Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry encompasses diagnosing, treating, and preventing oral diseases and conditions, primarily focusing on restoring the function and aesthetics of teeth and supporting structures. This field includes a variety of procedures, including fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures, aimed at repairing or replacing damaged or missing teeth. Restorative dentistry also involves techniques to preserve natural teeth whenever possible, such as root canal therapy and periodontal treatments.

By utilizing advanced materials and techniques, restorative dentistry aims to improve oral health, restore proper bite alignment, and enhance the smile's overall appearance, ultimately promoting optimal oral function and quality of life for patients. Contact the Center for Family and Implant Dentistry for more information. 

Restorative Dentistry Treatments and Procedures 

Tooth Extractions 

Tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a tooth is removed from its socket in the jawbone. It may be necessary due to various reasons, such as severe decay, advanced periodontal disease, trauma, or overcrowding. The process involves numbing the area with local anesthesia by our dentist in Bluff City, TN, then loosening the tooth with specialized instruments and gently removing it from the socket. Surgical extraction techniques may sometimes be required for impacted or deeply rooted teeth.

After extraction, proper post-operative care is essential to promote healing and prevent complications. Tooth extraction is often considered a last resort when other treatments are not feasible to alleviate pain, prevent further damage, and restore oral health. 

Implant Restorations 

Implant restorations involve replacing missing teeth with dental implants, which are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. Once the implants have integrated with the bone, abutments are attached, and custom-made artificial teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, are securely fixed onto the abutments. This process restores the function and aesthetics of missing teeth, providing a stable and long-lasting solution.

Implant restorations offer numerous benefits, including improved chewing ability, speech, oral health, and enhanced appearance and self-confidence. Additionally, they help preserve jawbone structure and prevent further dental problems associated with tooth loss. 

Dental Crowns 

A dental crown is a cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. It fully encases the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. Once placed, the crown restores the tooth's shape, strength, and appearance. It also protects the tooth from further damage. 

Dental Bridges 

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It spans the space where the teeth are missing. Dental bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the space. These teeth, called abutments, serve as anchors for the dental bridge. For more information, contact us today! 

Dentures (Full and Partial) 

Complete dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They resemble your natural teeth and fit snugly over your gums. They can be removed for cleaning and maintenance. 

Partial dentures are used when you still have some healthy teeth remaining. These dentures fill in the gaps in your smile caused by missing teeth. Partial dentures can be held in place by metal clasps or dental implants. 

Full and partial dentures can significantly improve oral health and quality of life. 

Implant-Supported Dentures 

A dental implant-supported denture is a type of overdenture supported by dental implants. An implant-supported denture snaps onto implants instead of resting on the gums like a traditional denture.

Traditional dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They consist of artificial teeth that are attached to a gum-colored base. The base of the traditional denture is designed to fit snugly over the gums. However, the jawbone can shrink and change shape over time, causing the fit to become loose. This can cause the traditional denture to slip or slide around in the mouth, causing discomfort and embarrassment. 

Implant-supported dentures prevent this slippage by snapping onto dental implants surgically placed in the jaw. These implants provide stability and support for the denture, keeping it in place and preventing it from moving. In addition, the implants stimulate the bone, which helps prevent bone loss that can occur when natural teeth are missing. 

Root Canals/Endodontics 

A root canal is a procedure that treats the infected pulp of a tooth by removing the diseased tissue and then sealing the tooth to prevent further infection. When left untreated, an infected tooth can cause severe pain and lead to an abscess. An abscess is a collection of pus that forms when bacteria enter the body through a break in the skin or other tissues. The abscess can form in or around the gums and teeth. 

Porcelain Restorations 

Porcelain restorations are dental restorations made from porcelain material, which is highly regarded for its natural appearance, durability, and biocompatibility. These restorations, such as crowns, veneers, and inlays/onlays, are meticulously crafted to mimic natural teeth in terms of color, translucency, and texture, resulting in aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting solutions for repairing damaged or cosmetically imperfect teeth.

Porcelain restorations in Bluff City, TN, are custom-made to fit each patient's unique dental anatomy and can effectively restore function, strength, and beauty to the smile while maintaining healthy oral tissues. These restorations are stain-resistant and durable, providing patients with long-lasting and lifelike solutions for enhancing their smiles and overall dental health. 

Inlays and Onlays 

Inlays and onlays are conservative dental restorations that repair moderately damaged or decayed teeth. Inlays fit within a tooth's cusps (raised points), while onlays extend over one or more cusps, covering a more significant portion of the tooth's surface.

Made from materials like porcelain, composite resin, or gold, inlays and onlays are custom-fabricated in a dental laboratory to precisely match the shape and color of the patient's natural teeth. These restorations offer superior strength, durability, and aesthetics compared to traditional fillings, preserving more of the natural tooth structure while providing a seamless and long-lasting solution for restoring function and appearance. Inlays and onlays are bonded securely to the tooth surface, strengthening the tooth and protecting it from further damage, thus promoting optimal oral health and aesthetics. 

To restore your smile and regain optimal oral health, visit the Center for Family and Implant Dentistry at 4453 Hwy 11 E, Bluff City, TN 37618, or call (423) 391-8004. Whether you require dental fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, or other restorative treatments, we're here to help you achieve lasting results.