Restorative Dentistry and Its Common Procedures

Dr. Umar Haque • June 19, 2019

If one of the dentists at Oak Brook Smile has told you that you need a restorative dentistry procedure, you may not be entirely clear on what that means. If so, you’re not alone. “What is restorative dentistry?” is a common question that we hear from patients. According to the American Dental Association, restorative dentistry is the process of restoring the teeth, gums, and jaw to a healthy state in order to preserve long-term oral health. You may require one or more procedures if you meet the following criteria:

You experience pain when biting and chewing food
You desire to improve the appearance of your smile by filling in small gaps between your teeth
Treatment is necessary to preserve damaged or decayed teeth and to improve their function and appearance
One of our dentists recommends replacing a previous dental treatment that has failed
You have an improper bite or misaligned teeth
You are missing one, several, or all of your teeth
One of more of your teeth contain cavities

Common Restorative Dentistry Procedures

Before recommending one type of restorative dentistry over another, your dentist at Oak Brook Smile examines your entire mouth in addition to taking x-rays and dental impressions if necessary. He or she may recommend one of these procedures after reviewing all of your information:

Crowns and Bridges: A dental crown goes on top of a back tooth to preserve the function and prevent bacteria from further eroding it. It is more helpful than a filling for teeth that are already badly decayed. Bridges adhere to anchoring teeth in order to hold a single tooth or a few consecutive teeth in place.

Fillings: If you have a cavity, your dentist removes the diseased portion of your tooth and replaces it with a filling to protect the tooth against further decay. You have the option of selecting ceramic, composite resin, gold or silver amalgam, or porcelain fillings.

Implants: Dental implants are a permanent, non-removable solution for tooth loss. Before you receive them, our dentist implants several tiny titanium screws into your jawbone to hold your new teeth in place.

Root Canal: When you have an infected or abscessed tooth, it’s necessary to remove the diseased tissue and clean the tooth from the inside. You also receive a dental cap to prevent further infection.

Treatment of Periodontal Disease: Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, occurs when plaque builds up over time and hardens. This eventually causes bleeding, swollen gums, and pain. We treat this condition as well as teach you how to prevent it.

Now that you understand restorative dentistry, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation to explore your options further.

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