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What is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry is designed to replace damaged, decayed, or lost teeth. Common procedures include crowns and bridges, and veneers are sometimes included in this category. Restorative dentistry often involves multiple office visits to prepare, measure, mold, and fit the tooth replacements.
Crowns
Crowns, also known as “caps,” are porcelain coverings that fit over a tooth that is damaged, discolored, or brittle (the reason most root canals end with a crown procedure). Crowns are useful both for cosmetic and structural needs. You will need two visits: the first includes preparing your tooth and making a mold for the final porcelain crown, then covering the tooth with a temporary crown. During the second visit, we will remove the temporary crown and fit the permanent crown. These procedures are performed using local anesthesia and any discomfort is usually manageable with an over-the-counter analgesic like Tylenol or Advil.
Bridges
Where a tooth must be removed or is already missing, a fixed bridge offers a solution. Fixed bridges are made of two crowns attached to a middle porcelain replacement tooth (or multiple replacements if more than one tooth is missing). The procedure involves at least two visits, just like the crown: one for measurement and preparation, and a second for final placement of the fixture. Bridgework requires some special care for flossing but otherwise should function like a natural part of your mouth.