A heartfelt smile is incomplete without perfect, beautiful teeth. Sadly, about 120 million people in the US, many of whom are from Massachusetts, are missing one or more teeth, which makes it hard for them to eat, speak, or even smile freely.
However, restorative dentistry in Dedham, MA, can provide effective and permanent solutions to those in need. Whether you’ve missing teeth or damaged teeth, restorative dentistry can help you find your way back to improved dental health.
Signs that you need restorative dentistry services
The main aim of restorative dentistry is to restore the appearance and functionality of your teeth and resolve oral health issues. If you experience one or more of the following dental problems, then restorative dentistry can provide you with great solutions.
- You’ve one or more damaged or decayed teeth
- You’ve lost one or more teeth
- Your teeth are severely misaligned
- You are experiencing some kind of oral illness like periodontal disease
- Your teeth have experienced trauma due to an accident or injury
Advantages of restorative dentistry
Restorative dentistry can provide you with both physical and mental benefits. Here’s what benefits you can expect after a restorative dentistry procedure.
- Restorative dentistry can improve your oral health while also reducing the risks of future dental issues like gum diseases or tooth decay.
- Restorative dentistry restores the chewing function and allows you to eat and drink without pain or sensitivity.
- Another benefit is an improved appearance, leading to a more confident smile and boosted self-esteem.
- Restorative dentistry can help you get rid of pain caused by decaying teeth, infections, or cavities.
- Restorative dentistry can save the bone structures underneath your teeth from damage due to infections.
- Restorative dentistry procedures provide long-lasting results that can last more than 10 years, given that you maintain good oral hygiene.
How does restorative dentistry help you?
Depending on your dental problem, dentists may rely on restorative dentistry to help you regain dental functionality and appearance using one or more of the following procedures.
- Inlay restorations: The inlay restoration procedure uses a custom filling made from composite material like tooth-colored porcelain or gold, which is cemented into defective fillings or damaged parts (cusps) of the tooth to repair it. Inlay restorations can last for years.
- Onlay restorations: Onlay restorations, also known as partial crowns, are also made from composite material and work similarly to an inlay restoration except that they can cover one or more cusps and usually cover the entire biting surface of a tooth.
- Dental crowns: A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cup that sits over a tooth to restore the shape, strength, and appearance of a partially decayed, broken, or root-canal-treated tooth.
- Root canal treatments: Root canal treatment is a suitable treatment for a tooth infection that has damaged pulp and nerves inside the tooth. The dentist will remove dead tissues to remove bacteria and fill the empty area with a root filling before sealing the area.
- Dental implants: Dental implants are medical devices that are placed in the jawbone through the surgical process. The implants act as roots or anchors for artificial teeth like crowns, dentures, or bridges.
- Dental bridges: Dental bridges are used to restore multiple missing teeth with a row of artificial teeth that are held in place by metal wings, crowns, or implants at either end of the bridge.
Precautions to take after a restorative dentistry procedure
One must take the following precautions after a restorative dental procedure to ensure quick recovery and lasting results.
- Eat soft foods and avoid crunchy, hard, or chewy foods.
- Avoid brushing and flossing, or do it very gently.
- Avoid sticky and acidic foods as they can dislodge the restoration.
- Wear a mouthguard to prevent grinding or clenching at night.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- Have sufficient rest and take pain medications prescribed by the dentist.
Finally, make sure that you follow the instructions provided by your dentist for a speedy recovery. In case you experience excessive bleeding or pain, contact your dentist immediately.
