What is restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry is a field of dentistry where we restore teeth. There are different options for restoring teeth, and I'm going to discuss them in more detail.
What is the difference between restorative and cosmetic dentistry?
They're actually pretty closely intertwined. Everything that we do in dentistry, we try to keep as cosmetic as possible. Cosmetic dentistry is mostly driven by cosmetics, beauty, a nice shine, and a big smile. That's cosmetic dentistry, not necessarily restoring cavities, decay, or broken teeth.
Restorative dentistry is geared toward restoring missing tooth structure, removing cavities if there are cavities, and filling them with restorative material. If a tooth is missing, restorative dentistry looks at how to replace the missing tooth or restore a fractured or decayed tooth.
What conditions may require restorative dentistry?
There are different conditions that may require restorative dentistry. Some treatments include fillings, and fillings are, as the name suggests, placed inside the tooth. Inlays and onlays also go inside the tooth, but they are made outside the mouth and then bonded to the tooth.
There are also crowns, and crowns are caps that go over the tooth. For this, we need to prepare the tooth to create space for the crown. The crown is also made outside the mouth and then bonded over the tooth.
Bridges are used when you have missing teeth and we're using the adjacent teeth as pillars to hold the replacement tooth structure in between. So, we have two adjacent teeth as pillars, and we're filling the missing space in between. That's a bridge because it bridges the two teeth with the missing tooth or teeth in between.
Dental implants can also be used in restorative dentistry, and dental implants can replace missing teeth. Another option is dentures. Dentures can replace multiple missing teeth or all the missing teeth in one arch, or one jaw. These, for the most part, are the biggest groups of restorative dentistry.
Is anesthesia or sedation used during restorative dental procedures?
Local anesthesia is commonly used so that the patient is comfortable during the procedure. Sedation is sometimes used if required. Some patients may require it because they're very anxious and their anxiety levels are very high, and they may need some type of relaxation in the office.
There are different types of sedation. It could be mild oral sedation or conscious sedation, where the patient is awake but relaxed. However, many patients will be okay with just local anesthesia.
What are the benefits of restorative dentistry?
The biggest benefit is bringing a patient back to a healthier situation. We're removing disease and restoring healthier oral structures. The second benefit is function, or being able to chew. If you're missing a tooth or you have damaged teeth, restoring those teeth to proper dimensions and having a bite that is comfortable and functional can help you chew properly.
The third benefit is aesthetics. If damaged teeth are in the front and they're decayed or discolored, we can provide restorative dentistry on these teeth and restore them to the proper shape, color, and shade. Then you can feel more confident with your smile. For the most part, these are the three biggest benefits of restorative dentistry.
Are there risks associated with restorative dental procedures?
Anything that's done in a dental or medical office can have risks associated with it. Risks could include pain and, sometimes, damage to a nerve or adjacent teeth. Every time a dental drill touches a tooth, the tooth may not react well to it. That doesn't mean the procedure shouldn't be done.
We weigh the risks versus the benefits, and if the benefits significantly outweigh the risks, we may recommend proceeding with treatment. As a patient, you have the freedom to decide whether to have any procedure. As long as you're informed of the risks and benefits, you can make your own decision. For the most part, however, we work to keep those risks to a minimum.
How long does it take to recover from a restorative dental procedure?
It shouldn't be very long. The local anesthesia may take an hour or two to wear off, so recovery is usually the same day. Sometimes it may take a few days, around two to three days, to recover.
As long as you follow your dentist's recommendations, recovery is typically straightforward. Sometimes the dentist will recommend taking over-the-counter pain medication, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen, or whatever you usually take for pain. Most often, however, pain medication isn't necessary for restorative dentistry.
What is the success rate of restorative dental procedures?
The success rate is generally high, and restorative dental procedures are predictable. We know what we're doing, and treatment is planned before we begin. We go into treatment well prepared, and many people benefit from and are happy with restorative dentistry.
How can you schedule an appointment for restorative dentistry?
If you're ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our services, we'd love to hear from you. Call us at (585) 522-1922 or email rocprostho@gmail.com. We look forward to caring for your smile.
What procedures fall under restorative dentistry?
In the big picture, it's whatever is going to restore your tooth or teeth to health. This can include fillings, crowns, and bridges. If you're missing teeth, it can also include implants and implant restorations, dentures, and partial dentures. It's anything that will restore a tooth to its proper shape or replace a missing tooth with a dental prosthesis.
How are cosmetic and restorative dentistry different?
Cosmetic dentistry's goal is primarily to improve aesthetics. If it provides other benefits as well, that's great, but the goal is cosmetics. Sometimes people want tooth whitening, and the whitening doesn't provide the results they're looking for, so cosmetic dentistry may come into place.
Restorative dentistry is there to restore missing or damaged tooth structure or replace missing teeth. It can provide functionality in the way you chew and help protect damaged teeth from further problems. It can also improve oral health because the teeth are restored. We also do it in a way that can be cosmetic so that it appears harmonious and aesthetic. Restorative dentistry can include cosmetic considerations within it.
How does a dentist determine if restorative dentistry is necessary?
Your dental exam will show what needs to be done, if anything. If you're healthy, have healthy teeth, and don't need restorative dentistry, then it's not needed. All you need to do is continue your oral hygiene at home and see your dentist for your regular hygiene appointments. However, if there are cavities, broken or damaged teeth, or missing teeth, then the dentist may recommend some type of restorative dentistry.
What can affect your eligibility for restorative dental procedures?
If your oral hygiene isn't good and you're unable to take good care of your oral hygiene, perhaps because of dexterity or health issues, then it may not be a good time for restorative dentistry. However, we do want to provide you with help. There may be another type of dental procedure indicated to address the problem.
For example, if a patient is going to have major surgery and there are teeth with decay or infection, those dental concerns may need to be addressed beforehand. This doesn't necessarily mean restorative dentistry. Sometimes, if teeth are severely damaged or broken and the situation needs to be addressed quickly, the teeth may be extracted to address the source of infection.
What are restorative dental procedures?
In the big picture, restorative dental procedures include fillings, which are the most common, as well as crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, and partial dentures. They're commonly done in a dental office, and you'll learn what you need when you come in for your exam. The dentist will examine you and discuss what treatment may be appropriate.
However, if you already have something in mind, such as replacing a missing tooth, we'll also discuss the options. We can talk about the different options available to restore a missing tooth.
What materials are used in restorative dentistry?
For the most part, fillings can be done with tooth-colored composite material. Crown materials can also be tooth-colored. Materials often include zirconia, lithium disilicate, porcelain fused to metal, or even full alloys such as gold.
For dentures, denture materials and denture teeth are typically made from reinforced plastic materials. They're designed to last for many years. Finally, with implant dentistry, implants are often made from medical-grade titanium alloy. On top of the implant, you have a crown that can be either screwed in or cemented to the implant.
What are the outcomes and benefits of restorative dentistry?
The biggest outcome and benefit is really oral health and becoming healthier. Other benefits include being able to chew, having a strong, healthy bite, and being able to smile. If you don't have missing teeth and your teeth look beautiful and aesthetic, you can smile with confidence.
How can recovery times vary after restorative dental procedures?
Recovery can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the procedure and the patient. For the most part, it's just a few days. Many of my patients tell me that by the next day they're feeling okay without any problems.
Are restorative dental procedures painful?
Restorative dental procedures are generally performed with local anesthesia to help keep you comfortable. You may feel some discomfort when the local anesthesia is given. Afterward, the treatment area should be numb while the dental work is being performed.
How can you schedule a dental exam?
If you're ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our services, we'd love to hear from you. Call us at (585) 522-1922 or email rocprostho@gmail.com. We look forward to caring for your smile.
What is restorative dentistry?
Prosthodontic dentistry is another term for restorative dentistry. Both terms refer to the dental specialty that focuses on repairing or replacing damaged teeth. Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester provides a wide variety of restorative and cosmetic dental services that can transform your smile from worn and damaged to healthy and beautiful. In addition to offering denture services, our non-implant restorative dental services include dental crowns, dental bridges, cosmetic dental veneers, sleep apnea therapy, and night guards to protect your teeth while you sleep.
Non-Implant Dental Services
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing damaged teeth or replacing missing ones to restore function, health, and appearance. At Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester, our non-implant solutions include dental crowns, dental bridges, dental veneers, dentures, sleep apnea therapy, and night guards. The goal is to treat decay, correct structural damage, improve chewing ability, and prevent future oral health problems.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown, also referred to as a "cap," is a type of dental restoration that fits over the remains of a tooth that has cracked or has been damaged in some way. A dental crown protects the tooth from further damage and restores its function and appearance.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is made up of two teeth that are used as anchors to hold in the missing tooth. A dental bridge usually has three components: two anchor teeth and the tooth that was missing. When finished, a dental bridge will seem as natural as three original teeth. A dental bridge can be made from different materials, such as gold, porcelain, zirconia, or porcelain with metal alloy. The goal is to close a gap in your smile, and restore you to normal function and esthetics.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are a very popular cosmetic dentistry treatment for teeth that are decayed, diseased, discolored, chipped, or misaligned. Dental veneers are thin, durable porcelain laminates that can change the color and the shape of a tooth or the entire dental arch.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
If your sleeping partner tells you that you snore loudly and you wake up often during the night, you may have Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome, also known as sleep apnea. Dr. Kuyunov can screen you for sleep apnea and refer you to a medical doctor who is a sleep disorder specialist. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea disorder, there are different treatment modalities that can help you.
Night Guards
Dr. Kuyunov may recommend that you wear a night guard while you sleep, especially if you have bruxism (teeth grinding) or clenching. Night guards may also be recommended to protect porcelain crowns and veneers, keep teeth from moving, help reduce symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), and more. Impressions of your teeth and mouth are taken and a custom-fitted night guard is fabricated.
Denture Services in Rochester, NY
Replace Missing Teeth with Non-Implant Dentures
Dr. Isaac Kuyunov specializes in providing non-implant supported dentures to his patients. If you live in the Rochester, NY area and are interested in complete dentures or partial dentures to replace several missing teeth, why not make an appointment for an evaluation so that we can recommend the best denture option for your needs? You can also visit our denture care guide that includes cleaning and maintenance tips to ensure that your dentures are working well and last a long time.
Dr. Kuyunov also provides implant-supported dentures for those who are interested in a more permanent solution to replace missing teeth.
Looking for restorative dental services in Rochester, NY? Visit Dr. Isaac Kuyunov
We believe that everyone deserves a beautiful smile they can wear proudly. If you feel your smile isn't the best that it could be, Rochester, NY cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry expert, Dr. Isaac Kuyunov, can help. Why not schedule an appointment for a consultation with us to discuss your options? Call us today at (585) 522-1922 or click the link below to email us.