Understanding What Restorative Dentistry Fixes
Restorative dentistry covers any treatment that repairs or replaces damaged tooth structure. The goal centers on bringing your mouth back to proper function while preserving as much natural tooth material as possible.
Common restorative treatments include:
- Fillings that seal cavities and stop decay from spreading
- Crowns that protect badly damaged or weakened teeth
- Bridges that replace one or more missing teeth
- Inlays and onlays for moderate damage that’s too extensive for simple fillings
- Implant restorations that anchor replacement teeth to your jawbone
- Dentures for patients missing most or all of their teeth
Dr. Ryan Kent evaluates the extent of damage before recommending treatment. A small cavity needs only a filling, while a tooth cracked down to the root might require extraction and replacement. The right solution depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains.
Dental Fillings: The First Line of Defense
Cavities start small—just a tiny spot where bacteria have dissolved through the protective enamel. Left alone, that spot grows deeper and wider until it reaches the nerve. Fillings stop this progression by cleaning out the decay and sealing the tooth with durable material.
Modern composite resin fillings bond chemically to tooth structure, which actually strengthens the remaining tooth. The material comes in shades that match your natural teeth, making repairs virtually invisible. Most fillings last seven to ten years with proper care, though some people get two decades or more from a well-placed restoration.
The procedure itself takes less than an hour for a straightforward cavity. Your dentist numbs the area, removes the decayed portion, and layers in the filling material. Each layer hardens under a special light before the next goes in. Once shaped and polished, the filling should feel just like the rest of your tooth.
Crowns Protect Severely Damaged Teeth
When a tooth loses too much structure to support a filling, a crown becomes necessary. Think of it as a protective cap that covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. Crowns distribute chewing forces evenly across the tooth, preventing further cracks or breaks.
Restorative dentistry in Yuma uses crowns for several situations beyond just large cavities. Root canal treatments weaken teeth by removing internal structure, so crowns protect them afterward. Badly worn teeth from grinding need crowns to restore proper height. Cracked teeth need crowns to hold the pieces together and prevent the crack from spreading.
Getting a crown typically requires two visits. During the first appointment, your dentist shapes the tooth, takes impressions, and places a temporary crown. The lab builds your permanent crown over the next couple of weeks. At the second visit, the temporary comes off, and the permanent crown gets cemented into place. Some offices now use digital scanners and in-office milling machines that create crowns the same day.
Bridges Fill the Gaps Left by Missing Teeth
Losing a tooth creates problems beyond the obvious gap in your smile. The teeth on either side start drifting toward the empty space. The tooth that used to bite against the missing one begins growing out of the socket, searching for something to meet. Your jawbone starts shrinking in that area because it no longer gets stimulation from chewing forces.
Bridges anchor replacement teeth to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. The supporting teeth receive crowns, and the replacement tooth suspends between them—hence the name “bridge.” The entire restoration looks and functions like natural teeth once it’s cemented in place.
Traditional bridges work well for replacing one to three consecutive missing teeth. The supporting teeth need enough strength to handle the additional chewing forces. In some cases, implant-supported bridges provide a better solution because they don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support.
Advanced Restorations for Complex Problems
Inlays and onlays fit between simple fillings and full crowns. When a cavity grows too large for a filling but the tooth doesn’t need a complete crown, these restorations offer a middle ground. Inlays fit within the cusps of the tooth, while onlays extend over one or more cusps. Both are fabricated in a lab for precise fit and durability.
Full mouth reconstruction combines multiple restorative procedures to address extensive damage throughout the mouth. Patients who’ve lost numerous teeth, suffered severe decay, or experienced traumatic injuries often need this comprehensive approach. The treatment plan might include crowns, bridges, implants, and gum therapy spread across several months.
Choosing Materials That Last
Different restorative materials suit different situations. Porcelain looks most natural and resists staining, making it ideal for front teeth. Gold alloys prove incredibly durable for back teeth that handle heavy chewing forces. Composite resin works well for fillings and small restorations. Zirconia offers both strength and aesthetics in a single material.
Your dentist considers several factors when selecting materials: the location of the tooth, how much force it endures, whether it shows when you smile, and your budget. Back molars need maximum strength because they crush food with tremendous pressure. Front teeth need materials that blend seamlessly with your natural enamel.
Most restorations last ten to fifteen years with good care. Some patients get much longer from their crowns and bridges, while others need replacements sooner due to grinding habits or recurring decay around the margins. Regular checkups catch problems early, before they compromise the entire restoration.
Preventing Future Damage
Restorative dentistry fixes existing problems, but preventing new damage saves time and money. Teeth crack from grinding and clenching, especially during sleep when you can’t control the habit. A custom nightguard cushions your teeth and protects restorations from excessive force.
Acidic foods and drinks soften enamel temporarily, making it vulnerable to wear. Wait at least thirty minutes after eating or drinking before brushing to let your saliva neutralize the acid and reharden the enamel. Rinsing with water immediately after acidic exposure helps too.
Cavities form when bacteria feed on sugars and produce acid as a waste product. This acid dissolves tooth enamel gradually. Brushing twice daily and flossing once removes the bacterial colonies before they can do serious damage. Fluoride toothpaste helps remineralize early damage before cavities form.
Restorative Dentistry in Yuma at Avenue B Dentistry
Damaged teeth don’t heal themselves—they only get worse over time. What starts as a small crack can split the tooth completely. A minor cavity grows until it reaches the nerve, causing infection and severe pain. The sooner you address dental damage, the simpler and less expensive the treatment becomes.
Avenue B Dentistry combines experienced care with restorative dentistry, designed to last. Every restoration gets planned with your long-term oral health in mind, not just a quick fix that fails in a few years.
Stop letting damaged teeth limit what you eat or make you hide your smile. Schedule a consultation at Avenue B Dentistry and find out which restorative options will work best for your specific situation.