Restorative Dentistry
Restorative Dentistry Overview
To begin with, restorative dentistry refers to any dental procedure that repairs or replaces a tooth. Moreover, restorative procedures include cavity fillings, root canals, and even dental implants. Further, there can be two goals in restorative dentistry. First, to restore the function of the teeth. Secondly, to restore the appearance of the teeth. In truth, in some cases it’s one or the other, while in some cases it’s both.
Below, we’ll list our restorative services with a brief explanation. Of course, if you have any questions regarding any of our services, please feel free to contact us here.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are single or combinations of metals, plastics, glass or other materials used to repair or restore teeth. Additionally, one of the most popular uses of fillings is to “fill” an area of tooth that your dentist has removed due to decay (a cavity). Moreover, fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth that have been worn down from misuse. For example, nail-biting or tooth grinding.
Do you grind your teeth? Want to stop the wear and tear? Check out our mouthguard section here.
Dental Crowns
A crown restores a damaged or missing tooth to its normal shape, size and function. Also, a crown can protect the tooth or improve the way it looks.
Your dentist may recommend a crown to:
- Support a tooth that has a large filling when there isn’t enough natural tooth structure remaining.
- Attach a bridge to replace missing teeth.
- Protect a weak tooth from fracturing.
- Restore a fractured tooth.
- Cover a badly shaped or discolored tooth.
- Cover a dental implant.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a tooth replacement that typically consists of two dental crowns linked together by a pontic, or false tooth. Further, a traditional bridge is supported by the two surrounding teeth, known as abutment teeth.
Below, are 4 types of dental bridges:
Dentures: Complete, Partial & Custom
Dentures are artificial teeth and gums that are formed to your mouth and created by your dentists to replace lost or removed natural teeth.
What’s more, dentures can either be full or partial, meaning they can either replace all teeth on either the top or bottom gum line, or just a few that are missing.
Dental Implants
Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces tooth roots with metal, screw-like posts and replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function much like real ones.
Dental implants may be right for you if:
- You have one or more missing teeth.
- Have adequate bone to secure implants or are able to give bone graft.
- Have healthy oral tissue.
- Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures.
- Don’t smoke tobacco.
Root Canal
Root canal treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth and save the natural tooth. Further, when one undergoes a root canal, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, the filled and sealed.
Below are the advantages of saving the natural tooth with a root canal:
- Efficient chewing.
- Normal biting force and sensation.
- Natural appearance.
- Protects other from excessive wear and tear.
Dental Extraction
Dental extraction simply means removing an infected, decayed, or impacted tooth through the help of a dental professional. Further, tooth extractions are often the last resort after all other treatments have failed.
Tooth extractions may be needed for:
- Severe tooth decay (cavities).
- Tooth fracture.
- Impacted tooth.
- Crowded teeth.
- Advance gum disease.
- Severe dental injuries.
Impacted Wisdom Tooth
Most of us possess a set of third molars commonly known as wisdom teeth. Without doubt, wisdom teeth typically erupt much later than other permanent teeth, which can cause problems for your oral health.
Of course, At Santa Clarita Advanced Dentistry, we specialize in wisdom teeth extractions to prevent or alleviate these potential problems.
To learn more about impacted wisdom teeth, click here.
