What Does Restorative Mean in Industry?

Restorative dentistry is a term used to describe dental procedures that aim to repair or replace a tooth. This involves filling cavities, performing root canals, and inserting dental implants. The objectives of restorative dentistry are to restore the function and appearance of the teeth. Depending on the case, the focus may be on one or both goals.

What is the Process of Restorative Treatment

There are several restorative treatments in Houston, TX. They include:

When you have a cavity, it means that bacteria have eaten away at your tooth enamel, causing a hole. For smaller cavities, dental fillings are usually used to repair them. The dentist removes the decayed part of your tooth, and then the hole is filled with a tooth-colored composite material. This stops the progression of tooth decay and reduces the risk of further damage.

• Dental Crowns

They are used to repair larger cavities or restore broken teeth. A crown fits over the entire tooth; to place it, the dentist must remove some of your natural tooth enamel. This is done by altering your tooth (shaving part of it down) and then placing the crown over it.

• Inlays and Onlays

Sometimes, a cavity may be too big for a filling but too small for a dental crown. When this happens, your kid’s dentist in Houston recommends an inlay or onlay. These custom restorations fit perfectly into your natural tooth structure and are permanently bonded into place.

• Root Canal Treatment

If a cavity goes deep enough into your tooth that it reaches the pulp, it can cause an infection. In these cases, root canal treatment is necessary. During this procedure, the diseased pulp is removed, including the blood vessels inside the tooth. The inside surfaces of the tooth are then thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and the canals are filled with gutta-percha, a rubbery dental material. A filling is then placed to seal the tooth and prevent bacteria from entering.

• A Dental Bridge

A bridge can replace a single missing tooth or a row of missing teeth. It consists of artificial teeth with dental crowns on either side. Your natural teeth on the sides of the gap are altered, and then the bridge is bonded to them. The dental crowns fit over your natural teeth, and the artificial teeth span the gap between them.

• A Dental Implant

This is a small, threaded post that replaces a missing tooth root. Once your dentist at Greenway Pediatric Dentistry adds a crown to your implant, it functions like a natural tooth. Implants can be restored with crowns, bridges, and even dentures. Unlike traditional crowns and bridges, implants don’t require altering your natural teeth; they are often considered the golden standard of teeth replacement.

• Dentures

These are another teeth replacement option. Complete dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth, while partial dentures replace several missing teeth in different areas. They rest on top of your gums, and the jawbone underneath supports them. Implant-supported dentures are also an option, which attach to dental implants for support and offer more stability than conventional dentures.

Benefits of Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry procedures have many benefits that make them some of the most commonly performed procedures by pediatric dentists near you. Here are the benefits of restorative dental procedures:

• Restore function

Restorative procedures can restore the functionality of your teeth. By repairing or replacing damaged teeth, you can eat and speak more efficiently and with less discomfort.

• Improve appearance

Restorative procedures can improve the appearance of your teeth, boosting your self-confidence and allowing you to smile more easily.

• Eliminate pain

If you have a deep cavity or an infected tooth that requires a root canal, you may be experiencing severe pain related to these issues. Restorative procedures can correct the problem or remove the infection, alleviating the pain.

• Prevent further dental issues

Correcting a dental issue as soon as it is detected can prevent it from worsening or causing other dental problems. Addressing a cavity early on, for example, can prevent it from leading to a root canal. Neglecting a cavity for too long can result in a tooth that cannot be saved and must be extracted and replaced.