The Importance and Procedures of Restorative Dentistry
What is restorative dentistry?
To restore something means to replace what's missing. If you have a missing filling, a missing crown, or even a missing tooth, we can definitely put it back or restore it, which means restorative dentistry.
What is the difference between restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry?
Restorative dentistry is to restore what is missing. If there's a missing space, filling, tooth, or even a crown, you put it back. Cosmetic dentistry is to make something beautiful, pleasing to the eye, to beautify it. That is what cosmetic dentistry is.
What conditions would require restorative dentistry?
Fillings, crowns, inlays, onlays, and root canals. There are many divisions under restorative dentistry, such as drilling a cavity and removing bacteria, then putting a filling in. When the cavity reaches inside the tooth and the patient is in severe pain, we restore the tooth to health by doing a root canal and placing a crown. If the cavity is too large and the patient is missing about 50 to 60% of the tooth, crowns come in handy.
Some people opt for inlays and onlays, which are larger fillings sent to the lab and made of sturdy material. All these procedures complete restorative dentistry.
Is anesthesia or sedation used during restorative dental procedures?
The answer is not always. If it's something simple, it might be done without shots or anesthetics, like a very simple filling on the surface. Sometimes lasers can be used for drilling in a few places. If extensive work is needed, anesthesia or sedation can be helpful, allowing the patient to use laughing gas or something similar.
What are the benefits of restorative dentistry?
The benefits are to restore you and bring you back as a whole. If you have a missing space or a broken filling, you can't chew properly. Restoring chewing function helps with digestion, eliminates headaches, and prevents jaw issues by balancing pressure. It also improves your overall self-esteem.
Are there any risks associated with restorative dental procedures?
The chance of risky procedures is slim. Everything in life has a risk. If a tooth is too far gone, we already know the risks ahead of time, which is why you shouldn't delay dental appointments. Early detection is crucial. If a tooth is weak, we might attempt to save it, but the risk is losing the tooth, leading to crowding and shifting.
How long does it take to recover from restorative dental procedures?
The answer is about a day or two. It's not a major surgery, so recovery is quick.
What is the success rate with restorative dental procedures?
Success depends on the patient. If you come in early and we catch problems early, it's about 100% successful. If there's a delay in visiting the dentist, a moderate cavity still has a 70 to 90% success rate. If a tooth is too far gone, restorative work might not be possible unless you opt for implants.
How can I schedule a dental appointment to restore my teeth and oral health?
We’re proud to serve our community by helping you and your family get quality, compassionate dental care when you need it. Call (951) 467-4399 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit today.