No Insurance? No problem! Join our Smile Club Insurance today, and get started with no waiting period Learn More
Restorative Dentistry In San Antonio, TX 78201
What is restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry is any process in which the goal is to restore proper function to the oral cavity. The purpose is to repair or replace a tooth to provide pain relief and return the area to its optimal functioning. Restorative dentistry can help restore someone’s ability to chew correctly, swallow correctly, and reduce any pain or discomfort in the affected area.
What procedures happen in restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry includes any procedure that has the underlying purpose of bringing your teeth back to their prime functioning abilities. The most common procedures include:
Root Canals
Root canals are procedures done by dentists to clear out an infected tooth. Oftentimes, root canal is the result of an untreated cavity that has led to tooth decay. Your dentist will have to clean out the infected area and damage caused to the root.
Dental Caps
Dental caps are faux teeth often made from porcelain, ceramic, or resin. They are hollowed-out, teeth-shaped caps that fit snugly over a chipped or broken tooth. Their purpose is to restore the tooth to its original capabilities of chewing. They’ll also reduce and eliminate any pain.
Cavity Fillings
Cavities are small holes in the teeth that occur due to tooth decay. Cavity filling procedures are performed in order to clean out that decay in the tooth (that hasn’t yet spread to the root). Once the area is cleaned, a filling is then placed into the hole and set to dry. This protects the tooth and restores it back to its normal function.
Dental Implants
Implants are for people who have missing teeth or teeth that are so damaged they have to be pulled. Their purpose is to act as a replacement tooth for the missing or damaged ones. Your dentist will adhere the faux teeth to the jawbone using a screw/plate.
Bridges
Bridges are similar to dental implants. However, they are larger and meant to replace a string of teeth in a given area. For example, if you are missing four teeth in a row in the front of your mouth, you’d get a bridge to…well…bridge…the gap between your existing teeth!
What is the difference between restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry?
These two terms are often used interchangeably as if they were synonymous, which they aren’t. Restorative dentistry is any procedure that focuses on restoring the mouth back to its most useful and prime state. This can be done through bridges, cavity fillings, implants, and more.
Cosmetic dentistry holds the sole purpose of fixing cosmetic problems with teeth such as gaps, yellowing, or crooked teeth. However, cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry will occasionally merge if the reason for the cosmetic procedures is to restore the natural purpose of the mouth (such as in dental caps).
Final Thoughts
Restorative dentistry is ideal for someone who needs to correct oral problems such as cavities and tooth decay. The purpose is to restore the mouth’s natural function through the use of root canals, bridges, implants and more. If you think you could benefit from restorative dentistry, call your dentist today!