Even the best smiles need a little backup sometimes. When a tooth or two has seen better days, restorative dentistry in Charlotte, NC, can help get your pearly whites back on track. Curious how it all works? Aspire Dental Wellness is here to break it down.
What Is Restorative Dental Care?
Restorative dentistry is a specialized area within general dentistry that focuses on bringing damaged, decayed, or missing teeth back to full function. This field covers many treatments, from dental fillings to bridges and implants, and it’s practiced by general dentists. Your chosen family dentist should be able to provide you with such restorative services.
Who Needs a Restorative Dental Treatment?
Around 120 million people in the US alone miss at least one tooth. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), nearly 90% of adults are dealing with decay in their teeth, which is a staggering percentage that has not changed significantly throughout the years.
The good news is that restorative dentistry offers effective solutions to these issues. While some bad teeth can’t be saved, there are still plenty of ways your Charlotte, NC, dentist can help you improve chewing, comfort, and your overall oral health. So, when we’re talking about restoration, dental conditions that are usually treated include:
- Cavities and tooth decay,
- Damaged or broken teeth,
- Missing teeth.
What Is the Difference Between Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry in Charlotte, NC?
Restorations are all about getting your smile back in working order, while a cosmetic dentist in Charlotte, NC, will mainly focus on how it looks. However, these fields are not entirely separate worlds. In fact, plenty of treatments do double duty, enhancing both the function and the aesthetics – take dental crowns, for example.
Which Dental Treatments Are Considered Restorative?
Restorative dentistry encompasses a wide range of treatments, all aimed at bringing your teeth back to their best. Let’s take a look at the most common restorations every good Charlotte dentist in SouthPark should provide their patients with.
Dental Fillings Are a Reliable Solution for Early Tooth Decay
Dental fillings are one of the most common and essential treatments around. They’re the go-to solution for cavities, addressing the tiny holes caused by decay before they become bigger problems.
The dentist will carefully clean out the affected part of the tooth, then fill the space with a durable, tooth-colored material, such as composite resin, which will blend right in. They don’t last forever, though, and fillings can sometimes even fall out. But until that happens, they’ll be protecting your teeth from further damage.
Crowns Are Used to Strengthen and Protect Damaged Teeth
When a tooth is worn down or there’s a significant crack, dental crowns can be an effective solution. This durable prosthetic is basically a custom-made cap that covers the entire tooth, restoring its function and appearance.
There are many types of crowns, from ceramic to porcelain, each with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Your dentist will help you choose the right one based on your needs, and with it, your smile is in for a long-lasting transformation.
Implants Provide Permanent Tooth Replacement With Natural Results
Dental implants are often considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. Surgically placed into the jawbone, implants act like artificial tooth roots, providing a sturdy base for a crown, bridge, or even full dentures.
Over time, the dental implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration, giving unmatched stability and longevity. They look, feel, and function like real teeth. Moreover, with proper care, they can last a lifetime.
Dental Bridges Fill the Gaps Left by Missing Teeth
Bridges are a great solution for filling the space left by one or more missing teeth. This dental restoration consists of artificial teeth anchored by crowns that are placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. With a well-fitted bridge, you’ll be able to smile, speak, and chew with confidence, like the gap was never there at all.
Dentures Are Used to Restore Full Smiles With Custom-Fit Comfort
Dentures are another great solution for replacing missing teeth. Full dentures are designed to restore an entire arch, while partial ones are ideal for a couple of teeth missing in different places.
For added stability, they can also be upgraded with dental implants. These work much like regular dentures but are anchored to implants rather than simply resting on the gums. You and your dentist in Charlotte, NC, can work out which option will provide you with ultimate comfort and functionality.
Love Your Smile Again With Restorative Dentistry in Charlotte, NC
Whether you’re dealing with a small cavity or missing several teeth, Aspire Dental Wellness offers personalized solutions to bring comfort and function back to your smile. Our team, led by the experienced Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, combines advanced techniques with a compassionate, holistic approach to make sure you feel at your best from the moment you step into our office. Contact us today to plan your visit and experience the best general dentistry in Charlotte, NC, can offer.
