You Might Not Know We Can Fix That
Many of our patients have been coming to our practice for years. But some of you might not know about all the ways we can restore your smile when things go beyond routine maintenance. Restorative dentistry includes treatments that can genuinely change how you eat, speak, and feel about your teeth. Read on to learn more.
What Restorative Dentistry Actually Means
Restorative dentistry encompasses everything we do to repair or replace damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. It sits between preventative care (your regular cleanings and checkups) and cosmetic work (purely appearance-focused treatments). The goal is always to bring your teeth back to full function while making them look natural. You might already be familiar with fillings, but restorative dentistry includes so much more.
Treatments You Might Not Have Considered
Over the years, we’ve noticed patients living with problems they assume are just part of getting older or something they have to accept. Here are some examples of restorative treatments and what they can do:
- Crowns– A cracked tooth you’ve been babying for months can be protected with a crown before it breaks completely. These aren’t just for people with severe damage. Sometimes, a tooth weakened by a large filling years ago needs a crown now to stay strong.
- Bridges – We may recommend a bridge to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring a prosthetic to the healthy teeth on either side, restoring your ability to chew comfortably.
- Dental implants – An implant replaces the entire tooth structure, root and all, so you don’t have to change how you eat. It also looks and feels so much like a natural tooth that many patients tell us they forget which tooth is the implant after a few months.
- Inlays and onlays – These work perfectly for damage that’s too extensive for a filling but doesn’t require a full crown. We customize our inlays and onlays to fit precisely, restoring your tooth’s shape and strength. Inlays and onlays are incredibly durable and look completely natural.
Why Addressing Issues Now Matters
Putting off restorative work usually makes things worse and more expensive down the road. That sensitive tooth might need a simple filling now, but waiting could mean needing a root canal and crown later. The gap from a missing tooth allows other teeth to shift, resulting in bite problems and additional tooth loss over time. We bring this up not to create worry, but because addressing these issues early on saves you time, money, and discomfort.
Starting the Conversation
If you’ve been dealing with any dental issues you’ve learned to work around, or if you’ve been curious about treatments but never asked, your next appointment at our office located in Charlotte, NC is the perfect time to talk. We can look at what’s bothering you and discuss realistic solutions. There’s no pressure or judgment, just honest information about what we can do to help. You’ve trusted us with your dental care, and we want to make sure you know everything we can offer to keep your smile healthy and strong.
