Restorative dentistry repairs damaged teeth or replaces missing one. The goal is to save teeth and prevent future oral health issues. The restored teeth look, feel, and work like natural teeth and keeps your teeth aligned correctly.
Types of restorative dentistry:
- Fillings are the most common type of dental restoration. The decay is removed and replaced with a filling. Fillings are made from many materials, including metals and resins.
- Crowns are a tooth-shaped “cap” that fits over a tooth above the gum line. It is used when the original tooth is too damaged to be repaired with a filling. The crown is shaped to match your old tooth. The old tooth is prepared by the dentist and the crown is cemented into place over the damaged tooth.
- Bridges are false teeth that replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge has a crown on each end as an anchor with an artificial tooth or teeth connecting the crowns and filling the space. It will keep your other teeth from moving out of place and works like your natural teeth.
- Partial dentures are a removable replacement for missing teeth. The replacement teeth are held in place by wires attached to existing teeth. It can be removed for cleaning and brushing and flossing teeth.
- Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. An oral surgeon places a metal anchor in the jawbone which acts as the tooth’s root and attaches a post to it. The post extends above the gum line. After the bone grows around the anchor, a crown is cemented to the post.
It is important to brush and floss restorative teeth every day like your natural teeth. Try not to chew on hard or sticky foods because they can damage your crown, bridge, or implant. Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help fight plaque bacteria around restorative work. Call New Town Dentistry today to schedule your appointment.
