Dr. Bodie, what is restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry is where we restore, build a tooth back to its original condition. For instance, if you had a cavity, we drill a hole, remove the cavity, and build it back to its initial condition. Same with if you were to fall off a bicycle and chipped a little portion of the tooth, we would build it back up to where it was.
Is anesthesia or sedation used during restorative dental procedures?
Anesthesia is often used during restorative dental procedures, but not always.
What are the benefits of restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry allows you to get your tooth or teeth back to their original condition, usually with minimal work required.
Are there risks associated with restorative dental procedures?
There are practically no risks associated with restorative dental procedures, because again, we're just building it back to where the teeth were.
How long does it take to recover from restorative dental procedures?
Recovery from restorative dental procedures is pretty fast. Normally, by the end of the day, you're back to normal.
What is the success rate with restorative dental procedures?
The success rate with restorative dental procedures is very high. I don't have an exact number, but most are successful with minimal to no problems.
How does a dentist determine if restorative dentistry is necessary?
So a dentist determines if restorative dentistry is necessary by looking at the condition of the teeth. If a part of it is missing or decayed, we would drill it out and build it back to its original state.
What materials are used in restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry involves the use of many materials. Most common is a white filling, also called bonding, and is pain-free. In many cases, you do not even need to be numb for it, and it may involve crowns and veneers.
Are restorative dental procedures painful?
Restorative dental procedures are generally not painful, and sometimes you would be anesthetized if needed.
Utilizing appropriate restorative techniques at the correct juncture can mitigate the necessity for further dental interventions down the line.
These procedures not only safeguard oral health but also contribute to overall well-being by enhancing the aesthetics of a patient's smile. The ability to chew food properly and maintain proper bite alignment holds significance for a patient's health, extending beyond mere cosmetic concerns.
Adopting a Biomimetic Approach
iomimetic Dentistry involves reconstructing teeth to mimic their natural biomechanical and aesthetic characteristics. In essence, it aims to replicate the lifelike qualities of natural teeth. With biomimetic dentistry, only the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth is addressed, and the final restoration is bonded to the remaining healthy natural tooth structure. Stress-reduced direct composite restorations and porcelain/composite inlays and onlays are examples of biomimetic restorations designed to restore the biomechanics of compromised teeth.
Restoration of damaged, broken, or decayed teeth is geared toward reinstating the tooth's original strength, function, and appearance. Biomimetic dentistry achieves these goals through a conservative approach, yielding durable and aesthetically pleasing outcomes.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings utilize tooth-colored materials to restore teeth affected by cavities, preserving a natural appearance. Following removal of decay, the tooth is filled with composite material, which is then cured using specialized light to harden it. Composite fillings can typically be completed in a single appointment.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays or onlays serve as partial crown restorations suitable for cases where there is insufficient tooth structure to support a filling, yet enough structure remains to preclude the necessity for a full crown. Constructed from porcelain or gold, inlays/onlays offer both aesthetic and functional restoration of missing tooth structure.
Learn more about Inlays and Onlays
Crowns
Crowns are dental restorations that encompass the entire external surface of a tooth affected by cracks, breakage, wear, or severe decay. Typically completed over two visits, the tooth is initially prepared (shaped) and an impression is taken. A temporary crown is placed until the permanent crown is fabricated. During the subsequent visit, the permanent crown is carefully fitted and cemented in place.
Learn more about Dental Crowns
Dental Bridges
Bridges provide a solution for replacing missing teeth without resorting to dentures or dental implants. Consisting of two crowns and one or more replacement teeth, bridges are anchored by crowns affixed to adjacent teeth, with the fabricated teeth bridging the gap.
For multiple missing teeth, an implant may be utilized to anchor the bridge securely.
Learn more about Dental Bridges
Implant Restorations
Dental implants comprise three components: a titanium screw, an abutment, and the final restoration. The screw, inserted into the jawbone, serves as a replacement for the tooth root, providing a sturdy foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth. Following a few months of osseointegration, during which the screw fuses with the bone, the abutment is inserted to facilitate attachment of the final restoration.
Learn more about Dental Implants
Dentures
Dentures serve as replacements for multiple missing teeth within a single dental arch. Differing from crowns or bridges, dentures do not rely on existing tooth structures and fully substitute the missing teeth.
Various types of dentures are available, including:
- Full or partial
- Removable or fixed,
- Traditional or implant-supported.