Benefits of Consulting a Restorative Dentist

Proper dental care can involve more than checkups every six months. When the teeth sustain damage from tooth decay or mouth injuries, a restorative dentist will "restore" the smile to its full functionality. The benefits of consulting a restorative dentist do not stop there. These dental professionals can help relieve pain and improve oral health with one of several restorative treatments.

When and why to consult a restorative dentist

Most restorative dentists will restore minorly to severely damaged teeth using one of several treatment options. The sooner a patient consults a dentist about a problem tooth, the sooner a restorative dentist can restore it. Restorative dentists can repair most teeth with one of the following options:

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• Dental fillings. Used to fill holes left by minor tooth decay (cavities)
• Inlays and onlays. Restores teeth with decay slightly too severe for a filling
• Dental crowns. It fits over the tooth like a cap, restoring a moderately decayed or damaged tooth
• Root canal therapy. Removes an infection from decay that has spread to the root of the tooth

If the tooth is beyond saving, a restorative dentist can remove it in a tooth extraction procedure. They will then discuss options to replace the tooth, such as with dental bridges or dental implants. Bridges replace teeth by using the surrounding teeth as anchors. Implants are a permanent form of tooth replacement surgically installed into the jawbone.

Benefits of restorative dentistry

Restore functionality to your smile

A decayed or damaged tooth can render a smile less functional. Primarily, any damage can weaken the tooth's overall structure, resulting in reduced bite force. Broken teeth may also cut the tongue or cheeks and change how a patient speaks. This is why a restorative dentist works quickly to provide treatment.

Relieve pain and discomfort

Cavities can cause pain and discomfort in the form of toothaches and tooth sensitivity. These unwelcome sensations may only occur while eating or drinking hot or cold beverages. However, when severe, decay can bring persistent toothaches that make it hard to function. Damage to the tooth may also cause pain when it extends past the outermost layer. Once the restorative dentist restores the tooth, pain and discomfort should subside.

Prevent an oral health issue from progressing

Cavities, cracks, and chips are liable to worsen if left untreated. With cavities, the decay-causing bacteria will continue to eat away at the tooth. Cracks and chips weaken the tooth structure and leave it more vulnerable to decay. Even something as routine as eating can cause the crack or chip to deepen. Getting treatment from a restorative dentist early on prevents these issues from progressing.

Improve the aesthetics of your smile

Although this branch of dentistry focuses on restoring function to damaged or decayed teeth, it has the added benefit of simultaneously restoring the smile's appearance. For instance, a dentist can remove any decay staining the tooth and causing pain, then fill the hole left by the decay with a tooth-colored material. The result is a fully functional, painless tooth that blends in with the rest of the patient's smile.