How Is Restorative Dentistry Different from Cosmetic Dentistry?
When you visit your dentist, there are many different procedures that can provide preventive, restorative, and cosmetic benefits. At first glance, the difference isn’t always clear when comparing restorative dentistry vs. cosmetic dentistry. Both have important roles to play in dental care, and there’s plenty of overlap between their procedures.
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Restorative Dentistry vs. Cosmetic Dentistry
Many treatments fulfill both restorative and cosmetic goals. A dental crown, for example, can protect your teeth against decay, infection, and sensitivity. On the other hand, it also restores the appearance of a tooth and can be used to deal with permanent intrinsic stains and other defects.
When you visit your dentist for restorative dentistry, the primary goals are to restore the function of your teeth and preserve your long-term oral health. You can find effective treatments for damaged teeth, worn teeth, and missing teeth with this type of dentistry.
Cosmetic dentistry is focused on the appearance of your smile. This type of dentistry offers treatments such as in-office whitening that deliver a beautiful appearance for an already healthy smile. Veneers, clear aligners, and crowns are also cosmetic treatments that can greatly improve the appearance of your teeth.
Common Restorative Dentistry Procedures
If you’re experiencing missing teeth, damaged teeth, or tooth pain, you can visit your dentist to find out which restorative dentistry procedures may be right for you. They’ll carefully assess your needs and can develop a treatment plan that delivers function, aesthetics, and long-term oral health through these common procedures:
Filling Cavities
Dental fillings are the most basic restorative dentistry procedure. When you experience tooth decay, a cavity can form in your teeth. This can cause sensitivity and pain, along with providing shelter for bacteria in your mouth to evade brushing and flossing. Today, you can take advantage of tooth-colored fillings that are practically unnoticeable.
Root Canals
As tooth decay progresses, the inner layers of the tooth can become exposed. The pulp and nerve tissue inside is susceptible to infection, and once bacteria get in, it’s difficult to get them out.
A root canal treatment removes that soft tissue to treat or prevent infection. In most cases, a dental crown is placed to restore the surface of the tooth after treatment.
Crowns
Dental crowns are an excellent restorative dentistry option for seriously damaged or decayed teeth. Exterior material is removed from the tooth, and a ceramic crown is placed to provide lasting protection and a natural appearance. Today, CEREC same-day crowns provide a faster treatment, along with exceptional durability.
Implants
Dental implants are highly versatile, providing replacement teeth in many different situations. The titanium implants are embedded in the jawbone to provide a foundation for crowns, bridges, or implant-supported dentures. You can find lasting replacement options with dental implants, whether you’re missing one, several, or all of your teeth.
Extractions
Extraction is often an important step in restorative treatment plans. You may need to remove a seriously damaged or decayed tooth ahead of dental implant placement or other procedures. Extraction provides relief from the pain of a severely damaged tooth, along with preventing infection that can spread to other tissue.
Other Restorative Dentistry Treatments
There are many other potential restorative dentistry procedures that could provide a solution for your unique needs. For example, full and partial dentures are suitable in a variety of situations, particularly when a patient isn’t a good fit for dental implants.
Inlays and onlays are similar to dental crowns, except that they replace only the top surface of the tooth rather than going over the entire tooth. Veneers are another potential option, providing a solution for cracks, chips, discoloration, and other defects on the front surface of teeth. Bridges and bonding offer additional options.
Explore Restorative Dentistry in Mountain View, CA
Lagemann Family Dentistry can provide the restorative dentistry procedures you need to keep you and your family healthy in Mountain View, CA. With patient-based care and the latest technology for tooth replacement and tooth repair, we develop treatment plans that deliver exceptional results. Schedule your consultation today to find out more!
