Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time, in a job interview, or on a date, your teeth and gums can significantly impact your overall look and confidence. Restorative dentistry may be the answer if you feel your smile could use some help. Here’s an overview of how restorative dentistry can help improve your teeth and gums.
Bettering Your Smile with Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry is a branch that focuses on improving the aesthetics and function of your teeth and gums. It includes corrective procedures to fix existing problems and preventative measures to prevent them from worsening. Standard restorative dental procedures include:
Dental Implants
Dental implants can replace one tooth, several teeth, and even a complete arch. Dental implants are a revolutionary alternative to traditional bridges and dentures. Not only do they look natural and allow you to chew food with confidence, but they also help prevent bone loss, allowing you to maintain facial structure. Furthermore, placing an implant is relatively straightforward, and recovery time is short compared to other tooth replacement methods. Dental implants offer a durable and convenient solution for replacing missing teeth - perfect for those looking for a permanent solution for their dental needs.
Dental Crowns & Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges can be used to restore damaged teeth. Crowns are typically used when a tooth is too damaged to be restored with a filling, while bridges can be used to fill in the gap between missing teeth. Crowns fit over the entire visible portion of the tooth to protect it, while bridges use fabricated surrounding teeth as anchors for false teeth.
Root Canals
Root canals are a common dental procedure for relieving pain caused by the infected or inflamed pulp in a tooth. During the procedure, the dentist removes the damaged pulp and cleans the inside of the tooth before sealing it to prevent further infection and keep it structurally sound. Recovery from a root canal is relatively quick, allowing patients to return to their daily routines soon after treatment.
Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions are a common dental procedure that involves removing one or several teeth from the mouth. The reasons for tooth extraction can vary, but some of the most common causes include overcrowding, serious decay, severe gum disease, ligament issues, and prepping for orthodontic treatment. A dentist or an oral surgeon generally does tooth extractions; the procedure typically involves numbing a patient with local anesthesia and then allowing them to relax while their tooth is extracted. Recovery time varies by individual but typically consists of managing minor pain and swelling with over-the-counter medications, eating soft foods that won't irritate the gums, and avoiding rinsing or touching the area for at least 24 hours afterward.
Gum Disease Treatments
Gum disease is a common problem that affects the health of many people’s gums and teeth. The good news is that several effective treatments are available for this condition. Treatment typically begins with a thorough oral exam to assess the severity of the gum disease, followed by scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar buildup. In cases where the infection has spread, it may require osseous or flap surgery to clean around teeth and tissue below the gum line thoroughly. Finally, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, brushing twice daily, flossing after meals, eating a healthy diet low in sugar, and visiting your dentist regularly may help prevent further issues. Gum disease can be treated successfully with proper treatment and preventive care measures.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Restorative Dentistry?
If you have damaged or decayed teeth or receding gums due to aging or poor oral hygiene habits such as smoking or neglecting regular dental visits for checkups and cleanings – you are likely a good candidate for restorative dentistry. Other indications that you might need restorative dentistry include the following:
- Tooth pain when eating or drinking hot or cold items
- Tenderness in your jaw
- Misalignment issues with your bite
- Sensitivity to sweets
- Chips in your enamel
- Plaque buildup
- Cracked teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Yellowing of the gums
- Bad breath that won’t go away no matter what products you use
Benefits of Restorative Dentistry
The most apparent benefit of restorative dentistry is improved aesthetics – restoring an attractive smile to those affected by decay or other damage. But there are several other benefits as well. Improved oral health will reduce the risk of developing other serious conditions like periodontal disease. Correcting misalignment issues will also improve bite function, making it easier to chew food properly and enjoy meals without pain or discomfort. Filling cavities will prevent infection from spreading further into surrounding tissue and cause more damage than necessary if left untreated.
Rochester Family Dentists
If any of these symptoms sound familiar to you, it might be time to speak with your dentist about whether restorative dentistry may be right for you! Restoring healthy teeth and gums improves aesthetics and significantly benefits oral health.
The dentists at Northwest Dental Group can evaluate all available options so that together you can decide which treatment plan works best for restoring both function and beauty back into your smile. With many different types of reconstruction techniques available today, one is sure to be perfect for your situation!
To learn more about our Rochester dentistry treatments or to schedule an appointment today, call us at (507) 203-2332 or fill out our quick and easy online form.