Help! Dental problems snuck up on me!

No matter how hard we try, sometimes life happens. Dental issues can sneak up on us if we slack on cleaning our teeth during times of stress, if we are in an accident, or even when our past comes back to haunt us.

No matter the cause, dealing with the pain of tooth decay, broken teeth, or even tooth loss is far from enjoyable. Problems like these can cause headaches, issues eating, affect how we eat and drink, and understandably hinder our self-confidence.

What is restorative dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is a fantastic way to help bring your smile back to its former glory. This is done by either replacing or repairing missing or damaged teeth. Doing this can not only help the overall function of your mouth, but it can also dramatically increase your overall self-confidence.

What if I just leave it alone?

If the broken or missing tooth isn’t bothering you too much, you might be tempted to simply leave it alone. After all, why mess with it?

Over time, cracked teeth can cause a myriad of issues. Bacteria can get into the crack and cause an infection. That infection can spread to other teeth, leading to even more tooth decay, or missing teeth.

If you don’t care for a missing tooth, this can also lead to more problems. Over time, the teeth will shift to try and fill in the spot. This can quickly create bite issues, which can cause problems with eating, speaking, or even digestion.

Common Restorative Dentistry Options

There are many different restorative dentistry options out there. Your dentist will look at your mouth and take their time to determine which option will suit you and your lifestyle best.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a fantastic solution to tooth loss. These are fitted with a titanium post, which is formulated to help the tissue replace damaged cells in the area. This process ensures the new tooth will remain firmly rooted in place.

Crowns

A crown is a little cover that fits firmly over the existing tooth. These are made out of metal alloys, gold, porcelain, or zirconia.

Bridges

A dental bridge is a string of one or more prosthetic teeth called pontics. These are connected between two dental crowns. These prosthetic teeth can last for up to 15 years!

Implant-Supported Dentures

Instead of using adhesives to keep these dentures in place, implant-supported dentures are adhered securely to the mouth. This makes the care of these new teeth much easier than with traditional dentures.

How Restorative Dentistry Can Help

Restorative dentistry can help renew your smile and return you to your confident self! By repairing these broken, missing, or misshapen teeth, restorative dentistry can improve your overall oral health by preventing further damage or even infections. If the damage was severe enough, it will even make chewing easier, and likely change your speech for the better. It can enhance the appearance of your smile, which will naturally increase your self-confidence.

With the materials used in modern restorative dentistry, your new smile will last for years to come!

Cosmetic Dentistry

Depending on what restorative dentistry procedure you have done, cosmetic dentistry can sometimes be that extra step you need to let your smile shine bright again. There are many different options to help fit each person’s specific needs.

Bioclear or Veneers

Veneers are tooth-shaped shells that fit onto the front of your tooth. These can hide anything underneath that you might dislike such as discoloration, staining, or even misalignments.

Bioclear is a type of veneer that doesn’t require any of the natural tooth to be removed before it is affixed in place.

Tooth Whitening

Over time, teeth can become discolored. This can happen even if you have the best brushing habit around! Tooth whitening can help turn back the clock and bring that youthful appearance back to your smile.

Gum Contouring

With gum contouring, your dentist will use a special laser to help reshape the gumline. This can be done to even out your gumline to give you a smile you feel confident showing off!

Composite Bonding

Dental bonding is a quick, minimally invasive procedure to help repair broken or chipped teeth, fill in gaps, or even tooth discoloration. This is done by the dentist applying and shaping the bonding material straight to the tooth, then hardening it with a UV light.

Are you ready?

If you think you may be a candidate for restorative or cosmetic dentistry, don’t hesitate to give us a call or request an appointment online. We’d love to answer any questions you have for us and get you smiling again soon!