Novato, CA Dentist Explains Restorative Dentistry

Written by Dr. McConnell on Aug 16, 2012

The term “Restorative Dentistry” refers to dental procedures performed in order to restore damaged teeth or replace missing teeth due to decay or injury. There are a number of dental procedures which are considered to be part of restorative dentistry. The procedures used will depend on your specific needs. At our Novato, CA Dentist office, we recommend the restorative procedure most appropriate to repair or replace a missing or damaged tooth.

Among the most well-known procedures in restorative dentistry are fillings and crowns. These procedures are most commonly used to restore the natural structure of teeth from which cavities have been removed. If your dentist is restoring a chipped or broken tooth, he or she may opt to use tooth colored fillings or all-ceramic, single-visit CEREC crowns. Dental bridges may be used where one or two teeth are missing. If there is more extensive damage or tooth loss, a dentist might recommend dental implants.

Left untreated, broken or damaged teeth will eventually change the way your teeth fit together. The relationship between upper and lower teeth is called alignment, or bite. We ensure a natural bite, keeping the upper and lower jaw properly aligned, allowing you to chew easily and keep your jaw muscles balanced and healthy. Maintaining a natural, healthy alignment can help prevent a number of painful symptoms, including: teeth grinding, headaches, pain in the ears, or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD or TMJ).

At our Novato, CA Restorative Dentistry office, we offer a variety of restorative dental procedures to correct dental problems which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious complications. Restorative dentistry should not be confused with cosmetic dentistry procedures. Cosmetic dentistry is often used for purely aesthetic reasons. It is vital to the health of your mouth to restore or replace missing or damaged teeth. When teeth are restored back to their proper form and function, the end result is always a better looking smile.

To find out more about the kinds of restorative dentistry we provide, please contact our office. We would be glad to schedule an appointment or address any questions you might have.