Why Restorative Dentistry Is Important
There are several reasons why restorative dentistry is important. If teeth are missing, the empty spaces left in the mouth can cause the other teeth to become improperly aligned. By filling in these empty spaces, this can be prevented.
Replacing missing or damaged teeth makes it easier to keep up good oral care habits to help prevent plaque from building up, and the problems that this can lead to. Missing teeth can soon negatively affect your health, appearance, and self-esteem.
Restorative Dentistry Procedures
Fillings
The most common kind of restorative dentistry, and way to treat a cavity is for your dentist to remove the decay and fill in the tooth with one of a few different materials. This filling material could be gold, porcelain, silver amalgam (which is made up of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper), plastic in the color of the tooth, or composite resin.
Crowns
A crown is a cap, shaped like a tooth, that is placed over a damaged tooth. The crown is used to strengthen and protect the structure of the tooth. Your dentist will prepare the tooth, take an impression of it, and the crown will be made by a specialist in a lab.
A crown is ideal for people with broken teeth or serious cavities. The crown is cemented into place over the tooth that has been damaged.
Bridges
A dental bridge is used to bridge the gap left behind by any missing teeth. A bridge has a crown on each end, which acts as an anchor, with an artificial tooth or teeth connecting the crowns together, and filling in the empty space. A bridge can prevent your other teeth from moving out of place. After a bridge has been put in place, it works in the same way as your natural teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are used to replace any teeth that are missing. An implant is made up of two parts. It has a metal anchor and a false tooth, which is similar to a crown. A dental implant will look and feel the same as a natural tooth.
The metal anchor of the implant is inserted into the jawbone. After this anchor has been put in place, a false tooth is fitted.
How To Care For Restorative Dentistry Work
- Thoroughly brush your teeth twice a day.
- Electric toothbrushes can be used to remove plaque from your teeth or restorative work.
- Always floss around your teeth, dental implants, crowns, and bridges every day.
- Try to avoid chewing on foods that are very hard or sticky. Foods like this can cause damage to your implant, bridge, or crown.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to fight bacteria around the restorative work you’ve had done.
If you’re interested in restoring your smile in Mesa, AZ, contact our office today to learn more and schedule an appointment.