dental-restorations-norfolk-massachusettsA House Full of Smiles is committed to improving the oral health of people in our community. While general dentistry services like checkups, cleanings, and preventive treatments make up a large percentage of the work we do, restorative dentistry is another major reason why people of all ages come to our practice. Our dentists have the experience and training necessary to place restorations that protect teeth. Common restorations include fillings, dental crowns, and bridges.

Why Damaged Teeth Require Restorations

Like other parts of the body, teeth are living structures and can develop disease and wear. When teeth are badly affected by decay, tooth wear, or trauma, they cannot regenerate new tissue to heal themselves. While bone can heal after being broken, a tooth cannot. Fortunately, restorations can restore teeth to their proper dimensions while protecting vital tooth structure from developing more damage in the future. Without restorations, damaged teeth can develop serious infections like abscesses or require extractions. The objectives of placing restorations are to increase oral function, prevent further damage to teeth, and repair broken or diseased tooth structure.

Common Types of Restorations

There are different types of restorations that provide varying levels of protection to teeth. From fillings, which address small areas of decay, to dental crowns, which restore the structures of the biting surfaces of teeth and their sides, A House Full of Smiles has your restorative dentistry needs covered.

Fillings

Fillings are small restorations that treat mild to moderate tooth decay. These restorations were historically made from amalgam (a metal compound), but today they are commonly made from composite resin. Composite resin is a tooth-colored compound that is made from a durable mixture of glass and plastic. Fillings will fill in the depressions on teeth left by tooth decay while protecting the diseased area from further deterioration.

Inlays & Onlays

Inlays and onlays are larger restorations than fillings. An inlay is placed in between the cusps of a tooth while an onlay can cover the entire biting surface of a tooth. These restorations are ideal for moderate tooth decay and small chips or cracks in teeth.

Dental Crowns

Crowns are extensive restorations. These types of restorations have multiple purposes. For instance, a crown can rebuild a worn down tooth or hold a broken tooth together. Crowns are like caps in that they fit over an entire tooth above the gum line.

Bridges

Bridges are used to close in the gaps between biological teeth and empty tooth sockets after tooth loss. A bridge is a series of dental crowns that anchors to biological teeth on each side. The middle of the bridge fills in the biting and visible surfaces of missing tooth structure.

For more information about restorative dentistry, call our practice to reserve an appointment with one of our dentists.

Restorations FAQs

What is considered restorative dental work?


Restorative dental work involves repairing damaged teeth. When a tooth becomes diseased or injured, restorations can protect teeth from developing further damage while restoring its biting surfaces to their rightful shape and size. Common dental restorations are fillings, inlays, onlays, crowns, and bridges. Restorations can be made from a variety of materials – some are tooth-colored and some are metal.

How much does it cost to rebuild your teeth?


Costs associated with repairing damaged teeth vary substantially from person to person. The type of restorations needed and the number of teeth being treated are major factors associated with costs. In addition to these factors, the materials from which restorations are made will affect costs as well.

When it comes to payment, our staff will process invoices and send bills. If you have dental insurance, we will keep it in your records so that we can file your claims on your behalf. For questions regarding your dental insurance coverage, call your insurance carrier or read through your patient benefits package. If you would like an accurate estimate for treatment, it is necessary to have an examination and consultation with a dentist.

What is a restorative crown?


A restorative crown is tooth-shaped restoration that covers an entire tooth’s surface above the gums. This means that the biting surfaces of a tooth and all its sides are protected with a durable material like porcelain or gold. Crowns can be used to hold broken or brittle teeth together. They are also useful for treating extensive decay or deep chips and cracks. Patients have choices when it comes to the materials used for dental crowns. Porcelain and porcelain fused to metal are incredibly popular because they look very lifelike. Metals like gold are popular for their durability.

What is full mouth rehabilitation?


Full mouth rehabilitation involves addressing issues like worn dentition and widespread tooth decay through placing restorations and prosthetics. The objective of full mouth rehabilitation is to increase oral function and improve quality of life. Receiving full mouth rehabilitation is a process that can encompass having different types of restorations placed along with prosthetics like bridges and dental implants.