The purpose of restorative dentistry is to restore a patient’s teeth and oral health. It can alleviate pain caused by severe decay, infection, and bacterial growth, improve chewing and biting function, and elevate the overall appearance of a patient’s smile and their confidence.
There are a number of different treatments that fall under the umbrella of restorative dentistry, including dental fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants. Skilled restorative dentists utilize cutting-edge techniques and materials that can improve the overall aesthetic of a patient’s smile.
The main reason people choose to undergo a restorative treatment is to address dental issues that have already taken hold. If left untreated, many dental problems can grow and lead to more complex problems down the line. For example, untreated tooth decay can eat away at the interior of your teeth and cause an infected or abscessed root canal. The longer you wait to fix these problems, the more likely they are to worsen and become much harder to treat.
With restorative dentistry, patients can restore their teeth to their original state before the damage took place. This will allow them to eat more food, speak clearly, and smile confidently without fear of embarrassment or discomfort. Many of these procedures are covered by dental insurance and can be a life-changing investment in your smile.
In addition, many of these treatments will prevent future complications from developing. For example, a cavity is often treated with a dental filling, which replaces the damaged portion of your tooth with a composite material. This prevents further decay and stops the hole from getting larger, avoiding the need for more extensive dental work in the future.
For more complicated cases, restorative treatments can also help prevent teeth from fracturing or needing to be removed. These types of procedures include dental onlays and inlays, which cover the chewing surfaces in a tooth’s center between its cusps (points). These one-of-a-kind restorations act like pieces of a jigsaw to fill in any gaps in your teeth, keeping them strong and preventing them from becoming more damaged over time.
Aesthetic restorations can give patients a complete, confident smile that enhances their mental and emotional well-being. They also encourage consistent oral hygiene, which can help keep other dental issues at bay. If you are concerned about your smile, it’s important to consult a skilled restorative Torrance dentist who can assess your situation and recommend the best course of action. They can help you find a solution that will fit your budget and address your specific concerns.