Restorative care in dentistry encompasses procedures designed to repair and restore the function and aesthetics of damaged or missing teeth. This involves a range of treatments, such as fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures, tailored to address individual patient needs. The process typically begins with a thorough examination and diagnosis to assess the extent of the dental issues and determine the most appropriate course of action.
Restorative dental procedures aim to restore the structural integrity of teeth and improve oral health, chewing ability, speech, and overall appearance. Using advanced techniques and materials, restorative dentistry aims to provide durable and natural-looking solutions that enhance oral function and aesthetics, ultimately promoting oral health and overall well-being.
Did you know that according to the American College of Prosthodontists, over 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and around 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth in one or both jaws?
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WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY APPOINTMENT?
Consultation
Your appointment will begin with a consultation with the dentist. During this discussion, you'll have the opportunity to express your concerns, discuss your treatment goals, and ask any questions you may have about the restorative procedure.
Examination and Diagnosis
The dentist will then conduct a thorough examination of your oral health, including the affected area that requires restoration. X-rays or other imaging may be taken to assess the extent of the damage or decay and to aid in treatment planning.
Treatment Planning
Based on the examination findings and your treatment goals, the dentist will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to address your specific needs. This plan may involve one or more restorative procedures, such as dental fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, or dentures.
Preparation
If the restoration requires tooth preparation, such as for crowns or bridges, the dentist will begin by numbing the area with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. They will then remove any decayed or damaged tooth structure and shape the tooth to accommodate the restoration.
Impressions or Digital Scans
For certain restorative options, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, impressions or digital scans of your teeth may be taken to create custom-fitted restorations that match the shape and size of your natural teeth.
Fabrication of Restorations
Depending on the type of restoration, it may be fabricated on-site using CAD/CAM technology (such as same-day crowns) or sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication. Temporary restorations may be placed if needed while permanent ones are being made.
Placement of Restorations
Once the restorations are ready, the dentist will place them in your mouth, ensuring proper fit, alignment, and aesthetics. They will make any necessary adjustments to ensure your bite feels comfortable and natural.
Final Check and Instructions
After the restorations are placed, the dentist will conduct a final check to ensure everything looks and functions as intended. They will provide you with post-treatment care instructions and discuss the maintenance needed to keep your restorations in optimal condition.
Common Restorative Dental Procedures
Dental crowns, or caps, are used to restore severely damaged or weakened teeth. They cover the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gumline, providing strength, protection, and improved aesthetics. Our dentist at South Austin Dental Associates custom-makes crowns to match the shape, size, and color of natural teeth, restoring both function and appearance.
Benefits
• Strengthen weakened teeth
• Protect cracked or fractured teeth
• Restore tooth shape and function
• Improve smile aesthetics
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. They provide a sturdy foundation for dental crowns, bridges, or dentures, offering a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. Implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth, providing unparalleled stability and longevity.
Benefits
• Replace missing teeth permanently
• Preserve bone density and facial structure
• Restore chewing function
• Improve speech clarity
• Enhance smile aesthetics
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices used to replace multiple missing teeth. They restore chewing function, speech clarity, and facial aesthetics, enhancing confidence and quality of life for individuals with significant tooth loss. Dentures can be complete (replacing all teeth) or partial (replacing several missing teeth) and are custom-made to fit comfortably and securely in the mouth.
Benefits
• Replace multiple missing teeth
• Restore chewing ability
• Improve speech clarity
• Enhance smile aesthetics
• An affordable option for tooth replacement
Since the entire process of preparing, designing, and placing the crown is completed in a single appointment, you won't have to take time off work or rearrange your schedule for multiple dental visits. This makes same-day crowns a convenient option for busy individuals.
Dental bridges replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth (pontics) to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Bridges restore chewing function, prevent the shifting of surrounding teeth, and maintain facial structure. They can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys, to seamlessly blend in with the natural teeth.
Benefits
• Replace missing teeth
• Restore chewing ability
• Prevent neighboring teeth from shifting
• Improve speech clarity
• Enhance smile aesthetics
Dental fillings are among the most common restorative procedures used to treat cavities caused by tooth decay. During the procedure, our dentist in Austin, TX, removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills the cavity with a durable material, such as composite resin. Fillings restore the tooth's shape and function and prevent further decay and damage.
Benefits
• Preserve tooth structure
• Prevent further decay
• Restore chewing function
• Natural-looking results with tooth-colored fillings
Did you know that restorative dentistry not only improves oral health but can also have positive effects on overall health and well-being?
Want to Learn More About Restorative Dentistry?
Frequently Asked Questions About Restorative Dentistry
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Working Hours
- MON - THU8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- FRI - SUNClosed
South Austin Dental Associates
Location
4419 Frontier Trail #104,
Austin, TX
Phone : (512) 444-1133Text Us : (512) 444-1133