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Restorative
Dentistry

What is Dental Restoration?

Restorative dentistry is a comprehensive dental term that describes a variety of treatments designed to help reestablish normal, healthy oral function for a beautiful, natural-looking smile. Oral health can be compromised for several reasons including decay, gum disease, or trauma. Broken, missing, and badly decayed teeth can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious; they can prevent you from eating a healthy diet and impact your overall health. 

The goal of restorative dentistry is to regain the oral function and integrity that may have been compromised due to the decay, damage, or loss of one or multiple teeth. Multiple treatment options are available at your nearest Dental Depot location. Dental Depot is committed to helping Oklahomans restore and maintain good dental health. Depending on your particular needs, our skilled dental team will discuss your concerns and explore the best restorations to help you achieve your healthiest smile. 

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Dental Restoration Treatment Options 

Fillings.

Fillings are one of the most common forms of restorative dentistry. While good at-home oral hygiene and routine cleanings can help keep tooth decay at bay, cavities (decay on the tooth’s surface) still occur, even with the best care. When the decayed area is relatively small, a filling made of durable resin can be applied to stop or slow the decay spread and protect the tooth from further damage. 

Pros:

Ideal for small cavities and areas of decay, fillings are quick and easy to apply and can usually be completed in one visit. Unlike older silver fillings, newer composite resin fillings look natural and blend in with the rest of your teeth.

Cons:

Depending on the material used, fillings can shrink, break, or come loose over time and may need retreatment every 10-20 years.

Crowns.

A dental crown is a thin tooth-shaped cap or shell that covers the entire damaged tooth just above the gum line of your mouth, protecting it from further damage. Through precision 3D scanning technology, Dental Depot of Oklahoma can develop a crown specifically designed to provide a natural and custom fit for each patient’s tooth.

Dental crowns can also be used as artificial teeth to cover the abutment of a dental implant.

Pros:

Dental crowns are durable and can help correct a wide range of issues, from a broken, cracked, or misshapen tooth to replacing a missing tooth or sealing off a root canal.

Cons:

Crowns can crack over time and may need to be replaced between 5-15 years.

Bridges.

A dental bridge consists of multiple crowns that are connected together. Dental bridges fill the gaps created by several missing teeth, preventing the remaining teeth from shifting. A bridge is anchored to healthy teeth adjacent to the gap and can restore a healthy smile’s natural look and function.

Pros:

Bridges are more secure than dentures and more affordable than dentures. They don’t require surgery and can greatly improve the appearance and function of your smile.

Cons:

During placement, a bit of healthy tooth enamel on the neighboring teeth has to be removed to accommodate the anchoring of the bridge. 

Dental Implants.

Implants are permanent solutions for restoring the function and appearance of your mouth. While the primary goal of your dentist will always be to save your natural teeth, unfortunately, that isn’t always possible in cases of severe damage, decay, or bone deterioration. Implants are a permanent alternative to bridges since they are anchored directly into the jaw bone, mimicking your natural tooth roots. Capped with a prosthetic crown that looks just like a natural tooth, a dental implant will provide long-term support to the remaining teeth and jaw bone, improving your health and increasing confidence. 

Pros:

Implants are designed to be long-lasting, permanent replacements for natural teeth. While the initial upfront cost is more expensive than options like bridges or dentures, the benefits of implants far outweigh any drawbacks throughout a patient’s life. Not replacing a tooth can lead to complications and procedures that are much more costly to your finances and health.

Cons:

Placing dental implants requires several appointments and lengthy recovery times. And if you don’t have enough healthy bone density in your jaw to anchor the implants, you may not be a good candidate for the procedure. 

Dentures (complete or partial).

Dentures are removable, custom-made replacements for missing teeth. Partial dentures replace missing teeth, while complete dentures replace all-natural teeth on both the upper and lower arches. Dentures are common tooth replacement options, especially for patients who are not suitable candidates for implants or bridges. Whether you’re getting a full or partial set of dentures, Dental Depot can customize them for the most comfortable and natural-looking fit possible. 

Pros:

Dentures can be a good replacement option for many people, especially those who can’t or don’t want to go through the arduous process of getting dental implants. Today’s technology produces dentures that look natural, feel comfortable, and are easy to care for.

Cons:

Dentures must be removed at night to be cleaned, and they do need to be readjusted or even replaced periodically as they wear out, and your mouth changes shape with age. 

Restorative Dentistry at Dental Depot 

Dental restorations are an important part of maintaining optimal oral health. Many problems that can compromise oral and overall health–such as cavities, infected teeth, missing teeth, and decay–won’t go away independently and need professional treatment. With offices in 8 cities across the state, Dental Depot is committed to helping Oklahomans achieve their best and healthiest smile. We offer flexible hours and Saturday appointments at many locations, and we can provide all the comprehensive dental care your family needs at the same office at an affordable price. Dental Depot is here for all patients of all ages and every stage of life, from fluoride to fillings and braces to bridges. Schedule your appointment or consultation today at the nearest Dental Depot location for a healthier tomorrow.

Dental Restoration FAQs

What Are Fillings?

Fillings are one of the most common forms of restorative dentistry. Even with the best at-home dental care, tooth decay can still occur. When the decayed area is relatively small, a filling can be applied. Fillings treat teeth by removing the decayed matter and refilling the space with one of several options of materials, such as durable glass and plastic to both slow the spread of decay and protect the tooth from further damage.

What Are Crowns and Bridges?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the part of the tooth that’s visible above the gum line, to protect it from further damage. Dental Bridges are multiple connected crowns, covering gaps created by missing teeth. Through a process of precision photographic technology, we create patient-specific customized replacements for missing teeth.

What Are Dental Implants?

Losing a tooth can throw a wrench into many aspects of both your health and your daily life. Even one lost tooth can lead to ailments such as bone atrophy, altered speech, or simply a drop in self-confidence. Dental Implants are the more robust alternative to dentures or bridges. Often lasting a lifetime, implants anchor themselves below the gum-line, just like your real teeth. This provides support to the rest of your teeth, and fills the gap with a prosthetic that looks and functions just like a real tooth.

What Are Dentures and Partials?

Both dentures and partial dentures are common and affordable tooth replacement procedures, especially for patients who are not suitable candidates for dental implants. Whether getting a full set of dentures or partials, Dental Depot customizes dentures to fit your mouth comfortably and seamlessly – restoring both your smile and your lifestyle.

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