Here at Affiliated Dentists in Madison, Wisconsin, we tackle all sorts of dental problems, from regular teeth cleanings to full smile makeovers. That’s because our dentists are trained as pediatric, cosmetic, and restorative dentists. While most people are familiar with pediatric and cosmetic dentistry, we may have a few patients who are wondering: what does a restorative dentist do? The following are some of the typical procedures restorative dentists provide to help their patients enjoy reliable, pain-free smiles.
- Combating tooth decay
- Repairing damaged or broken teeth
- Replacing missing teeth
Task #1: Combating Tooth Decay
A big part of restorative dentists’ day is spent combating tooth decay in their patients. This is an area of concern because if not treated, tooth decay can increase, spread across the mouth, and cause gum disease. And if a cavity gets big enough, it’s downright painful.
To fix decay in a tooth, a restorative dentist will remove the decay and fill in the area with composite compounds that mimic the appearance of the natural tooth. Unlike gold and alloy fillings that were more common in the past, this tooth-colored filling offers an aesthetically pleasing way to shore up teeth, especially in the smile area.
Task #2: Repairing Damaged or Broken Teeth
Another issue that restorative dentists focus on is repairing damaged or broken teeth. More than a cosmetic problem, damaged or broken teeth are susceptible to decay and infection and can also be sensitive or painful.
Teeth can become weakened or damaged from old or large fillings when there isn’t enough remaining tooth structure to withstand the pressure of chewing. Genetics can also cause teeth to come in malformed. And as every parent of a child in sports knows, blunt trauma to the mouth can break or chip teeth.
For further reading: Athletics Related Dental Injuries
To cover, support, and protect these weakened teeth, your restorative dentist will place a dental crown over the tooth. With proper care, dental crowns can last for decades. While they restore function and strength to your bite, they also have the added benefit of looking like your natural teeth, too.
Task #3: Replacing Missing Teeth
Restorative dentists are like Reverse Tooth Fairies–they bring you new teeth! If you’ve lost a tooth due to decay or injury, a restorative dentist will find the best solution for you to get your smile back.
One proven way to treat tooth loss is with dental implants. Because the implants are anchored into the jaw bone, they provide the same reliable strength as natural teeth. If a patient is missing many teeth, a full arch restoration can be performed using at least four dental implants to anchor bridges to create a beautiful new full smile.
If a patient lacks the necessary bone structure to support an implant, dentures are another convenient way to regain the look and function of natural teeth. Your dentist will create custom dentures made just for you for a comfortable, reliable bite.
Restorative Dentistry in Madison, Wisconsin
No matter your situation, rest assured that our restorative dentists can get you back to your old smiling self! Call us today to schedule an appointment. We’ll work together to create the best plan of action for your specific dental needs. Among other services, we provide crowns, dentures, and dental implants in Madison, Wisconsin.
What Does a Restorative Dentist Do? brought to you by Dr. Mark Gustavson
