Restorative dentistry focuses on rebuilding and restoring teeth that are either missing, decaying, or damaged in some way. The main goal of restorative dentistry is to return your teeth to a healthy and functional state. At Eric A Lim DDS, restorative dentistry includes various procedures, from dental crowns to fillings, bridges, implants, and dentures. These different treatments help restore function, improve the appearance and protect damaged or compromised teeth.
The Benefits of Restorative Dentistry
Dental restorations are designed to improve your oral health and function. A restoration may be recommended when a tooth is cracked, decayed, missing, or worn down. Restorations strengthen and protect your teeth from further damage and are customized to meet your specific needs.
Patients often choose restorative dentistry to correct imperfections in their appearance that make them feel self-conscious about smiling, laughing, or talking around others. However, these procedures can also improve a patient’s confidence. For example, replacing missing teeth can make it easier to eat healthy foods, giving patients greater control over their nutrition and helping them feel healthier overall. Similarly, misaligned teeth are more difficult to clean properly and can lead to oral health issues, so correcting these problems can allow patients to feel more confident in their smiles. Patients may also feel more confident socially after having a procedure that improves their appearance.
Types of Restorative Dentistry
Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings provide a robust and natural-looking restoration option for cavities and minor decay. The filling material is made of composite resin that can be shaded to match the natural shade of your tooth enamel.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. The crown is custom-fitted to your tooth in a dental laboratory to ensure the best fit and look. Once it’s ready, the crown will be cemented into place at your next appointment. Dental crowns are commonly used to treat broken teeth, but they may also be recommended when a large cavity threatens the tooth's health. Crowns can be used following root canal therapy to strengthen the tooth and prevent it from breaking.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a small titanium rod surgically inserted into the jawbone, which integrates with the jaw's bone tissue through osseointegration. Once it’s integrated, it becomes a permanent part of the mouth and can be used to anchor a replacement tooth or bridge in place. Because dental implants become part of the jaw bone, they are incredibly stable compared to other restoration forms.
Restorative dental services can help your smile look its best and prevent future problems. Visit Eric A Lim DDS at 1624 Franklin St #300, Oakland 94612, or call (510) 893-2525 to learn more about which restoration suits you!
