Knocked-out teeth, tooth decay, blunt force trauma, genetics, etc., can severely damage teeth or even lead to tooth loss. It can affect an individual’s physical as well as emotional health. Luckily, restorative dentistry can change things for those missing one or multiple teeth or facing severe tooth decay.

If you are looking for restorative dentistry solutions in Illinois, visiting a family dentist in Springfield can be an excellent idea, as family dentists are capable of providing several dental solutions under one roof.

Exploring different restorative dentistry procedures

Restorative dentistry is a specialized branch of dentistry that solely focuses on repairing or replacing damaged or missing teeth to restore the appearance and functionality of natural teeth. While there are several restorative dentistry procedures available, the following ones are the most common.

Dental crowns

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that can restore a weak, decayed, or broken tooth by sitting over the affected tooth as a snug hat. The procedure requires removing a small amount of enamel before placement of the new crown in place.

Depending on your condition and preference, the dentist will choose a metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, pressed ceramic, or all-ceramic crown for you. Here’s what you can expect after getting a dental crown.

  • Restoration of damaged tooth.
  • Protection of affected tooth from erosion
  • Improved chewing function of the affected tooth
  • Improved appearance and smile
  • Long-term solution that can last for as long as 15 years with proper care.

Dental bridges

Dental bridges are ideal for those missing two or more teeth. If you go for a traditional dental bridge, the dentist will install the row of artificial teeth, or bridge, by bonding the crowns on either end of the bridge to your natural teeth.

Whereas a cantilever dental bridge uses only one crown, and the dental bridge hangs over the gap to replace missing teeth. If you want a dental-supported bridge, the dentist will place dental implants in your jawbone and place the bridge over the implants for enhanced stability and support. Dental bridges offer the following benefits.

  • Offer natural-looking replacements for missing teeth.
  • Restore your chewing and speaking capabilities.
  • Restore your smile.
  • Prevent neighboring teeth from drifting into gaps.

Dentures

Dentures are removable dental appliances that can replace missing teeth in your upper, lower, or both jaws. They’re usually made of materials like resin, acrylic, metal, nylon, or porcelain. If you’re missing an entire arch of the teeth, then your dentist will recommend a complete denture. But if you’re missing only a few teeth in either or both of the jaws, the dentist will go for a partial denture.

However, if you want more stable and secure implants, then you can opt for implant-retained dentures. They snap onto the implants placed in your jaw bones and don’t require the use of glue. They provide similar benefits as dental bridges.

Dental implants

Dental implants are small screw-like appliances surgically placed in the jaw bone of the patient to act as an anchor for the artificial tooth. It has three main parts: a threaded post that is placed in your jawbone, an abutment that acts as a connector post or foundation for the artificial tooth, and a prosthetic tooth replacement like a crown, denture, or bridge.

Your dentist may recommend dental implants in case of cavities, gum diseases, severely damaged or cracked teeth, bruxism, and teeth that never develop. You can expect the following benefits from a dental implant.

  • Improved appearance, smile, speech, and chewing capabilities.
  • Preservation of jaw bone.
  • Long-lasting dental restoration.
  • Stability for prosthetic tooth replacements.
  • No need to remove enamel from healthy teeth for the installation of dental bridges.

Final takeaway

Restorative dentistry is not less than a boon for those who want to regain the appearance and functionality of damaged or missing teeth with the same level of stability and strength. However, you must follow good oral hygiene to ensure that your dental implant lasts lifelong and gives you the desired results.