Only about three-quarters of Canadians visit a dentist at least once per year. While that's a good percentage of Canadians, it's not enough. For proper dental health, it's best for everyone to see a dentist about twice per year.
Unfortunately, many people are unable or unwilling to do this. This results in a need for restorative dental procedures to fix the results of poor dental care.
But what is restorative dentistry anyway? What is it for, and what types of treatments do dentists offer? We have some answers to these questions right here for you.
Read on to learn all about restorative dentistry and how it can help you and your teeth.
First: What Is Restorative Dentistry?
Overall, the goal of restorative dentistry is to help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums, restore proper chewing and eating functions, enhance the aesthetic of their smiles, and prevent further dental problems. How dentists go about reaching those goals will vary depending on several factors.
Restorative dentistry is often both for health and aesthetics, so some procedures may also fall into the "cosmetic dentistry" category. For example, dental crowns are both restorative and cosmetic. They protect your teeth and prevent other health conditions while improving the appearance of your smile.
When Is Restorative Dentistry Necessary?
So when should someone consider seeking out restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry becomes necessary when teeth are damaged, decayed, worn down, or lost. This can be due to various factors like decay, trauma, or even underlying health conditions.
Common situations in which restorative dentistry is necessary include treating cavities, repairing fractures or damage, replacing missing teeth, and performing root canal treatment. As we mentioned, some restorative procedures are also for addressing less serious cosmetic concerns.
The goal is to help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums and improve their overall quality of life.
What Types of Restorative Dentistry Are Available?
So when it comes to restorative dentistry, what do dentists offer? Restorative dentistry covers a wide range of services. Some of them are incredibly common, and you may have already experienced them!
Here are just a few types of restorative dentistry procedures that your local dentist may be able to offer you.
Fillings
First, let's talk about one of the most common types of restorative dentistry: dental fillings.
Dentists use dental fillings to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or cavities. The decayed or damaged portion of the tooth is removed, and the resulting cavity is cleaned out. Then, the dentist fills the space with a tooth-colored material that looks and feels natural.
Dental fillings restore the structure and function of the tooth while preventing further decay and damage.
Crowns
Many people confuse dental crowns and fillings, but they're different restorative procedures that serve different (albeit similar) purposes. So what are they?
Dental crowns, sometimes referred to as "caps," are tooth-shaped restorative dental options that cover the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gumline. In other words, the dental crown visibly takes the place of the natural tooth.
Crowns can strengthen and protect teeth that have been subject to extensive decay, damage, or even root canal treatment (more on that later). Your dentist will custom-make your dental crown to match the color, shape, and size of the natural tooth. The crown restores the appearance and function of your tooth.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment (sometimes referred to as root canal therapy) is another common restorative procedure that dentists offer.
Dentists perform this treatment to treat infected or inflamed tooth pulp caused by dental trauma, severe decay, or repeated dental procedures.
During the procedure, the dentist will remove the pulp. They'll then clean and shave the root canal and fill the space with a biocompatible material that's safe and durable.
Root canal therapy is meant to save the natural tooth from extraction. It can also alleviate pain and prevent worsening infection.
Inlays and Onlays
Dental inlays and onlays are restorative dental treatments that can repair teeth that have mild to moderate decay or damage.
Dentists will often use them when the structure of a tooth is too compromised for a traditional dental filling, but the problem isn't quite extensive enough to require a dental crown.
Dental inlays and onlays tend to be quite comfortable, and they have a natural feeling and appearance, making them fantastic for dental restoration.
We make our dental inlays and onlays in a special laboratory after a full examination and taking photos of your teeth. We want to make sure that they match your natural teeth so you can have a fully restored smile.
Dental inlays and onlays can be both cosmetic and restorative depending on the unique needs of the patient.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a remarkable addition to the world of restorative dentistry, and their popularity is increasing over time. Although some people consider them as a cosmetic procedure, they actually offer restorative benefits that are too valuable to only be labeled as purely cosmetic. Dental implants provide significant functional improvements and have the potential to change people's lives.
The actual implants themselves are titanium posts that dental surgeons can implant into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. They serve as stable anchors for artificial teeth or crowns.
Dental implants offer a permanent solution for tooth loss, unlike traditional dentures (which are still fantastic for some patients).
They provide excellent stability and functionality, and they look like real natural teeth. They also help preserve jawbone density and prevent bone loss which is common among people with tooth loss.
Do You Need Restorative Dentistry?
So what is restorative dentistry? It's dentistry meant to restore your smile.
If you have suffered from tooth decay, dental trauma, or even tooth loss, restorative dentistry may be the solution for you! A skilled dentist can restore your smile, which would enable you to eat and speak without discomfort. It is essential to take care of your oral health, and by seeking the appropriate treatment, you can improve your overall well-being.
At Newmarket Dental Care, our team is ready to help you with your smile. From basic preventative care to full restorative and cosmetic procedures, we've got you covered.
We'd love to see you for your first appointment with us. Reach out to schedule an appointment today.