Who needs restorative dentistry?
You may need restorative dentistry if you have:
- Cavities/tooth decay.
- Damaged or broken teeth.
- Missing teeth.
What’s the difference between restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry?
Restorative dentistry focuses on improving oral health and function. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your smile.
Some dental procedures offer both functional and cosmetic improvements (aesthetic restorative dentistry). For example, a dental crown restores chewing function, but it can also make your smile look more uniform.
Why is restorative dentistry important?
Restorative dentistry gives you the best chance at long-lasting oral health. The Polit & Costello dentists can help restore your smile to full function by fixing damaged or decayed teeth. This improves your ability to eat, speak and chew.
What are the types of dental restoration?
There are several different types of dental restorations, depending on your unique oral health needs:
Crowns
Teeth with cracks, chips, or breaks in them not only look unappealing, but can be detrimental to your oral health. Our dentists at Polit & Costello Dentistry can protect your teeth with dental crowns near you.
A crown or cap is a manufactured top of a tooth that fits over a natural tooth to strengthen it and change its appearance.
Bridges
A dental bridge can replace a single missing tooth or a row of missing teeth. A bridge consists of artificial teeth with dental crowns on either side.
Dental implants
A dental implant is a small, threaded post that replaces a missing tooth root. Once our dentists add a crown to your implant, it functions just like a natural tooth.
Our dentists can restore dental implants with crowns, bridges and even dentures. Unlike traditional crowns and bridges, implants don’t require the alteration of your natural teeth. Dental implants are the golden standard of teeth replacement.
Dentures
Dentures are another traditional teeth replacement option. Full dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth. Partial dentures replace several missing teeth in different areas. Dentures rest on top of your gums, and the jawbone underneath supports them.
You can also opt for implant-supported dentures. These appliances are similar to traditional dentures. But instead of resting atop your gums for support, they attach to dental implants. This offers much more stability compared to conventional dentures.