Restorative dentistry is a dental specialty that focuses primarily on repairing or replacing damaged or missing teeth. Restorative dentists aim to restore a patient's oral function and structural integrity. This type of dental care also includes any preventative or corrective options that can help patients protect their teeth against decay, damage, and disease. In addition, restorative dentistry can improve the smile's appearance.
Some common restorative dentistry procedures include:
Restorative procedures typically fall into two categories: direct and indirect. Direct tooth restoration is when the restorative dentist fixes a cavity with a dental filling. This type of treatment only takes one visit, and the dentist will consider chewing pressure when determining what type of filling to use.
In contrast, indirect tooth restoration involves partial tooth replacement (inlays or onlays) or complete tooth replacement (crowns, bridges, or implants) for missing or severely damaged teeth. Direct restorations typically involve multiple office visits. For example, dental implants take six months to heal fully and require several appointments to complete.
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing the appearance of the patient's teeth and smile. While these services may offer functional benefits, such as bite alignment, the primary goal is aesthetic improvement. This is done through various procedures and techniques to improve a patient's teeth' shape, color, size, and alignment. It can also improve the appearance of one's bite and gums.
People may choose to improve the appearance of their smiles for many reasons. Some individuals have yellowed, chipped, or uneven teeth that they feel self-conscious about when they smile. In other cases, patients may want to adjust their mouth size or bite alignment.
Common cosmetic dentistry procedures include the following:
Restorative procedures are essential services. People seeking this type of treatment experience symptoms such as swelling, pain, and severe bleeding. They need the expertise of a restorative dentist to relieve these symptoms.
In contrast, cosmetic dental procedures are typically considered elective care. This means that patients choose the procedure rather than it being necessary for their oral health. Most patients seek cosmetic dental care when they are unhappy with the appearance of their smile. However, they may not necessarily be experiencing any pain, infection, or other problematic symptoms.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Restorative Dentist in La Puente, CA
While restorative dentists focus on repairing and replacing damaged or missing teeth to restore function and stability, cosmetic dentists enhance the appearance of your smile. Both areas of dentistry can contribute to optimal oral health and overall well-being. Call our office to learn more about our services.
Request an appointment or call MyDentist La Puente at 626-345-6117 for an appointment in our La Puente office.
A restorative dentist primarily aims to protect oral health through tooth restorations. These restorations can also prevent pain, address any discomfort, decrease the risk of future issues, and revitalize the appearance of a smile. Here is a look at common problem-causing conditions and treatments they use to address them.Decay can wreak havoc, causing tooth pain,…
When most people think of cavity treatment, they think of fillings. However, a restorative dentist may recommend inlays or onlays for more severe cases of tooth decay. These restorative treatments come in various materials, some of which blend easily with the rest of the teeth. They can, therefore, restore not only the function but also…
Getting root canal therapy can feel like going through a storm. You are apprehensive about the unknown and long for the calm that comes after. This routine dental procedure comes with many myths but is highly effective for relieving severe tooth pain or infection. When performed by a restorative dentist, root canal therapy relieves discomfort…
A restorative dentist primarily aims to protect oral health through tooth restorations. These restorations can…
Choosing a new general dentist is an important decision that can impact your long-term oral…
When most people think of cavity treatment, they think of fillings. However, a restorative dentist…
Getting root canal therapy can feel like going through a storm. You are apprehensive about…
Aesthetic dentistry focuses on refined, conservative updates that elevate the natural beauty of a smile…
A restorative dentist is the go-to dental professional for repairing damaged teeth. While this specialist…
