Understanding Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry plays a crucial role in repairing and restoring the function and appearance of damaged teeth. At Sunbury Plaza Dental in Westerville, OH, we offer a range of restorative dental services to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. In this blog post, we’ll explore what restorative dentistry is, common procedures, and how it can benefit you. 

What is Restorative Dentistry? 

Restorative dentistry focuses on diagnosing and treating dental issues that affect the structure and function of your teeth. This includes procedures that repair damaged teeth, replace missing teeth, and improve your overall oral health. The goal is to restore the natural function and appearance of your teeth, ensuring a healthy, confident smile. 

Common Restorative Dentistry Procedures 

• Fillings: When a tooth is affected by decay, a filling is used to restore its function and integrity. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and the area is filled with a material such as composite resin, which matches the color of your natural teeth. 

• Crowns: Dental crowns are used to cover and protect a damaged or weakened tooth. They are custom-made to fit over the entire tooth, restoring its shape, size, and strength. Crowns are often used after root canal therapy or to cover a large filling. 

• Bridges: A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of artificial teeth anchored in place by crowns on the adjacent natural teeth. Bridges help restore your smile and maintain the proper alignment of your teeth. 

• Implants: Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. They involve placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as a replacement root. An artificial tooth (crown) is then attached to the post, providing a natural-looking and functional replacement. 

• Dentures: Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They come in full or partial options, depending on the number of teeth that need replacement. Dentures help improve chewing, speech, and overall appearance. 

• Root Canal Therapy: When the inner pulp of a tooth becomes infected or damaged, root canal therapy is used to save the tooth. The infected pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed, and a crown is often placed to protect the tooth.