Restorative dentistry is defined as “the restoration of existing teeth affected by disease, trauma, and abnormal development.” Teeth that are broken or decayed can have a major impact on how you live your everyday life.
Restorative dentistry involves repairing and preserving your natural teeth with common procedures and treatments to make your smile look and feel like new again. Common examples of these procedures include:
Crowns and Bridges
Crowns are a necessary restorative treatment when a tooth is either severely cracked, or when there isn’t enough existing tooth structure left to fix it. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover that is placed over a prepared tooth — to cover the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, or improve its appearance. Crowns are fabricated in a lab and then cemented into place over the prepared tooth, and with proper oral hygiene and care can last a very long time.
Bridges can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap with a false tooth, or pontic, connecting them. Bridges can be supported by natural teeth, or by implants.
Inlays and Onlays
An inlay is a lab-fabricated restoration made out of either porcelain or gold to replace missing tooth structure lost due to decay or injury. An onlay is a similar restoration, but also covers one or more cusps (pointy parts) of the tooth. Both inlays and onlays are cemented into place and with proper care and oral hygiene can create a long-lasting restoration.
Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings/Composite Fillings
A composite filling is an esthetic restoration used to replace missing tooth structure. Composite fillings bond chemically to the underlying tooth which allows us to be as conservative as possible after removing decayed or damaged areas.
Full and Partial Dentures
Full and partial dentures are used when all, or multiple teeth are missing within an arch. Both consist of an acrylic base with teeth, which either rests on the gum tissue or is supported by the remaining teeth. Full and partial dentures are removable and should be taken out at night in order to ensure proper tissue health underneath.
Dr. Becker and her professional, knowledgeable team are your Littleton restorative dentistry experts! To schedule an appointment, contact Highline Family Dentistry today at 303-794-6800.