What Is Restorative Dentistry And How Can It Help You?
Restorative Dentistry
The World Health Organization estimates some 3.5 billion around the world suffer from some type of oral disease or dental problems. This can range from tooth decay to periodontal disease to tooth loss.
Around two billion people worldwide suffer from caries of their permanent teeth whilst 514 million children suffer from caries of their primary teeth. Severe periodontal disease affects around 19 percent of the adult population, representing more than one billion cases around the world.
In the US more than one in four adults have untreated cavities and nearly half of adults aged 30 and over have signs of gum disease.
But thankfully with the advent of better oral hygiene, access to quality dentistry, and restorative dentistry, the number of people losing all their teeth is now on the decline in the US.
So, what is restorative dentistry and how can it help you?
Restorative dentistry refers to any type of dental procedure which restores your teeth after some damage. Restorative dentistry focuses on issues that if not resolved, could lead to further oral health problems. These include cavities or tooth decay, damaged or broken teeth, or missing teeth.
This is compared to cosmetic dentistry which is more concerned with the appearance of your teeth and smile.
Restorative dental treatment offered here at Bonaventure Dental Care includes anything from a filling all the way up to implants.
Some types of restorative dentistry include:
Fillings
According to Science Daily, a quarter of Americans have 11 or more fillings. Dental fillings are the most common type of restorative dentistry undertaken in our Baton Rouge dental office and they are a simple, non-invasive, and effective way to stop further tooth decay and restore worn teeth or cavities.
Root Canals
If tooth decay or damage has spread through the tooth and into the root, then a root canal treatment is often performed which is a straightforward procedure to restore a tooth and prevent tooth loss. It’s like a deep filling where we remove the diseased pulp, thoroughly clean it, and then fill the area to seal the tooth.
Tooth Extractions
Unfortunately, if the damage is too severe and the infection has spread, then tooth extraction to remove a damaged tooth might be the best solution. But having gaps puts pressure on your other teeth and can create movement so we often suggest further restorative dental procedures such as implants, dentures or crowns and bridges.
Implants and dentures
Implants act as a prosthetic tooth root and replace a missing tooth or teeth and are the most like natural teeth. They are fixed into the jawbone using a titanium post and a crown is fitted on top to match the rest of your teeth. They are long-lasting and durable but do require surgery.
Meanwhile, modern dentures are a traditional and more economical option to replace missing tooth or teeth.
Bridges and Crowns
Dental bridges are like partial dentures to replace missing teeth and are anchored to existing teeth on either side. Crowns meanwhile are fitted caps placed over the teeth offering protection and support. These can be full or partial crowns either covering an entire tooth or, in cases of less damage, just part of the tooth.
Restorative dentistry gives you the chance to improve your oral health and restore your smile and improve your ability to eat, speak or chew.
If you have any queries about what type of treatment you may require just give us a call on 225 753 0123 or visit our treatment pages for more information.