What Is Restorative Dentistry?

The goal of restorative dentistry is to repair a smile that is damaged to achieve optimal oral health, appearance, and function. This review discusses restorative dentistry and highlights the various services that this branch of dentistry includes.

An overview of restorative dentistry

Learning more about the benefits of restorative dental services can help you determine how a restorative dentistry visit can benefit you. The following are some things to know about restorative dentistry, including how it is defined, who offers treatment, how to personalize your treatment plan, and more.

Restorative dentistry defined

Restorative dentistry includes a set of dental services that aim to fix teeth and gums that are damaged from oral hygiene concerns or dental trauma. It is a relatively broad term, and the services that are included in restorative dentistry include but are not limited to:

  • Dental crowns
  • Dental bonding
  • Dental fillings
  • Porcelain veneers
  • Dental implants
  • Fixed bridges
  • Root canal procedures

There are a variety of purposes for restorative dentistry; the primary purpose is generally to improve the patient’s oral health. However, there are aesthetic benefits of many restorative dentistry services as well.

Who offers restorative dentistry?

Most “restorative dentists” practice under other titles, such as a “general dentist” or a “family dentist.” The fact is most licensed dental professionals offer a set of restorative dentistry services, but the exact services that they offer may vary for each dentist with some offering a more extensive list of restorative services than others. To determine whether a particular dentist can meet your restorative needs, check their list of services on their website and/or schedule a consultation visit.

How to personalize a restorative dentistry treatment plan

During a consultation visit with a dentist, they may begin by discussing the reason for your visit and performing diagnostic services (e.g., dental x-rays and an oral examination). Based on the patient’s treatment goals and what is discovered through the diagnostic services, they may recommend certain restorative dentistry treatments to help them achieve the goals they have for their oral health and smile. This may involve multiple services over the course of several dental visits.

Preventive dentistry after restorative dentistry services

Restorative dentistry services are available to address any oral health concerns or dental trauma accidents that occur, but the ultimate goal for dentists is to help patients prevent the need for restorative dentistry through preventive treatments. After restorative dentistry is performed, the dentist and the patient can discuss a way to prevent future concerns through good oral hygiene practices, regular cleaning visits, and other preventive measures such as fluoride treatment, dental sealants, and bruxism guards.

Frequently asked questions about restorative dentistry

To provide you with more details about restorative dentistry, the following are answers to several common questions about this field:

When is restorative dentistry recommended?

Restorative dentistry is recommended for individuals who have oral health concerns that cause discomforting symptoms, affect the patient’s appearance and self-image, may worsen without treatment, or increase the risk of other oral health concerns. Specific types of concerns that must be addressed through restorative dentistry services include chipped or cracked teeth, cavities, periodontitis, and worn-down teeth from bruxism, among other oral health concerns.

What are the risks of not treating oral health concerns?

Most types of oral health concerns worsen or lead to other oral health concerns if they are left untreated for an extended amount of time. For example, a small cavity can worsen into deep tooth decay. This leads to the need for more invasive and costly procedures, and there is a higher risk of losing the tooth and needing a tooth replacement.

Are restorative dentistry services painful?

Some restorative dentistry procedures are known to cause discomfort, although there is typically not as much discomfort as the patient anticipates. Many dentists give patients the option of sedation to help minimize or even avoid discomfort during the procedure. The most common types of dental sedation that are used for restorative dentistry services include nitrous oxide (also known as “laughing gas), oral sedation, and IV sedation.

Ready to schedule an appointment?

Our restorative dentistry team takes pride in assisting patients with their oral care needs. We offer diagnostic and restorative dentistry services, along with addressing any cosmetic dentistry goals you may have. To learn more during a consultation visit, call our team today or schedule a visit by sending us a message.

Request an appointment here: https://www.oakbrookdentist.com or call Metcalf Dental at (630) 203-9779 for an appointment in our Oak Brook office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Restorative Dentistry in Oak Brook, IL.

Related Posts

What Is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is the process of restoring damaged or missing teeth. You have had a form of dental restoration if you have ever had bridges, crowns, or fillings. Dentists want to improve or maintain your smile while preventing future dental complications. Restorative procedures need care and attention to detail. Therefore, only qualified dental professionals should…

How Restorative Dentistry Can Transform Your Dental Health

Restorative dentistry aims to bring back your smile and dental health. You may want to have dental restorations to regain your youthful appearance. But by getting this treatment, your dental health can improve. Here are the details on how restorative dentistry can make your dental health better.A general dentist will examine the patient’s teeth, gums,…

Braces As Part Of A Smile Makeover

If you are seeking a smile makeover but have crooked or oddly-spaced teeth, braces could be a smart solution for you. Many adolescents have braces put on to straighten out their bites, but older adults can benefit from them as well.A smart way to determine whether you need braces is to see your dentist at…

Options For A Smile Makeover For Stained Teeth

A smile makeover is a common intervention that dentists use for patients of all ages. If you are unhappy with the way your smile looks, you should get in touch with your dentist. Many issues can affect your smile, including discoloration of your teeth. Stained teeth can be embarrassing. If you have this condition, you…

Metcalf Dental

Share
Published by
Metcalf Dental

Recent Posts

Six Cosmetic Dental Services You May Want to Consider

Cosmetic dental services might be what you need to improve how your teeth look. These…

5 days ago

How You Can Benefit from Cosmetic Dental Services

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, cosmetic dental services can be…

2 weeks ago

When To See an Emergency Dentist for Gum Problems

An emergency dentist can treat a wide variety of problems, including advanced gum disease that…

2 weeks ago

3 Tips To Help Dental Crowns Last Longer

Dental crowns are expected to last for more than a decade. They can endure even…

2 weeks ago

7 Common Cosmetic Dental Services

Wondering what cosmetic dental services are available these days? Read on to explore some procedures…

3 weeks ago

Benefits of Receiving Cosmetic Dental Services

Anyone who is not satisfied with the appearance of their teeth can benefit from getting…

4 weeks ago