Restorative Dental Care Near You
Restorative dentistry services involve repairing and replacing damaged or missing teeth to improve oral health, comfort, and appearance.
These services include a range of treatments designed to restore both the function and aesthetics of your smile, from addressing cavities and replacing missing teeth to more comprehensive solutions for structural issues.
By restoring proper function, restorative treatments support long-term oral health and help maintain a natural, confident smile.
Types of Restorative Services
Restorative dental services generally include:
Dental Fillings:
When you get a cavity, your dentist can fix it with a filling. First, they’ll clean out the decayed area to get rid of the damage. Then, they fill in the space with a tooth-colored material that blends in naturally. This keeps the decay from spreading and brings the tooth back to its original shape and strength.
Crowns and Bridges:
Crowns, or “caps,” fit over damaged teeth to protect them and bring back their original look and strength. They’re often used when a tooth has a big cavity or crack that a filling can’t fix alone. Bridges, on the other hand, fill in gaps left by missing teeth. Anchored by crowns on the teeth next to the gap, a bridge provides a seamless, natural-feeling replacement, making it easier to eat and talk comfortably.
Dentures
Dentists use dentures to replace several missing teeth or even a full set. Partial dentures fill in gaps when only some teeth are missing, while full dentures replace all your teeth. They’re designed to fit comfortably, helping you chew, speak, and smile naturally again.
Root Canals:
When decay or injury reaches deep inside a tooth, causing pain or infection, a root canal can save it. During this procedure, the dentist removes the infected tissue, thoroughly cleans the area, and seals it to prevent further issues. Saving the tooth with a root canal helps maintain your natural bite, and a crown is usually added afterward for extra strength.
Full Mouth Restorations:
For more complex dental needs, a full mouth restoration combines different treatments, such as fillings, crowns, and implants, to fully restore function and health. This customized approach addresses a variety of issues in one plan, providing a solid foundation for a comfortable, lasting smile.
Benefits of Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry comes with a range of benefits that go beyond just fixing teeth, and they include:
Restoring Tooth Function and Appearance: Procedures like fillings, crowns, and implants restore the look and function of teeth, making it easier to chew, speak, and smile confidently.
Preventing Further Dental Issues: Addressing problems early can prevent more serious complications. Filling a cavity, for instance, stops decay from spreading deeper into the tooth. Additionally, treatments like crowns and bridges protect weakened teeth from breakage, minimizing the chance of infection and further dental interventions later on.
Improving Oral Health and Hygiene: By repairing or replacing damaged teeth, restorative dentistry helps improve overall oral hygiene. Healthy, intact teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. Restorative work also helps maintain a balanced bite, keeping teeth aligned and reducing spaces where bacteria could hide.
Enhancing Overall Quality of Life: A healthy smile contributes to both physical and emotional well-being. Restorative treatments make daily activities like eating and speaking more comfortable, leading to better nutrition and social confidence. The boost in comfort and appearance helps many patients feel more satisfied with their quality of life.
What to Expect During Your Restorative Dental Visit
- Initial Consultation: Your visit begins with a comprehensive examination where our dentist in Calgary assesses your oral health, checks for any damaged or decayed teeth, and discusses any discomfort you may be experiencing. Based on this exam and your dental history, your dentist will develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and desired outcomes.
- Diagnostic Imaging: For a thorough understanding of your dental health, the dentist may take X-rays or use other imaging techniques. These images provide a clear view of areas not visible to the eye, such as beneath the gums or within the bone structure, ensuring accurate diagnosis and precise treatment planning.
- Procedure: Once your treatment plan is set, the restorative procedure begins. Depending on the type of restoration, the dentist will follow specific steps tailored to that treatment. They’ll explain each part of the process as they go, ensuring your comfort and answering any questions. Local anesthesia may be used to keep you comfortable.
- Post-Procedure Care: After the procedure, the dentist provides detailed aftercare instructions to support healing and maintain the results. This may include guidelines on eating, brushing, and pain management. Your dentist may also schedule a follow-up visit to monitor your recovery and address any concerns.
Common Restorative Procedures
- Fillings: Fillings restore teeth damaged by decay and can be made from materials like composite (tooth-colored) or amalgam (silver-colored). Composite fillings blend naturally, while amalgam is more durable for larger cavities. Both types help prevent further decay and maintain tooth structure.
- Crowns: Crowns, also called caps, cover and strengthen weakened or damaged teeth. They’re often used after root canals or for cracked teeth, restoring function and appearance. During placement, the dentist shapes the tooth and places the crown, offering both durability and aesthetics.
- Bridges: Bridges replace missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth. This fixed solution restores chewing ability, keeps teeth aligned, and fills gaps, helping to preserve your smile and prevent shifting.
- Root Canals: Root canals remove infected pulp from the inside of a tooth, alleviating pain and preventing infection. The tooth is cleaned, sealed, and often covered with a crown, allowing patients to keep their natural teeth and avoid extraction.
Post-Treatment Care Tips
- Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: To keep your new dental work safe, avoid eating hard or sticky foods for the time recommended by your dentist. Foods like nuts, caramel, and tough meats can put pressure on new fillings or crowns, which need time to set in properly. Softer foods are a better choice in the first few days to help everything settle comfortably.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Practices: Keeping your mouth clean is essential for protecting your new dental work. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and gently floss around the treated area to avoid plaque buildup. For crowns or fillings, your dentist may suggest a non-abrasive toothpaste that’s gentle on your dental work.
- Schedule Follow-Up Appointments for Check-Ups and Adjustments: Regular check-ups can help make sure your dental work stays in good shape. Follow-up visits allow your dentist to monitor healing, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure everything is functioning as it should. Make sure to schedule these visits as part of your post-treatment care.
FAQs: Common Questions About Restorative Dentistry
How Long Do Restorative Procedures Take?
Will My Insurance Cover Restorative Treatments?
How Do I Care for My Dental Restorations?
What Are the Signs That I May Need Restorative Dental Work?
Common signs include tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, visible cracks, or difficulty chewing. If you notice any of these issues or have missing teeth, it’s worth consulting a dentist. Addressing these concerns early can prevent further damage and maintain the health and function of your teeth.
Schedule a Restorative Dental Care Appointment Today
If you live in the southeast Calgary area, look no further than Inglewood Family Dental for restorative dentistry work. Use our convenient online form or give us a call at (403) 265-5888 to schedule an appointment with our Calgary dentist today. Our friendly staff members look forward to working with you.
The Process of Restorative Dental Care
Consultation
We examine your oral health and determine your requirements.
Treatment Planning
Plan to make your teeth as good as new.
Preparation
We clean your teeth or remove any decay.
Restorative Placement
We carefully place crowns, fillings, or implants.
Polishing
Making final touches for comfort and natural appearance.
Benefits of Restorative Dental Care
- Fixes damaged or missing teeth to make eating easier.
- Helps you speak more clearly by filling gaps or fixing crooked teeth.
- Gives you a natural, beautiful smile to feel more confident.
- Stops future dental problems like cavities or teeth moving out of place.
- Keeps your teeth properly aligned for better oral health.
- Provides strong, long-lasting solutions.
- Offers personalized care to match your needs and preferences.
- Saves time and money by solving issues early.