When dental issues arise, restorative dentistry offers solutions to restore the function and appearance of your teeth. From fillings and crowns to implants and bridges, restorative dentistry addresses damage, decay, and tooth loss. If you're considering restorative dentistry in Aurora, NE, understanding the options and benefits can help you make informed decisions for your oral health. Below is a comprehensive guide to the services our dentist in Aurora, NE, provides to restore your smile.
What Is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry involves diagnosing and treating various dental issues affecting the health and functionality of teeth and gums. The primary goals of these treatments are to repair damaged teeth, replace missing ones, and prevent further dental complications. Restorative procedures can significantly improve your ability to chew, speak, and maintain good oral hygiene while boosting self-confidence with a healthier smile.
Whether for issues caused by decay, trauma, or wear and tear, our dentist in Aurora, NE, offers tailored treatments to restore your smile effectively and comfortably. Contact us to learn more.
Common Types of Restorative Dentistry Procedures
Each of the treatments below serves a specific purpose, and our dentist will recommend the most suitable approach based on the extent of damage and your unique needs. Here are some of the most common restorative procedures available:
- Fillings
Fillings are among the simplest and most common restorative treatments. They repair cavities caused by decay, prevent further damage, and restore the tooth's natural function. Tooth-colored composite fillings are popular today because they blend in seamlessly with the natural tooth, maintaining the aesthetics of your smile.
During the procedure, our dentist in Aurora, NE, will clean out the decayed area and fill it with a durable material to restore the tooth's shape and prevent further decay.
- Crowns
Dental crowns are caps placed over damaged or weakened teeth to restore their strength, function, and appearance. Crowns are ideal for teeth with extensive decay or large fillings or for those that are cracked, worn down, or misshapen. Custom-made to fit your tooth, crowns protect the tooth structure and improve aesthetics, blending in naturally with the neighboring teeth.
- Bridges
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth or implants. Bridges are a durable and long-lasting option for restoring gaps in your smile, which can improve your appearance and bite. Our dentist in Aurora, NE, will take impressions to custom-create a bridge that fits comfortably and looks natural.
- Dental Implants
Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. They involve surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as a tooth root, providing a stable foundation for a crown. Implants are highly effective in restoring both functionality and aesthetics, helping to maintain bone health and preventing the shifting of adjacent teeth.
For those looking for a lifetime solution to tooth loss, implants offer exceptional durability and feel almost identical to natural teeth.
- Dentures
Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. There are two types: complete dentures for patients who have lost all their teeth and partial dentures for those missing only a few teeth. Modern dentures are made to fit comfortably and look natural, restoring your ability to eat and speak comfortably.
Our dentist in Aurora, NE, can help you choose between full or partial dentures based on your specific needs.
- Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are conservative alternatives to crowns, used to restore teeth with moderate decay or damage that doesn't warrant a full crown. They are custom-made fillings that fit within or over a tooth's biting surface, strengthening the tooth without removing as much natural structure as a traditional crown.
Inlays fit within the tooth's grooves, while onlays cover one or more cusps or the biting surface. They are durable and crafted to blend in with your natural tooth color.
The Benefits of Restorative Dentistry
The benefits of restorative dentistry go beyond aesthetics, improving overall health and function. Here are some advantages to consider:
- Enhanced Oral Function: Restorative procedures restore the ability to chew and speak naturally, which may be affected by missing or damaged teeth.
- Prevention of Further Damage: Restorative treatments protect weakened teeth from further decay or fracture, saving you from more complex procedures in the future.
- Improved Appearance: Treatments like crowns, bridges, and implants improve the appearance of your smile, boosting self-confidence.
- Better Oral Health: Missing or damaged teeth can lead to additional issues, such as shifting, jawbone deterioration, and gum disease. Restoring teeth helps prevent these complications and maintains overall oral health.
- Increased Comfort: Correcting dental issues with restorative treatments alleviates pain or discomfort associated with damaged teeth, making it easier to enjoy a full range of foods.
The Restorative Dentistry Process
When you visit our dentist in Aurora, NE, for restorative care, the process generally follows these steps:
- Consultation and Examination: Our dentist will examine your teeth and gums, possibly using X-rays to assess the extent of the damage, and discuss your treatment goals.
- Customized Treatment Plan: Based on your oral health needs, our dentist will create a personalized treatment plan outlining the recommended procedures, expected results, and time frame.
- Treatment: Depending on the procedure, the treatment may be completed in one visit (such as fillings) or require multiple visits (such as crowns or implants). Sedation options may be available to ensure comfort during the process.
- Follow-up Care: After restorative treatment, our dentist may provide instructions for aftercare and schedule follow-up appointments to ensure optimal healing and function.
How to Maintain Your Restorative Dental Work
Once you have undergone restorative dentistry in Aurora, NE, maintaining your oral health is essential to protect the investment in your smile. Here are some tips to ensure your vital dental work lasts:
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Continue to brush at least twice daily and floss once daily to prevent plaque buildup around restorations.
- Avoid Hard Foods: While restorations are durable, hard foods can damage them. Be cautious when eating hard or sticky foods, especially crowns, bridges, or fillings.
- Use a Night Guard if Needed: If you grind or clench your teeth at night, a night guard can protect your restorations and natural teeth.
- Schedule Regular Check-Ups: Routine dental visits with our dentist in Aurora, NE, will ensure that your restorations are in good condition and that your oral health is maintained.
Conclusion
Restorative dentistry in Aurora, NE, offers a comprehensive approach to addressing various dental issues and restoring function, appearance, and overall health. Whether you're dealing with decay, tooth loss, or structural damage, our dentist in Aurora, NE, provides solutions tailored to your needs.
By investing in restorative care, you're not only enhancing your smile but also ensuring a higher quality of life with improved oral health. Regular maintenance and dental check-ups will help extend the longevity of your restorative treatments, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful, functional smile for years to come.
Schedule an appointment today at Reichardt Dental, located at 1219 13th Street, Aurora, NE 68818, by calling (402) 694-4002. To learn more about our various services, please visit our official website.