We all deserve to feel good in our skin and at ease with our bodies, and feeling good with our smiles is an important part of that. Life happens, and sometimes our teeth and gums can become damaged, which can impact our self-confidence. Thankfully, we have restorative dentistry to help us remedy multiple issues with our smiles and get our health and happiness back to where they should be.
If you’re considering restorative dentistry in Edmonton, contact our local dental clinic today! Our staff is here to help you with whatever you need.
What is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on repairing and, by extension, improving your oral health. Multiple treatments are available to you to help repair both the aesthetic appearance and the functionality of your smile. This includes receiving dental implants, dental bridges, dental crowns, inlays and onlays, dentures, and root canal therapy. Each of these processes is described in further detail below.
Types of Dental Restorations
1. Dental implants
Typically fabricated from titanium, a dental implant acts as a replacement for a missing tooth. The implant screw is surgically inserted into your jaw. Over time, your bone and the screw will fuse together to create a very strong foundation for your smile. An abutment (also called the connecting piece) attaches the screw to an artificial tooth. This is what fills in the space left behind by the missing tooth.
This process requires a couple of different appointments over a period of months. You’ll also need to carve out some time for your mouth to heal properly.
2. Dental bridges
A dental bridge is a custom-made prosthetic that’s another great option to keep in mind if you’re missing teeth. These are comprised of an artificial tooth, which fills in the empty space, and then two dental crowns that attach to your neighboring teeth on each side. The crowns help keep the bridge in place and stop it from shifting around.
When you come in to receive these devices, impressions will be taken of your mouth so that they satisfy your oral dimensions precisely.
3. Dental inlays and onlays
Inlays and onlays are a viable alternative to traditional dental fillings. Your dentist in Edmonton will most likely suggest this option if a filling cannot adequately repair the damage to your tooth.
As the name indicates, an inlay is placed inside your tooth to protect it from damage and bacteria. In comparison, an onlay is placed over the top of your tooth, acting as a seal.
4. Dentures
Finally, we have dentures. Despite social stereotypes, dentures are not exclusive to the elderly population; they’re simply another reliable avenue to restore your smile.
You can receive a set of partial dentures or full dentures, and they can be fixed inside your mouth or removable. Not only do they help maintain the shape of your face, but they also give you back your ability to eat.
All these dental prosthetics can be fashioned from a variety of materials such as metal (gold, silver amalgam, or nickel) porcelain, composite resin, ceramic, or a combination of porcelain-fused-to-metal. Metal is the most durable, and the least costly option. But, if you’re wanting your dental device to blend in with your smile, each of the non-metal materials are good option. Porcelain, especially, is very resistant to stains left behind by food and drink.
5. A Root Canal
When your tooth becomes infected or damaged, aka the fleshy sack inside each of your teeth where blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves all meet, this can cause you serious pain and sensitivity, which make it difficult to eat and even talk.
A root canal involves drilling down into your tooth to remove the damaged pulp, thereby saving as much of your tooth as possible.
Prior to committing to any restorative dental treatment, always be sure to schedule a consultation with a dentist near you first. They’ll be able to tell you which process is best suited to your specific case and walk you through that treatment from beginning to end. Don’t hesitate to let them know if you have any concerns or questions either.
Are you seeking convenient, yet effective restorative dentistry near you? At Belle Rive Dental Clinic, we’ve got you covered! Our staff is here to help you on your oral health journey. Call, come in, or visit our website to book an appointment and get started today!
