Restorative dentistry refers to dental procedures that help restore the function of your smile. This is different from cosmetic dentistry, which focuses on procedures primarily designed to improve your appearance. However, restorative dentistry procedures and cosmetic dentistry procedures often overlap, although they can certainly differ.
What are some examples of restorative dentistry, and how can you benefit from these procedures?
Examples of Restorative Dentistry
There are many procedures that can be considered restorative dentistry, meaning they can help improve the function of your teeth. These procedures may include:
- Dental Bonding. If you have chipped or cracked teeth, dental bonding can restore the function (and appearance) of your smile with a composite resin material that’ll match your natural teeth.
- Dental Bridges. Consisting of two dental crowns supporting an artificial tooth, dental
bridges can replace one or more missing teeth in a row. - Dental Crowns. Extremely sturdy and realistic-looking, dental crowns can help stabilize a tooth with a weak structure and protect a tooth from further damage.
- Dental Implants. An excellent replacement for a single missing tooth or even several missing teeth, dental implants are the most realistic and functional replacement to your natural teeth.
- Dentures. Full or partial dentures can help restore your smile when you’re missing your
natural teeth. - Fillings. Filling a cavity is a form of restorative dentistry, as it helps restore and protect
your smile.
Root Canal Therapy.
If you have a tooth infection or a tooth impacted by trauma or deep decay, you may need a root canal to save your tooth.
Thanks to technology such as same-day dental crowns and digital impressions, restorative dentistry is simpler and more pain-free than it’s ever been, which allows patients to restore their smiles with minimal time and discomfort [1].
Benefits to Restoring Your Smile
Restorative dentistry offers the benefits of restoring the function of your smile and improving your appearance, all while eliminating any discomfort you may have had with your smile. Many of these procedures can naturally improve your self-confidence and make you want to smile more!
Your dentist will work with you to determine the options that make the most sense for you based on your unique smile and dental health when it comes to restorative dentistry [2]. While not everyone will qualify for all forms of restorative dentistry, no matter what issues you have with your smile, there’s a procedure for everyone to have a healthier, more beautiful smile.
Do You Need Restorative Dentistry?
If you need restorative dentistry, ask your dentist about the procedures that may benefit your particular smile. You can even combine restorative dentistry procedures with cosmetic dentistry ones, such as getting a teeth whitening before getting a dental bridge, implant or bonding. Find out more about your restorative dentistry options by contacting your local dentist!
Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4257941/
2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40496-018-0191-1