Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry in Hamilton Township, NJ is a branch in the industry that focuses on restoring oral health. While the work may not be able to perfectly match your old smile, the transformation can still be remarkable. Whether you need a tiny filling, several artificial teeth, or a full arch, finding a team that can meet you where you are is important. Restorative dentistry is the key to preventing bigger problems down the line, particularly if you’re already dealing with bone loss or decay.
What Does a Restorative Dentist Do?
Restorative dentists in Hamilton Township, NJ may perform the same services as general or cosmetic dentists. Across all fields of dentistry, the focus is on improving your oral health, but the tone may shift from one type of dentist to another. For example, a cosmetic dentist may help you improve your oral health by helping you take more pride in your smile, so you’re more likely to take care of it on a regular basis. A general dentist may be more interested in preventative work, so you never have to see a specialist in the future. A restorative dentist will fill in the gaps if your teeth have sustained damage.
What Are the Most Common Restorative Dentistry Services?
Restorative dentistry services can depend on anything from the specialist dentist to the practice’s technology. We’ll look at the standard services below and what you can expect.
Fillings
Fillings are a routine dental procedure that you’ll need if you have a cavity. This service is usually straightforward: the dentist spots the hole in the teeth and then uses a composite material to fill the hole. Fillings strengthen teeth and prevent bacteria from working into the sensitive pulp of the tooth. If the cavity is on the larger side, this is when you’ll want an experienced dentist to take over. Not all teeth should be filled, and the exact line between when you need a filling and when you need a partial crown is not always clear.
Crowns
Dental crowns are artificial teeth that either augment an existing tooth or replace a missing one. Today’s technology has made this process much smoother than it used to be, with fewer demands on the patient and more success for the dentist. Whether you need a partial or a full crown, you can expect the dentist to match the color and shape, so it doesn’t look out of place with your surrounding teeth. From there, they’ll prepare the area and then fuse the crown before adjusting your bite.
Implants
Dental implants are a way to fill in a missing tooth or, in some cases, a full set of missing teeth. Implants rely on the strength of your jawbone, fusing a metal post to the bone to take the place of the original tooth root. With implants, you’ll need to wait several weeks (in some cases several months) for the metal post to fuse to the jawbone. Once it’s taken root, the dentist will replace the missing tooth with a full crown. Implants are highly recommended if you have a missing tooth and your jawbone is healthy enough to sustain the procedure.
Bridges
A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that’s supported by the surrounding natural teeth. There are several types of dental bridges, depending on what the dentist offers and where the missing tooth is. Dental bridges are not as strong as dental implants, but because your natural teeth root them, they can hold up reasonably well to everyday pressure. Bridges are a permanent solution to a missing tooth and, unlike partial dentures, do not need to be removed for cleaning.
Dentures
Full or partial dentures are a great way to restore your mouth if you’re not eligible for bridges or implants. Not only do dentures protect your gums and jawbone, they can help you maintain your speech patterns and facial structure. Dentures use adhesives to attach artificial teeth above the gums, and they don’t always have the best reputation for being comfortable or easy to care for. The right restorative dentist can help you find the best appliances, whether you’re concerned about the fit or the maintenance responsibilities.
Restorative Dentists in Hamilton Township
No matter what you’re looking for from a dentist, whether you’re concerned about aesthetics or your oral health, the right staff can help you find solutions that work for you. The best part is that people who often come in just to fill in a gap end up renewing their interest in their oral health, stepping up their home hygiene so they’re less likely to suffer another loss down the line. If you’re interested in scheduling a restorative service, the team at Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry can give you more than just general guidance and advice, we can help you work out a custom treatment plan that works for you!
