A restorative dentist specializes in the restoration and maintenance of teeth. They provide patients with restorations to replace missing or damaged teeth and diagnose and treat dental disease. Many different restorations can be used for various reasons; some examples include bridges, root canals, dentures, onlays, and inlays.
What is restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry prevents, diagnoses, and treats structural dental problems such as tooth decay and promotes good dental health through lifelong oral care.
Many different types of restorations can be used for various reasons depending on the patient’s needs. This is different from cosmetic dentistry, which mainly deals with aesthetic issues. Restorative dentists focus on restoring your teeth and oral health for functional purposes rather than just looks.
Types of Restorative Dental Treatments
There are several types of treatments restorative dentists can use. Here are a few:
Bridges
A dental bridge can replace a missing tooth and allow you to eat, drink, and talk like you normally would. Bridges are dental prosthetics that create a bridge between the gap of two healthy teeth to replace a missing tooth. It uses a permanent crown to anchor the two healthy teeth. These are called abutment teeth. In the middle of these abutment teeth is a replacement tooth that is attached, restoring your mouth to normal function.
Traditional Bridges
Traditional bridges are the most popular choice of bridges dentists use today. They’re used when your natural teeth are still on either side of a missing tooth or gap. Traditional bridges are typically made from ceramic or porcelain, and they fuse to a metal frame. Your dentist will have to remove some enamel from your natural teeth to attach a permanent crown which is needed to protect your teeth.
Cantilever Bridges
This type of bridge can be used when you have natural teeth on only one side of the gap or missing tooth. Enamel must be removed just like traditional bridges. The bridge is attached only to the abutment tooth. Loose crowns or fractured teeth are at high risk of occurring because only one side of the bridge is supported.
Resin-Bonded Bridges
Resin-bonded bridges, also known as Maryland bridges, are metal or porcelain bands that are often used to replace missing front teeth. They use the porcelain bands to bind the replacement tooth to the surrounding teeth.
Root Canals
Root canal therapy is a common dental procedure that endodontists often perform. Despite its reputation, this isn’t any more painful than receiving a filling. A root canal aims to preserve your tooth by getting rid of the infection and fortifying your natural tooth, rather than extracting it, as most other restorative treatments would do.
Modern-day anesthetics have made root canal therapy a more comfortable procedure. The area around the tooth is numbed, the pulp is removed, and the chamber is then cleaned. Once cleaned, the pulp chamber is sealed to prevent infection. A protective dental crown is placed over the area, which will help support your bite and keep your healing tooth safe.
Afterward, you may experience some discomfort and pain. That is completely normal and can last a few days. Root canals can save your wallet and your tooth.
Dentures
Dentures are dental prosthetics that consist of artificial teeth and gum tissues. Dentures can help support facial muscles, improve speech and improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile. Modern dentures are comfortable and easy to clean. There are two different types of dentures, including full and partials.
Full Dentures
Dentures are a great way to restore your smile and function. If you lose all of the teeth on top or bottom, complete dentures can help give back what was lost.
Partial Dentures
If you’re missing some teeth on your top and bottom jaw, we may suggest a removable partial denture. It consists of one or more false teeth that stay in place with clasps attached via nearby health ones. They might feel unnatural initially, but after some time, you will get used to them.
Inlays and Onlays
Dental inlays and onlays are used to repair large cavities or other forms of damage on the tooth’s surface, which causes issues with biting. They are typically made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin.
Inlays fill cavities on the surface between cusps, whereas onlays cover a larger surface of the cavity, including the cusps. Onlays function similarly to dental crowns, but onlays don’t cover the entire surface of the tooth.
Benefits of Seeing a Restorative Dentist
If you see a restorative dentist, they will focus on restoring your mouth’s function so you can live a normal life free of oral pain or unnatural-looking teeth. Whether you’re just missing a few teeth or all of your teeth, restorative dentistry can help get your life back. It can also help with speech and facial muscles. Enjoy eating your favorite foods again!
The Best Restorative Dentist in Akron, OH
As you can see, there are many ways to deal with tooth loss and maintain a healthy mouth. If you’re not sure which type of treatment would work best for you, visit Eberhardt Dentistry in Akron, Ohio, today. We offer all kinds of treatments, including bridges, root canals, dentures, and inlays or onlays. We can provide whatever you need to correct your particular problem. Whatever it takes to restore function, we’re here at Eberhardt Dentistry and ready to help.
Choosing a dentist can seem challenging, and finding the right dentist for your specific needs can feel even more difficult. You want to feel confident that you are choosing a dentist who will meet all your needs and provide the best care possible. Don’t just choose anyone; do your research and ask questions.
The dental team at Eberhardt Dentistry is here to meet your entire family’s dental needs. With our friendly staff and experienced, professional dentists, you will feel comfortable knowing you are being taken care of.
Ready to make an appointment? Call to schedule an appointment today at (330) 836-5585.
