Understanding Restorative Dentistry
Reviving Your Smile: Understanding Restorative Dentistry in Lexington, KY
Restorative dentistry focuses on diagnosing, treating, and restoring damaged or missing teeth. Whether you’re dealing with cavities, tooth loss, or other dental issues, restorative dentistry offers solutions to help you regain a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile. At Park Hills Family Dentistry, our team of skilled dentists in Lexington, KY, provides tailored restorative dental care to meet your needs. Here’s a closer look at what restorative dentistry entails and how it can benefit you.
What Is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry encompasses a range of procedures designed to restore the function and aesthetics of damaged or missing teeth. The primary goal is to improve your oral health and enhance your smile by addressing issues such as tooth decay, fractures, and tooth loss. Unlike preventive care, which focuses on avoiding dental problems, restorative dentistry aims to repair and replace damaged dental structures.
Common Restorative Dentistry Procedures
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are a common restorative procedure used to treat cavities. When a tooth decays, we remove the damaged portion and fill the cavity with materials like composite resin, amalgam, or glass ionomer. Composite fillings are popular due to their ability to blend seamlessly with natural teeth, making them an excellent choice for visible areas.
Crowns
Crowns are custom-made caps that cover a damaged or weakened tooth. They are often used after a root canal treatment, or when a tooth is severely fractured or decayed. We craft crowns from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal to restore the tooth’s strength, shape, and appearance. At Park Hills Family Dentistry, we use high-quality crowns that blend with your natural teeth for a flawless look.
Bridges
Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of an artificial tooth (or teeth) anchored in place by crowns on the adjacent teeth. This restorative solution not only fills the gap created by missing teeth but also helps maintain the alignment of surrounding teeth and improves your ability to chew and speak.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. An implant involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as a sturdy foundation for a replacement tooth (crown). Implants mimic the look and function of natural teeth and offer a durable, permanent solution. The best dentist in Lexington, KY, at Park Hills Family Dentistry, specializes in dental implants, ensuring you receive top-notch care and outstanding results.
Root Canals
We perform a root canal to save a tooth that is severely infected or damaged. During this treatment, the dentist removes the infected pulp from inside the tooth, cleans the area, and seals it with a special material. We place a crown over the tooth to restore its strength and function. While root canals can sound intimidating, they are effective in preserving natural teeth and alleviating pain.
Partial and Full Dentures
We use removable dentures to replace missing teeth. We use partial dentures for cases with remaining natural teeth and full dentures to replace all teeth in one or both jaws. We design modern dentures to fit comfortably and look natural, restoring both function and appearance effectively.
Benefits of Restorative Dentistry
Improved Functionality
Restorative dentistry helps restore the ability to chew, speak, and perform daily functions comfortably. For instance, dental implants and bridges improve your bite and overall oral function.
Enhanced Aesthetics
Restorative procedures like crowns, veneers, and fillings improve the appearance of damaged or discolored teeth, contributing to a more attractive smile.
Prevention of Further Damage
Addressing dental issues early with restorative treatments prevents them from worsening and causing more significant problems. For example, filling a cavity early prevents it from spreading and causing more extensive damage.
Increased Self-Confidence
A restored smile boosts self-esteem and confidence. With improved function and appearance, you’ll feel more comfortable in social and professional settings.
Preservation of Oral Health
Restorative dentistry not only addresses existing issues but also helps maintain overall oral health. By replacing missing teeth and repairing damaged ones, restorative treatments prevent misalignment and further complications.
Why Choose Park Hills Family Dentistry?
At Park Hills Family Dentistry, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional restorative dental care. Our skilled team, led by the best dentist in Lexington, KY, delivers personalized treatments tailored to your specific needs. We handle every aspect of your care with precision and compassion, from comprehensive evaluations to advanced restorative procedures.
If you’re experiencing dental issues or need to restore your smile, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our team will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that restores your oral health and enhances your smile. At Park Hills Family Dentistry, we commit to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.