Restorative dentistry is the general term for any and all dental procedures that restore your teeth. Procedures range from a simple cavity filling to being fitted with full arch dentures. The goal of restorative dentistry is to repair the teeth at the very first sign of a problem to prevent the need for further, more invasive procedures. But even if the condition of your teeth has deteriorated beyond a simple repair, there are still many options to restore your smile.
Restorative dentistry has many benefits, such as improving your oral health, preserving your jaw bone density, renewing your self confidence, and promoting your overall health and wellness. A healthy mouth can help to prevent heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. And you can smile with confidence knowing your teeth are healthy.
Here are the most common restorative dental procedures that dentists use to repair or replace your teeth.
Composite Fillings
When you develop a cavity, which is a hole in your tooth enamel caused by bacteria, it will need to be filled. If it is caught early, the cavity can be filled with composite resin, which is a material that looks like natural tooth enamel. The color can be designed to match your existing teeth so that it blends in. This procedure is typically short and inexpensive.
Inlays and Onlays
When you have a large cavity, it can be difficult to repair with just composite resin. In this case your tooth may need an inlay or an onlay. Essentially a partial crown, an inlay is placed on the inside of a tooth and an onlay is placed on the outside of a tooth. They are usually made of gold or porcelain and cemented or bonded into place.
Crowns
When a larger portion of the enamel is decayed, a crown may be required. A crown is a gold or porcelain tooth cap that is placed over the existing tooth. The tooth must be shaved down to accommodate the crown, which is then cemented in place over the remaining portion of the tooth. The natural root remains in place.
Bridges
If a tooth is non restorable, it may need to be replaced. A bridge is one option for replacing a missing or extracted tooth. A bridge is an artificial tooth suspended between two crowns that fit over the existing teeth on either side of the missing tooth. A bridge can replace one or more teeth in a row.
Dental Implants
Another option for replacing a missing or severely damaged tooth is a dental implant. Most dentists recommend this option because of its many benefits. A dental implant is a complete artificial tooth and root system. A titanium implant is surgically placed in the jaw where it fuses with the bone. Then a porcelain crown is then attached to the implant. A dental implant looks and functions like a natural tooth and preserves the bone density and support structure of the teeth.
Dentures
When all or the majority of the teeth in either the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both are beyond saving, it may be in your best interest to get dentures. Dentures can be a partial or complete row of artificial teeth. They can attach to the healthy teeth that are left, the gums via suction and/or adhesives, or to a few dental implants that can be placed in the jaw.
Hamden Dental Arts Provides Restorative Dentistry to Patients of All Ages
No matter what kind of shape your teeth are in, Hamden Dental Arts can help you restore your oral health. After an initial evaluation, we will recommend any necessary treatments or restorative procedures to repair or replace damaged teeth. We also provide routine dental exams and cleanings to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. Hamden Dental Arts is a family dental practice who can treat the whole family from the youngest to the oldest.
If it’s been a while since you’ve been to the dentist, don’t worry. There may not be any problems with your teeth at all. You may simply need a thorough cleaning to prevent any future dental health issues.
Call 203-248-7400 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to restoring your smile.
Restorative dentistry is one of our specialties at Hamden Dental Arts. Dr. Halim combines a keen eye for detail and the knowledge that comes from decades of experience with cutting-edge technology and materials to restore function, health, and appearance to teeth that are damaged. If you’re wondering what restorative dentistry costs in New Haven County, we’ve got answers below.
The Goals of Restorative Dentistry
When teeth or gums have been damaged by disease, decay, or dental trauma, we use restorative dentistry to bring back their original:
- Function – Restoration of function is the primary goal of restorative dentistry. Any dental restoration should replicate the natural function of your tooth. This means that when you bite and chew while eating, your teeth will meet properly, and the restoration will feel comfortable and secure, allowing you to eat and speak normally.
- Strength – Dental restorations strengthen teeth that have been weakened by decay or injury. A high-quality restoration will last for years, if not decades—or perhaps even a lifetime in some cases!
- Appearance – In the past, amalgam fillings and metal crowns were commonplace, and while they restored function and strength, they detracted from the aesthetics of your smile. With modern tooth-colored materials, Dr. Halim can create restorations that blend in with the rest of your smile for a seamless appearance.
The Cost of Restorative Dental Treatments
Here are the most common restorative dental procedures, along with the costs involved:
Dental Fillings – $260-520
Dental fillings are the most popular restorative dental procedure—it’s hard to find someone who has never had a filling in their life! When a cavity forms in a tooth, the decayed area is removed with a drill, then a tooth-colored composite material restores the structure of the tooth by filling in the areas that were removed.
Dental Crowns – $1,700
Dental crowns are used for a variety of reasons. Deep cavities, cosmetic issues, abnormal wear, and cracked teeth can all be repaired using crowns; when a tooth needs to be sealed and restored after root canal therapy, crowns are one potential solution. Crowns also attach to dental implants and support traditional dental bridges to replace a missing tooth. The cost of a crown varies depending on the type of material chosen.
Inlays and Onlays – $1,700-1,750
You may also see inlays and onlays referred to as partial crowns. These restorations are typically used to repair teeth that have more damage than a dental filling can restore but not enough damage for a full dental crown to be placed.
Dental Bridges – $1,740/unit
Dental bridges come in a variety of forms and materials, and they can be used to replace anywhere from a single tooth to several adjacent teeth. Naturally, this means the costs can vary a great deal. All bridges use abutments to support one or more prosthetic teeth, closing the gap in your smile.
Dental Implant Supported Crowns – $3,052
Dental implants are the only solution we have available to restore both the root and the crown of a lost tooth. The end result is a restoration that closely resembles a natural tooth in appearance, feel, and function. Because there are a number of different types of implant-supported restorations available, there is a wide range of prices. The best way to know how much dental implants will cost for you is to schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Halim.
Dentures – $3,600/denture
Dentures are a restoration used when either several or all of the teeth on a single arch are missing. A denture can be complete or partial, fixed or removable (also known as snap-in).
Learn More About Restorative Dentistry in New Haven County
If you’d like to learn more about restorative dentistry, contact us today at 203-248-7400 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Halim.