Restorative dental care repairs damage and helps patients reestablish their oral health. Treatment can provide solutions for common issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, or oral trauma. From simple solutions like dental fillings to more complex procedures like dental prosthetics, restorative dentistry in Northampton can get your smile back to thriving health again.
Dental fillings are a common dental procedure used to restore teeth that have been decayed by cavities or compromised by other damage. Your dentist can use different materials for the filling depending on your oral health and the location of the damage. Composite resin, gold alloys, metal amalgam, porcelain, and glass ionomer cement are all types of material traditionally used in fillings. If you have a cavity, it is important that we address it as soon as possible to prevent further damage. If left untreated, a cavity will eventually require more invasive procedures like root canal therapy or extraction to restore your oral health.
When a decayed tooth is too large for a dental filling but not big enough to require a crown, dental inlays can restore the extent of the damage. Dental onlays provide a similar function, however, they restore the chewing surface of a tooth. Both dental inlays and onlays can be made from gold, porcelain, composite resin, or another tooth-colored material to improve the look and function of your smile.
Lab-made dental crowns are “caps” that cover damaged teeth down to the gum line. Using the highest-quality materials, a state-of-the-art dental lab will create a customized crown to restore your tooth decay. The dental crown process begins with your dentist trimming and shaping your damaged tooth so the new crown can firmly attach. Then, your dentist will take impressions of your bite before sending it to the lab where your restoration will be crafted.
While you wait a few weeks for your permanent crown to be made, we’ll provide you with a temporary crown to wear in the meantime. Once the lab sends us your finished crown, you’ll return to our office for the final placement. We’ll make sure it fits perfectly so your new smile looks great, feels comfortable, and functions seamlessly.
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic and can replace one or several missing teeth in a row. In order to place the dental bridge, crowns must be secured on the teeth surrounding the gap to support the bridge. Since dental bridges are supported by your natural teeth, they can improve your ability to chew and speak comfortably.
When a tooth is severely damaged, root canal therapy removes the infected pulp from the inside of the tooth and fills it with a rubber-like material. This stops the spread of infection and keeps your tooth strong to prevent future issues.
Although it is most common to receive a root canal on a molar or premolar, the procedure can be done on any of your teeth. Our priority is always to save your natural teeth whenever possible. A root canal may help you avoid more invasive procedures in the future.
Full and partial dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and gum tissue. Partial dentures provide a solution for patients missing one or several of their natural teeth, whereas full dentures replace an entire arch of lost teeth. Dentures are held in place with a suction, dental adhesive, or metal framework that clips into your remaining healthy teeth, completely restoring your smile.
For patients in need of dental implants or other significant procedures, oral surgery might be necessary.
Lost jaw bone mass can be replaced with bone grafting, which ensures a patient’s jaw bone is strong enough to support the placement of a dental implant. Patients experiencing weakened jawbones as a result of tooth loss, periodontal disease, or the natural aging process may be good candidates for bone grafting.
Extractions may be necessary for patients receiving a full set of dentures or full-arch dental implants. That being said, we’ll always try to save your natural teeth whenever possible. Our team will only recommend extraction as an option if we can’t restore your smile using less-invasive measures.
Restorative dentistry rehabilitates the form and function of infected, damaged, or missing teeth, with the goal to prevent further damage later on. Teeth that have been subjected to dental trauma caused by an injury or accident can also be repaired with restorative dentistry.
Restorative dental treatments like root canals, crowns, and implants can completely transform the look, function, and feel of your smile while promoting strong oral health as well. Advancements in dental techniques and technology have made restorative dentistry more comfortable than ever. If you suspect that you may need restorative care, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment. Getting the treatment you need can help you to avoid future oral health problems that come with dental pain and more invasive, costly procedures. Not only will you save yourself time and money, but you’ll also be able to grin with confidence, knowing that your smile is in good health.
A dental emergency includes any instance of oral trauma or an injury that requires immediate attention and can’t be treated at home. Persistent toothaches, continuous oral pain or discomfort, chipped or broken teeth, missing or lost dental work, and bleeding gums are all considered dental emergencies. Even if you’re not certain that what you’re experiencing qualifies as a dental emergency, contact us to find out if you require immediate care.
Many insurance plans cover a portion of restorative procedure costs, but the extent of your coverage can vary depending on your particular policy. For example, your insurance might cover the cost of a filling or root canal, but they may not provide the same coverage for dental implants. Reach out to your provider to get a complete understanding of your own coverage. If you have questions, our knowledgeable and friendly team can help you maximize your benefits at our office.