There are many types of restorative dentistry to get your smile back on track. Regardless of
whether you’ve experienced tooth decay, missing teeth, cracks, or broken teeth, restorative
dentistry is here to return your smile to its absolute best. What are your restorative dentistry
options?

Fillings

Dental fillings are a very common restoration. Using a filling material that’s safe and effective,
your dentist will fill in your cavity to protect the tooth from further decay and keep the rest of
your mouth healthy. Almost everyone has had some type of dental filling in their lifetime.
Dental fillings will need to be maintained and ultimately replaced to ensure continued
protection.

Bridges

A dental bridge may be a good fit for you if you’re missing one or more teeth in a row. Dental
bridges rely on the surrounding teeth to bridge the gap with a dental crown. Bridges are ideal
for missing back teeth and, like most other forms of restorative dentistry, will need to be
maintained and replaced after a certain number of years.

Crowns

A dental crown is a ceramic tooth replacement that looks very much like your natural tooth.
Crowns are used in restorative dentistry when a filling is too large to be restored or the tooth is
so damaged it needs to be capped to protect it. A sturdy crown will fit over your existing tooth
to prevent it from experiencing further decay or harm. A dental crown will be indistinguishable
from the rest of your teeth.

Veneers

Dental veneers, like crowns, consist of ceramic. They are thin and light, yet very durable and
strong. Veneers are placed over your natural teeth and permanently fixed into place. They can
fix a variety of issues with your smile for a complete transformation, from stubborn stains to
extensive chips to worn-down teeth.

Implants

Dental implants consist of a titanium implant that’s inserted into your jaw where your missing
tooth is. Once this is healed, a crown is placed on the end of the implant. Dental implants mimic
your natural teeth and, once healed, will never need to be replaced, although your dental
crown will need to be replaced at some point in the future.

Bonding

Dental bonding involves the use of composite resin—a tooth-colored material sometimes used
for fillings—to fix cracks, chips, broken teeth, and even gaps. Dental bonding is effective for a
variety of uses in restoration dentistry to complete your perfect smile.

Dentures

Dentures are false teeth that are designed to fit comfortably in your mouth. Unlike dental
implants or veneers, dentures are removable and will need to be removed and cleaned daily.
You have the option of a partial denture or a full set depending on how many of your natural
teeth are missing.

For whatever has impacted your smile, restoration dentistry can make it right. Addressing the
root cause of your concern can help you and your dentist make the best choice for your smile.
Make an appointment with your dentist today to talk about your restorative dentistry options
and get your beautiful smile back!

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Dental implants have many long-term benefits that you’ll soon see. Here’s why implants are the
best investment for your smile in the long run!

Stimulate Bone Growth

One of the best benefits of dental implants is that they stimulate bone growth in your jaw.
When you lose a tooth, the bone that once supported that tooth will begin to diminish over
time. Without a replacement, the body has no need for this bone. When your jaw bone loses
density, your face can begin to have a shrunken or aged appearance.

With dental implants, the bone in your jaw is once again stimulated by a “tooth”. This will help
enhance the fullness of your face and may even give you a younger appearance. This will also
help your jaw remain strong and healthy over your lifetime!

Save Money on Future Replacements

Since dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime with the proper care, they save you
money on future replacements. With dentures and bridges, a replacement is inevitable after a
few years. With dental implants, you have a permanent solution that will never need to be
replaced. Only the dental crown will need to be replaced, and these crowns have the potential
to last a decade or even longer!

Reduce Risk of Cavities

Since dental implants aren’t able to get cavities, you’ll help reduce the chances that bacteria
from tooth decay or gum disease will build up on your replaced teeth. This could facilitate a
healthier smile with the proper home care and regular visits to your dentist!

Keep Teeth from Shifting

Dental implants prevent your teeth from shifting over time. Teeth shifting happens as the result
of missing teeth, which the body will then compensate for by slowly moving the remaining
teeth into their place. Dental implants help your teeth stay in their proper positions over your
lifetime, so you won’t have the need for cosmetic work as the result of shifting!

Enjoy Food Again

You’ll never have to worry about your dental implant falling out or causing you any discomfort,
unlike some cosmetic tooth replacements. This means you can enjoy all the foods you used to
enjoy before you lost your tooth or teeth. In fact, since dental implants function just like your
normal teeth, you’re unlimited in what you can have to eat!

Improve Confidence

Dental implants not only provide you with an array of long-term physical benefits for your
smile, they provide lasting emotional benefits as well. They often give patients the confidence
to smile again, to fully express themselves, and to enjoy foods out in public. Even your speech
may improve, as missing teeth can make it difficult to pronounce words properly.

From inspiring confidence to providing you with a sturdy, functional, and beautiful solution to
your missing teeth, dental implants are rapidly becoming the most popular choice to restore
smiles. Have you been considering dental implants? Make an appointment with your dentist
today to discuss the long-term benefits dental implants may have in store for you!

The post What Are Long-Term Benefits of Dental Implants? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

It’s More Comfortable

Laser dentistry is often more comfortable for patients who are used to receiving conventional dental treatment that involves stitches, needles, and cuts. There’s usually no need for anesthesia, so you won’t need any needles or have any numbing feelings after your procedure. There’s also no drilling or heat. The drill is often what causes pain in patients, as the pressure can damage the nearby areas and cause future problems for your smile.

With laser dentistry, there’s no cutting, less pain, and less need for future dental work. Since high-powered drills can actually cause fractures in your teeth, laser dentistry is ideal for patients who want a safer, more comfortable alternative without the need for more dental work.

Faster Healing Time

Laser dentistry eliminates the need for stitches since there’s no cutting. This means you’ll experience less discomfort and a faster healing time. When you get a dental procedure done with a laser, you’ll also typically experience less bleeding and less pain. There’s also minimal swelling, which increases the chances that your body will heal the affected area faster.

People are accustomed to taking great care of their mouths after a dental procedure. With laser dentistry, your healing time is minimal because there’s no need for cutting or stitches. Swelling and bleeding are kept to a minimum. Laser dentistry also allows for everything to be done in one dental visit, which saves you time and hassle from having to return to the dentist for a multi-step procedure!

It’s Versatile

Did you know that laser dentistry can be used for everything from cavity removal to teeth whitening? In fact, laser dentistry can even be used to treat gum disease and perform root canal therapy. One of the best benefits about using a laser is its preciseness. It does not affect surrounding tissues in the same way a drill would. Since the laser is extremely accurate, your dentist can avoid harming any additional tissue than is necessary.

From removing decay to treating infection and even gum shaping, laser dentistry is tremendously versatile and brings its wide range of benefits to a variety of dental procedures. If you’ve been putting off dental work because of dental anxiety, consider laser dentistry for your next procedure. It’s imperative to find a dentist who’s trained in experienced in using laser dentistry for his or her patients. Ask your dentist about laser dentistry next time you visit—using a laser could change the way you think about going to the dentist!

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Once your actual dental implant is placed, this will need to heal for a period of time before you get your crown attached to the end. During this period of time, your mouth will likely be sore and possibly bruised. It’s best to eat cold foods and drinks as much as possible. It’s also vital that you do not touch your dental implant. You can use ice to help with the swelling if needed.

Your dentist may give you a special mouthwash to use during this time, but you should avoid brushing the dental implant while it’s healing; this may take a few days. Always follow your dentist’s care instructions!

Once Your Implant Has Healed

Once your implant has healed and the crown is attached, gently clean your dental implant with a soft-bristled tooth brush. Avoid aggressive brushing—it’s not necessary. You need to keep your dental implant clean and remove plaque daily through brushing and flossing. Keeping your dental implants clean can extend the lifespan of your crown and keep your implant healthy and strong!

If you smoke, getting dental implants is good motivation to quit. Smoking not only increases your risk for gum disease and oral cancer, but prevents healing in the mouth. While your dental implant is healing, it’s crucial to avoid smoking to reduce the chances of infection so that your implant can heal.

Long-Term Care

Brushing and flossing your dental implants regularly just like your natural teeth can help you maintain great oral health. Gentle brushing is easy enough, but flossing may require a little extra effort around your dental implants. You should use the floss to get trapped food and plaque underneath your dental crown near the top of your implant.

Food or plaque that get trapped in this section can cause problems, so take a few extra seconds to get underneath your dental crown. This can help make sure your dental implants are squeaky clean and healthy! You should also visit your dentist regularly to ensure your dental implants are doing great. Your crown will need to be replaced eventually, so your dentist can examine your implants during your visit and let you know how you’re doing with your oral care.

Dental implants are one of the best choices for effective tooth replacement. Taking care of your dental implants requires brushing and flossing just like your natural teeth. You’ll also need to visit the dentist just like you do for your regular smile. Enjoy your new dental implants with these best care habits!

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But who qualifies for a full mouth reconstruction? These procedures aren’t for every patient, but certain patients do need a full mouth reconstruction based on what their oral health situation is. From patients who are missing several teeth to patients with no teeth, here are the top candidates for full mouth reconstruction.

People with Tooth Loss from Trauma

If you’ve had an accident or trauma to your mouth area that’s led to tooth loss, you could be a candidate for full mouth reconstruction. Top candidates include those that have injured teeth, which include fractured or chipped teeth. Your dentist may choose to correct these with dental crowns, or if you’re missing the entire tooth, dental implants will likely be a better option for you.

Patients with Extensive Tooth Decay

If you have extensive tooth decay throughout your mouth, you may qualify for full mouth reconstruction. Your dentist will attempt to save your natural teeth, if possible, but this may require more than just fillings. Your teeth may require dental crowns, inlays, or onlays to protect your teeth from future decay. While inlays are generally used for larger cavities where a simple filling would be ineffective, onlays can help preserve tooth structure by filling in missing cusps of your teeth.

People with Extremely Worn Teeth

Your teeth were meant to last your entire life. However, sometimes poor oral hygiene or bad habits can lead to excessively worn teeth. This can come from habits such as bruxism (teeth grinding) or conditions such as enamel erosion. Enamel erosion can happen from acid reflux or from having a poor diet high in sugar and carbohydrates. When teeth are extremely worn down or damaged, your dentist may suggest a full mouth reconstruction.

Patients with Tooth Loss from Gum Disease

Gum disease—if left to progress—will eventually attack the ligaments that anchor your teeth in your jaw. This will lead to symptoms such as bleeding gums and loose teeth. If gum disease is advanced, you can ultimately lose your teeth. If you have tooth loss from gum disease, you may be able to get a full mouth reconstruction to help restore your smile!

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)

These disorders commonly affect the jaw and the muscles that control the jaw, but they can also affect your bite and teeth wear. Symptoms of jaw muscle pain, ongoing jaw problems, poor bite, and headaches could all point to a TMD. You may qualify for a full mouth reconstruction if orthodontics is unable to correct your bite or joint pain!

Your smile is one of the most important things about you. It gives you the confidence to smile and speak, it helps you chew food, and it keeps your facial structure intact to prevent an aging appearance. Talk to your dentist to see if you’re a candidate for a full mouth reconstruction. Life’s too short to go without a beautiful smile!

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There is hope for you if you’re missing all of your teeth or most of them—custom dentures can fully restore your smile and give you the glow you need to smile brightly this holiday season!

Get a Fully Functional Set of Teeth

Custom dentures allow you to use your teeth again! You’ll be able to chew properly and eat all the foods you used to with your natural teeth. Since custom dentures are made specifically for your unique oral structure, they’ll fit seamlessly and be secure in your mouth. Having a fully functional set of teeth can transform the way you think about eating, smiling, and enjoying life. Don’t worry about eating with family and friends this holiday—your new custom dentures will enable you to enjoy and be worry-free!

Speak and Smile Confidently

When natural teeth are gone, it’s easy to feel self-conscious about the smile that you present to the world. If you’re missing all of your natural teeth, you may avoid smiling totally or be afraid to speak in public. With your new custom dentures, your teeth will look totally natural in your mouth, allowing you to speak and smile with confidence this holiday season.

Our teeth help us to pronounce words correctly and speak with certainty. Without them, you may begin to feel embarrassed about the way you speak. Your custom dentures will change all of that. You’ll be able to speak again and not feel ashamed or nervous—you’ll have a gorgeous smile to show off in addition to your speech!

Look and Feel Younger

Missing teeth can make you appear older. This is because they cause your facial muscles to sag as your jawbone is no longer being supported by your teeth, which stimulate the jawbone to remain strong and healthy. Your jawbone will deteriorate over time without stimulation, causing your face to appear sunken and the skin to sag.

With custom dentures, you can get your youthful facial structure back. The dentures allow your muscles to be supported and keep you looking and feeling young. When you have a new smile to show the world this holiday, you’ll wonder why you didn’t get dentures sooner!

Schedule an appointment with your dentist to talk about custom dentures. You can restore your smile this holiday season and enjoy your favorite foods, speak and smile with assurance, and look and feel even younger. Dentures can change your life— just in time to see family and friends this holiday season!

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If it’s not your teeth’s physical appearance that you’re worried about but rather the stains or uneven coloring, a professional teeth whitening can work wonders for your smile! This procedure generally takes around an hour at your local dentist’s office and can dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth. If you only want a subtle whitening, your dentist can customize the color you want to be only a few shades whiter—the choice is yours! A professional whitening can remove stains, help improve the appearance of white spots, and provide an even white shade to every tooth in your smile.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers can transform deeply-stained smiles, uneven or worn teeth, and even gapped teeth. They’re extremely strong yet thin and cover your existing teeth to provide you with a restored smile that’s resistant to both stains and decay. Porcelain veneers are permanently adhered to your teeth and can completely makeover your smile in just a couple visits to your dentist office. Ask your dentist if porcelain veneers would be the best cosmetic dentistry option for your wedding day smile!

Tooth Bonding

Do you have cracked or chipped teeth? Even a tooth that’s slightly chipped can throw off the appearance of your entire smile. Broken, chipped, or cracked teeth can be repaired through dental bonding. This procedure uses a composite material that’s expertly matched to your existing tooth color. The material is bonded to your teeth using a special light and polished to look just like your natural tooth. A tooth bonding procedure can repair broken teeth in one easy visit to your dentist!

Dental Crowns

If your tooth is cracked too deeply to be repaired with dental bonding or is in need of a more intensive restoration, a dental crown can protect and cover your tooth to provide a fully functional and natural-looking smile! Teeth that are heavily damaged may benefit from the protection and appearance of dental crowns. These caps effectively cover your existing tooth and are adhered to your tooth to provide a healthy, completely restored smile. Talk to your dentist to discover if your smile could benefit from dental crowns for your big day.

You’ll always remember your wedding day—so have a smile that your guests will remember for years to come. Your beautifully restored smile will make your wedding day unforgettable and make you smile big for your pictures! Schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss your cosmetic dentistry options. You won’t regret getting the smile of your dreams not just for your big day, but for the rest of your life!

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They Last for Life

One of the major benefits of dental implants is that they never need to be replaced. The screw that’s inserted into your jawbone naturally becomes part of your body and remains sturdy for life. You’ll need to get a new crown on the end every 10-15 years, but this is all the maintenance that’s required besides caring for your teeth like you normally would!

Financing Is Available

Dental implants can be costly, but their price is not without reason: having a strong, secure, and natural-looking replacement for your teeth means less maintenance for you and a better appearance. If you’re worried about paying for your dental implants, talk with your dentist. Many dentist offices offer financing or payment plans to help you afford the smile of your dreams. Some offices even offer financing at 0% interest through CareCredit!

Just Like Normal Teeth

Once your natural teeth are gone, they don’t grow back. It can be hard to find a great replacement for something that nature created perfectly. Dentures and partial dentures don’t provide the security of a permanent smile that many people want. Dental bridges will eventually need to be redone. How can you get your beautiful smile back after tooth loss?

Dental implants provide a unique solution that allows your smile to remain strong and beautiful even after tooth loss. You won’t be able to tell the difference between your natural teeth and your dental implant, and neither will anyone else. You care for dental implants just like your natural teeth; and with regular checkups, your implants are designed to last for life!

Prevent Bone Loss

One of the top benefits of dental implants is preventing bone loss in your jaw. Lost jaw bone may not seem like a big deal, but the truth is that this lost bone can cause teeth shifting and change your facial structure over time. When your teeth are no longer there to stimulate your jaw bone, your body compensates for the loss by decreasing the amount of bone in the area. As a result, the surrounding teeth are no longer able to stay in place, and your face may appear hollow or shrunken over time.

Since dental implants are inserted into your jaw, they stimulate your body to grow new jaw bone as it accepts the dental implant to support your new “tooth”. This means your face retains its full shape and the surrounding teeth are held in place with adequate bone structure!

Have you considered dental implants for your tooth loss? Talk to your dentist about restoring your smile with these great tooth replacements. Dental implants require a simple surgery but last a lifetime with proper care. Enjoy your smile again with dental implants!

Image courtesy of photostock at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Sensitive Teeth

If you’ve chipped your tooth and the size of the chip is relatively small, your dentist may just need to ensure your tooth hasn’t sustained further damage and smooth over the chipped area of the tooth. However, if your chipped or cracked tooth has experienced damage you can’t see, you could experience increased tooth sensitivity. This means your crack or chip has created cracks or an opening in your tooth’s enamel, which allows the inner part of your tooth to be highly sensitive to extreme temperatures, sweet foods, and even cold air!

Cavities

Your tooth’s crack or chip could be more than an unsightly imperfection in your tooth. A crack or chip could create a pathway for bacteria to enter your tooth’s enamel or even your tooth’s nerve. If your tooth’s enamel has been affected by the crack or chip, acidic bacteria may cause an increased risk for cavities in your smile because the enamel is no longer able to properly protect your teeth. If your tooth’s nerve gets infected, you’ll need a root canal treatment or could even risk losing your tooth.

Tooth Loss

A crack or a chip may not seem like a big deal at the time—you likely won’t be able to see or evaluate the extent of the crack or chip with your eyes. A dentist, however, has been trained to see these things and can evaluate your affected tooth for damage. If your tooth has an extensive crack that extends down the root of your tooth or a big chip, you risk losing your tooth if you don’t seek treatment. Your tooth is now extremely vulnerable to infection, sensitivity, and cavities. With an extensive crack or a large chip, you could risk losing your tooth.

Appearance

No one likes the look of chipped teeth. While a small chip will still be noticeable on your front teeth, it likely won’t affect your appearance too much. Larger chips and cracks can create tooth discoloration and pain, which can affect how well you chew, how much you smile, and how proudly you speak. It’s not easy to live with an injured tooth or have an altered appearance as a result of it—make an appointment with your dentist and prevent damage!

Cracked or chipped teeth create problems in your smile that can only be fixed by a professional dentist. Even if your crack or chip looks minor, it could get worse and lead you to lose your tooth. When your tooth has experienced an injury, schedule an appointment with your dentist—you can even bring the chipped part of your tooth, as your dentist may be able to repair the tooth with this!

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Dental Implants

Dental implants top the list when it comes to the best cosmetic dentistry options for your tooth loss. This is because they’re extremely sturdy, match your natural teeth perfectly, and they never need to be replaced. They’re firmly anchored into your jaw with a crown fixed onto the end. Dental implants fully restore the functionality of your smile and give you the confidence to smile brightly again. You care for dental implants just like your natural teeth, so there’s no extra maintenance required other than a crown replacement every few years.

Full or Partial Dentures

You may also explore the option of full or partial dentures for your missing teeth. If you’re missing a full set of teeth, full dentures can help restore your look in an instant! They’re able to be removed and cleaned and your dentist will ensure the best fit so that they don’t feel as if they’re moving about in your mouth. Partial dentures are also a great option for fewer missing teeth, and can be anchored securely by your surrounding teeth. Ask your dentist about implant-supported dentures as well—they tend to be stronger and can make for a beautiful smile!

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are expertly placed over your natural teeth to fill the gaps that missing teeth can create. Veneers are typically made of porcelain and are very strong and strain-resistant. If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental veneers could be an excellent option for you. Patients also get veneers when they’re looking for a more attractive smile—since veneers are easily placed over your teeth, they seamlessly hide gaps and match your natural teeth for a flawless smile. Care for your veneers by brushing and flossing as normal, and ask your dentist about a non-abrasive toothpaste to protect your veneers.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is typically composed of two crowns that are affixed to either side of your missing tooth or teeth, if you have several missing teeth in a row. These crowns support an artificial tooth (or teeth) that will be anchored in the middle of the crowns, therefore effectively closing the gap. Dental bridges also come in a removable option, but typically your veneers will be permanently attached to your natural teeth to replace the missing tooth or teeth in between. Dental bridges can prevent shifting teeth and restore your ability to chew and speak well.

You don’t have to live with missing teeth! The longer you go with missing teeth, the more time your mouth has to shift teeth, lose jawbone, and be permanently affected by the loss. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to talk about your options for replacing missing teeth—these are the best ones for your tooth loss!

Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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