Advanced restorative dentistry
Advanced restorative dentistry works to restore damaged teeth to their former glory, using sophisticated techniques and technology. Damaged teeth resulting from excessive wear and tear, natural defects, external injuries or traumas and oral diseases can all by successfully treated using advanced restorative dental procedures.
Here are five things you need to know about advanced restorative dentistry.
1. Can advanced restorative dentistry fix any dental problem that I have?
Advanced restorative dentistry can fix a whole host of problems, such as:
Broken and fractured teeth
- Missing teeth
- Weak teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Discoloured teeth
- Damaged fillings
- Diseased and decayed teeth
So, there’s a good chance that whatever your tooth or gum problem is, restorative dentistry has the answer.
2. Does advanced restorative dentistry involve invasive surgery?
Advanced restorative dentistry may involve a small amount of invasive surgical treatment, depending on what procedure you need to undergo. There are also restorative dental treatments which involve non-invasive surgical treatment, and some which don’t involve surgery at all.
3. What are advanced restorative dentistry procedures?
There are a number of different types of restorative dentistry treatments. They include:
Dental implants
Dental implants are artificial teeth which are surgically inserted into your gum to replace a missing tooth. The implant is two-fold, consisting of a titanium post which is placed in your jawbone, and an artificial tooth which is attached to the post. Dental implants have the highest success rate of any dental treatment, a fact which is reflected in their cost. They are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth, as well as being highly durable and very long-lasting.
Dental crowns
Dental crowns are a strong and durable solution to the problem of damaged teeth. These specially constructed and fitted caps are used to fully cover teeth which are cracked, chipped, misshapen, discoloured or otherwise beyond repair. They increase the longevity of
the damaged tooth by providing protection and support, as well as improving the appearance of the tooth.
Dental bridges
A dental bridge is a ceramic or porcelain restoration that is custom-made to span the gap left by a missing tooth. The bridge is anchored to the teeth which surround the gap, making it very durable and effective. It can also be colour-matched to your existing teeth so that no-one will know it’s not a natural part of your smile.
Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment essentially removes infected pulp from a tooth, thus saving the tooth from extraction. This allows patients to retain their natural teeth for a lot longer, and in a healthier state.
Dentures
Unlike dental implants, dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. They are custom made to fit your mouth by a dentist and have a very natural appearance. They are made from acrylic resin with porcelain or metal for structural support, and allow you to eat, speak and smile with confidence.
4. What is the difference between advanced restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic and advanced restorative dental procedures often overlap, so it can be confusing trying to tell the difference between the two. While some of the treatments used in both may be the same, the purpose of each is different.
Cosmetic dentistry is focused on enhancing the look of your smile and the appearance of your teeth, gums and mouth. In contrast, advanced restorative dentistry is focussed on improving the function of your teeth and fixing structural problems such as badly damaged, decayed or missing teeth. Both have a similar outcome – improving your confidence and appearance; but those seeking advanced restorative dentistry generally are trying to fix more significant problems than those just seeking to improve appearance.
For more on what cosmetic dentistry includes, click here
5. Is advanced restorative dentistry painful?
While undergoing a significant dental procedure such as those listed above certainly sounds like it might be painful, this is actually not the case. Restorative dental procedures such as crowns and bridges can be carried out in the dental chair and are not usually overly painful. Dental implants will require surgery, but will be done under a general anaesthetic so that you won’t feel any pain or discomfort.
While you might experience some pain, discomfort or swelling following the procedure, this is usually easily controlled by over-the-counter pain medications. The recovery process isn’t usually long and painful at all.
