Restorative dentistry can help restore a tooth’s shape and appearance to its natural state. If you have dealt with tooth decay, gum disease, or a traumatic accident that has affected your teeth, our restorative services may be the solution.
Restorative dentistry can take many forms. Luckily, Dr. Keyshla Escobar has experience delivering restorative dentistry services to patients in Huntsville, TX. Our office also provides comprehensive dental services for new and existing patients in Huntsville.
Restorative Dentistry in Huntsville, TX
With restorative dental treatments, we help patients renew the full function and comfort of their smiles.
- Dental Crown: A crown acts like a cap to cover and protect worn and damaged teeth. It can also cover dental implants, protect weakened teeth after a root canal, and cap off worn teeth to create more even bites. Additionally, while crowns can be made from resin, composite, or metal, we provide porcelain crowns that look and feel like natural teeth.
- Dental Bridge: Cosmetic dentists use dental bridges to replace one or more missing teeth. Bridges fill the gap between the missing tooth or teeth and prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of place. They are a great option for patients who have lost teeth due to injury, decay, or gum disease.
- Dental Implants: Tooth implants are small posts that secure dental crowns, bridges, and dentures in place. After an oral surgeon places implants, the implant posts fuse with the jaw bone. Dental implants ensure that prosthetic teeth stay stable so patients can eat and speak naturally and with fewer restrictions.
- Periodontal Disease Treatment: Gum contouring or deep cleaning treatments can keep gum disease at bay. When gum disease affects gum tissues, they become irritated and red and may recede from the teeth. Removing infected gum tissue and bacterial buildup from the gums and tooth roots can help treat periodontitis.
- Dentures & Partials: Dentures and partials replace missing teeth. They improve one’s ability to speak and eat while also restoring the smile’s appearance. Full dentures are for those who have lost all their teeth in an arch, while partials are for patients with some natural teeth remaining.
- TMJ Treatment: TMJ disorders affect the jaw joint and muscles, leading to pain, discomfort, and difficulty moving the jaw. TMJ treatment often begins with measures such as physical therapy and stress reduction exercises. We may also recommend custom-made night guards to prevent teeth grinding.
Who Needs Restorative Dentistry?
One of the most common reasons people need restorative dentistry is tooth decay. Cavities form when bacteria in the mouth break down food and produce acids that eat away at the tooth’s enamel. If left untreated, cavities can lead to pain and even tooth loss. Depending on how severe the decay is, dentists can treat this problem with fillings, crowns, or root canals.
Accidents or injuries can also cause people to need restorative dental work. A tooth may need repair if it is chipped, cracked, or completely knocked out. Crowns, veneers, or bridges can restore the tooth’s structure and appearance. In some cases, dental implants may replace a missing tooth entirely.
Another reason people need restorative dentistry is gum disease. When plaque and tartar build up on the teeth, they can cause infection in the gums, leading to tooth loss. Treating gum disease early can help prevent damage to the teeth and gums. Restorative procedures like dental implants or dentures may be necessary to replace teeth lost due to severe gum disease.
Older adults may also need restorative dentistry because wear and tear on teeth over time can cause damage. Natural aging can lead to tooth sensitivity, cracks, and even loss. Restorative dentistry can help improve the function and comfort of teeth, allowing people to continue to enjoy eating and speaking without difficulty.
Lastly, people with certain health conditions may need restorative dentistry. For example, individuals with conditions like acid reflux or dry mouth may experience more tooth decay or damage. People with diabetes are also at higher risk for gum disease and tooth loss. In these cases, restorative dentistry can help prevent further complications and restore a healthy smile.
Restorative Dentistry Benefits
Restorative dentistry provides many benefits to your oral health and quality of life. These treatments improve the look of your teeth and help with their function.
Pain Relief
One of the biggest benefits of restorative dentistry is pain relief. Many people who have decayed or damaged teeth experience discomfort. Fillings, crowns, or root canals can fix these issues, allowing you to eat and speak without pain. By repairing these teeth, restorative dentistry eliminates the discomfort caused by cavities or cracks, making everyday tasks much easier.
Improved Appearance
Damaged teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile. Restorative dental procedures, like veneers, crowns, or implants, can enhance the look of your teeth. These treatments are designed to blend in with your natural teeth, helping you feel confident when you smile or speak. Restorative dentistry allows you to enjoy a beautiful, functional smile again.
Better Chewing and Speaking Ability
Restorative dentistry also helps improve your ability to chew and speak. Missing or damaged teeth can make it difficult to enjoy your favorite foods or speak clearly. With treatments like dental implants, bridges, or dentures, restorative dentistry can restore your chewing function and improve your speech. By replacing lost teeth, these treatments allow you to live without the limitations caused by tooth loss.
Maintaining Oral Health
Additionally, restorative dentistry can help maintain your overall oral health. For example, untreated cavities or gum disease can lead to further damage or even tooth loss. Restorative procedures like fillings or crowns prevent these problems from getting worse. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants or bridges can also help prevent other teeth from shifting out of place, which can lead to misalignment and bite problems.
Boosting Confidence and Quality of Life
Finally, restorative dentistry can improve your confidence and quality of life. When you’re no longer worried about pain, appearance, or function, it’s easier to feel good about yourself. Smiling, eating, and speaking without hesitation can make a huge difference in your self-esteem and social interactions.
Restorative Dentistry FAQs
Restorative dentistry gives you back the full function of your smile. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
What is the difference between restorative and cosmetic dentistry?
Restorative dentistry focuses on fixing functional issues, such as repairing decayed, broken, or missing teeth, to improve oral health and functionality. Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, focuses on enhancing the appearance of your smile through procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding. While restorative treatments often have cosmetic benefits, they primarily restore health and function.
How do I know if I need restorative dentistry?
You may need restorative dentistry if you experience tooth pain, sensitivity, broken or chipped teeth, or difficulty chewing. Missing teeth, decay, or old, worn restorations are also signs that treatment may be necessary. A dental exam can help identify issues and determine the best solutions for restoring oral health.
Is restorative dentistry painful?
Most restorative dental procedures are not painful, as dentists use local anesthesia to numb the treated area. Modern technology and techniques make procedures more comfortable than ever. If you feel anxious, sedation options may be available to help you relax during treatment.
How long do restorative treatments last?
The lifespan of restorative treatments varies based on the type of procedure and how well you care for your oral health. For example, fillings may last 5-10 years, while crowns and bridges can last 10-15 years or longer. Dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime with proper care. Regular dental checkups and good hygiene habits are essential for maintaining restorations.
Does insurance cover restorative dentistry procedures?
Most dental insurance plans cover at least part of the treatment cost, especially if the procedure is medically necessary. Procedures like fillings, crowns, and bridges often fall under basic or major services. However, coverage varies, so it’s important to check your plan and discuss costs with your dentist before starting treatment.
What happens if I don’t treat damaged or missing teeth?
Ignoring damaged or missing teeth can lead to more serious oral health problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and jawbone loss. Missing teeth can cause neighboring teeth to shift, leading to misalignment and difficulty chewing or speaking. Early treatment prevents these complications and helps maintain your overall oral health.
Request a Dental Appointment
Do you have a damaged or missing tooth? Are you looking for a way to improve your gum health? Contact Huntsville Family Dental for restorative dental care today at (936) 220-3158 or schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Escobar on our website. Our dental office proudly serves patients from New Waverly, Arizona, Dodge, Riverside, and Oakhurst, TX.