What is restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry uses restorations, dental prosthetics, and oral surgery to correct issues like tooth decay, gum disease, or trauma. Specifically, it restores your mouth to its healthy, near-original condition, reducing the risk of complications.
What are some common types of restorative dentistry?
Dr. Bacopoulou and the team offer various restorative dental services, including:
Crowns
Crowns are synthetic coverings bonded on top of a molar or premolar. They rehabilitate your tooth enamel and make biting and chewing easier.
Bridges
A bridge fills a gap in your smile caused by a lost or extracted tooth. By “bridging” the gap in your smile, it’s possible to reduce the risk of gum recession and shifting teeth.
Dental implants
Dental implants are screw-like posts that Dr. Bacopoulou inserts into your jaw. They integrate with your natural bone and provide a foundation for crowns, a bridge, or implant-supported dentures.
Dentures
Dentures are oral prosthetics that replace some (or all) of your teeth and the surrounding tissue. Dr. Bacopoulou and the team offer several types of dentures, including immediate, complete, partial, and implant-retained dentures.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are similar to dental crowns. The difference is they’re used to repair minor damage or decay instead of more complex issues. An inlay fits inside the bumps (cusps) on top of a tooth. An onlay covers those bumps.
Composite fillings
Composite fillings repair enamel damage caused by a cavity. Composite resin looks very similar to your tooth enamel. As a result, these fillings blend in with your teeth and appear all-natural.
Root canal therapy
If you develop a deep cavity or experience a blow to the mouth, Dr. Bacopoulou might recommend a root canal. During a root canal, she removes the pulp from your tooth, cleans and fills the center, and caps it with a dental crown. The process preserves your tooth, preventing the need for an extraction.
Extractions
If one or more of your teeth become impacted, infected, or crowded, the team might recommend extractions. Thanks to modern surgical tools and anesthetics, extractions are quick and pain-free.
Full mouth restoration
Some people have multiple dental issues that require extensive work. If you need more than one type of restoration, the team might recommend a full mouth restoration.
Will restorative dentistry benefit me?
Only a qualified dentist, like Dr. Bacopoulou, can determine if you might benefit from restorative dentistry. Following a discussion of your goals, an in-office exam, and a series of oral X-rays, the team can make recommendations that align with your budget, oral health history, and needs.
To learn more about restorative dentistry, make an appointment at Carnegie Dental Wellness by calling the office today or scheduling online.