General Dentistry Treatments That Can Restore Your Teeth

Restorative procedures are commonly performed by general dentistry offices because they provide numerous benefits to the patient. While most restorative practices result in cosmetic improvements, the primary function of restorative dentistry is to return the teeth and gums to their natural appearance and functionality.

Benefits of restorative dental procedures

Most people require some sort of restorative general dentistry treatment at various times in life, resulting in the following benefits:

• Elimination of pain from cavities or infections
• Improvement in appearance by addressing damaged or missing teeth
• Preservation of the jaw by replacing missing teeth with implants that prevent weakening and dissolution of the bone
• Prevention of additional dental problems by detecting and treating issues before they spread or worsen
• Restoration of oral functions like eating and talking by replacing missing teeth and strengthening damaged ones

Examples of restorative procedures

General dentistry offices routinely perform restorative procedures to correct problems and restore the appearance and function of their patients' teeth. The most common procedures include the following.

Filling cavities

By far the most commonly performed restorative procedure in general dentistry, cavity filling is needed to fill the holes created by bacteria that eat into the tooth's enamel and to protect the pulp of the tooth. The filling procedure involves removal of the tooth's damaged portions and use of tooth-colored composite material to fill the hole.

Bridges

Your general dentistry office may recommend a dental bridge as a replacement for a missing tooth. This is an artificial tooth that is suspended between crowns. Perched on the gums but not rooted into them, the bridge may be an entire row of teeth or a single tooth. Dental implants or crowns placed on adjacent teeth are used to hold the bridge in place.

Crowns

A damaged tooth, whether due to decay or a break or crack, can be strengthened with a crown, sometimes also called a cap. Placed on top of the shaved-down, damaged tooth, the crown is generally made of porcelain material that looks and functions the same as a natural tooth.

Dentures

When you are lacking enough healthy teeth to eat or speak correctly, dentures are a common replacement option. Generally, a set of dentures includes a full arch of teeth. Using adhesives or suction, your general dentistry professional can attach the dentures to your gums, or they may be implanted and fastened in place with screws in your jaw.

Dental implants

When a tooth falls out or is extracted due to severe damage or decay, a dental implant is often used to replace it. A dental implant is an artificial tooth, complete with a replacement root system made of titanium to hold the tooth firmly in place. This artificial root is surgically implanted in the jaw with a crown fixed on top, with the result looking and functioning like a real tooth.