dentistry are there? 

Some of the types of restorative dentistry that exist are: 

Dental Crowns 

Dental crowns are caps that are placed over the tooth above the gum. They are used when the original tooth is too damaged to repair with a filling. Dental crowns can seal the tooth to prevent it from breaking; it is appropriately shaped to match the old tooth, and the crown is cemented onto the tooth or implant.

Dental Implants 

An implant is an artificial tooth root topped with a crown. A metal anchor is placed in the jawbone, which acts as the tooth's root. A post is attached to the anchor that extends above the gum line. The bone grows around the anchor within three to six months and holds it firmly. The gums and bone must be healthy enough to support the implant, after which a crown is cemented to the post, and you are done. 

Dental Fillings 

Cavities are caused by bacteria that cause tooth decay. They can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss if left untreated. Your dentist removes the decay and replaces it with a filling. Dental fillings are usually made of many materials, such as metals and resins. These fix a hole or cavity in the hard outer layers of a tooth. 

Partial Dentures

This type of denture replaces more than one tooth in a row and is attached with wires to the existing teeth. A partial denture can be removed for cleaning and flossing. 

Dental Bridges 

Dental bridges are made to replace missing teeth, consisting of the replacement tooth and a crown on each side. The three parts are cemented together so that the crowns support the new tooth. Bridges may contain more than one replacement tooth. Crowns on a bridge may have to be re-cemented or replaced if they become loose or worn. 

Some advantages of Restorative Dentistry 

Restorative dental procedures can save teeth and restore them to their natural shape, look, and feel. They can also help in: 

- Restoration of missing parts of tooth structure with indirect or direct restorations such as inlays, onlays, onlays crowns, or fillings. 

- Total replacement of missing teeth with artificial restorations such as implants, bridges, or dentures. 

- Repairing damage caused by inadequate dental fillings or bonding treatments. 

Restorative dentistry incorporates treatments from other dental fields, such as prosthodontics, endodontics, and periodontics. Many people need multifaceted care that may require treatment from more than one specialist.

What is the recovery time for Restorative Dentistry? 

Recovery time will always depend on the type of procedure and the number of teeth that need treatment. However, some procedures, such as dental implants, may require longer than standard. Some procedures may even have little or no recovery time. 

Your dentist will advise you of the recovery time you can expect in your particular case. 

Differences between Cosmetic Dentistry and Restorative Dentistry

It is easy not to know how to differentiate one branch of dentistry from the other since both use the same materials and procedure codes. Restorative dentistry is the treatment performed for a disease focusing on improving oral health and function. Even if the result improves the appearance, it is considered a restorative procedure. 

Meanwhile, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your smile and a person's self-image without the need for pre-existing disease. Examples of cosmetic treatments include veneers and teeth whitening. These treatments are considered cosmetic because they are not medically necessary. 

Importance of Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry offers you the best opportunity for long-lasting oral health. Your dentist can help you restore the functionality of your smile by fixing damaged or decayed teeth. Improving your ability to eat, speak and chew. 

Restorative Dentistry in Peoria, Arizona

Restorative dental treatment today truly encompasses all the disciplines that dentistry offers with an integrated interdisciplinary approach to achieve optimal dental function and esthetics for our patients. 

At Peoria Dental Smiles, we take pride in helping our patients have a beautiful, healthy smile they can be proud of. The expertise and experience of Dr. Reese Turner and his dental team help achieve our patients' best possible long-term results.

Talk to us about restorative dentistry procedures that help your teeth and gums function better. Call us at (623) 572-0102 today to schedule an appointment at our office or visit us here. We look forward to restoring your smile.