What is restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing or replacing teeth to improve your health, the function of your teeth, and your appearance. Cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry procedures are similar, as they can both offer functional and cosmetic improvements. Dr. Reiser will perform a comprehensive examination and take dental x-rays to determine what type of dental procedure will be most effective for your needs.
What's the difference between restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry?
There's a little bit of a difference, but sometimes restorative dentistry can be cosmetic dentistry and cosmetic dentistry can be restorative dentistry.
Specifically or strictly speaking, when we talk about cosmetic dentistry, we usually think of it as making your smile or your appearance look a little bit better. But when we're doing restorative dentistry, lots of times we can increase and make your aesthetics and your smile look better, too. In general, restorative dentistry is repairing or restoring an issue in your mouth. Cosmetic dentistry is just making something look a little bit better.
How is restorative dentistry used?
Any issue inside of your mouth. If you have a cavity, we'd use restorative dentistry to fix that cavity. If you lose a tooth, we would use restorative dentistry to replace that tooth. We can do it with fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, dentures. There are multiple reasons why you need it, but usually it's some kind of issue or disease inside of your mouth.
Reiser Dental Restorative Dentistry Treatment Options
We offer comprehensive restorative dentistry treatment options. Dr. Reiser and his skilled staff will evaluate the health and condition of your teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine what procedure is right for you. Our goal is to improve the health and function of your teeth and restore their appearance. Our restorative dentistry procedures can restore your ability to chew, speak, and eat. We specialize in the following restorative dentistry treatment options:
- Dental Fillings – When you have a dental cavity, it eats away at your tooth enamel and creates a hole. Dr. Reiser will clean out the infection and then use a dental filling to seal your tooth and prevent discomfort or infection.
- Dental Crowns – A dental crown is a tooth-colored cap placed over your tooth to repair damage, strengthen the tooth, or restore it after a root canal or cavity.
- Inlays and Onlays – Dental inlays and onlays are procedures that repair and restore a tooth when a dental cavity has created a hole that is too big for a dental filling but too small for a dental crown. It is a custom dental restoration carefully constructed to fill in missing pieces or cover damage.
- Dental Bridges – A dental bridge can replace one or more missing teeth using artificial teeth anchored by dental crowns.
- Dental Implants – A dental implant is a natural-looking, semi-permanent tooth replacement option. They are rods inserted into your gum and jawbone that act as tooth roots. A prosthetic tooth is attached to the implant once your mouth heals.
- Dentures – Dentures are fixed or removable prosthetics that replace missing teeth or a whole arch or mouth of missing teeth.
- Full Mouth Reconstruction – A full mouth reconstruction is an extensive restorative dentistry procedure that replaces most or all of your teeth.
- Tooth Extractions – If your tooth is too decayed, damaged, or infected to preserve, Dr. Reiser will recommend a tooth extraction. You can then discuss your options for tooth replacement.
- Root Canal Therapy – Root canal therapy can preserve your tooth and help you avoid a tooth extraction if you have a major infection. Dr. Reiser will clean out the infected pulp and fill in your tooth, sealing it with dental putty and a dental crown.
Who Needs Restorative Dentistry?
You should consider restorative dentistry if you have damaged, decayed, broken, or infected teeth that need to be removed. You may also need a restorative dentistry procedure if you have one or more missing teeth. You should make an appointment if you have dental or oral pain or discomfort related to tooth damage, injury, infection, or decay or if you have an existing dental restoration that is causing you discomfort.
What kind of anesthetic is used for restorative dentistry?
A lot depends on the patient's preference. We are definitely going to use some sort of anesthetic. It could be local anesthetic where we just get the local area where we're working nice and numb. Depending on the patient's situation, if we need to do deep sedation, anesthesia for their comfort, we could also have that done in the office. In general, for most restorative dentistry, it's a simple injection to get you nice and numb while we're working.
Are there any risks associated with restorative dental procedures?
With anything in medicine or dental, there's always risk for anything we're doing, but they're very minimal. We use every possible technique available to us to reduce any risk possible. Depending on the procedure, it could be as simple as, as soon as the numbness wears off, you're back to normal—so, a couple of hours to maybe a day or two if it's a little bit more involved, having you just be a little bit careful with where we work. In general, with most restorative dentistry, by the time you're not numb, you're back to normal.
Benefits & Risks of Restorative Dentistry
Getting a dental restoration can improve your health, safety, and quality of life. Dental restorations can also improve your appearance, confidence, and self-esteem. The biggest advantages of restorative dentistry are:
- Improved comfort
- Reduced risk of oral and dental problems
- Improved function and ability to eat, chew, and speak
- Reduced pain
- Prevention of future dental and oral health problems
- Preservation of facial appearance and jaw bone density
- Enhanced appearance
- Increased self-esteem and confidence
Like any medical or dental treatment, some dental restoration procedures also have a risk of complications, including:
- Infection
- Pain and swelling
- Discomfort
- Bleeding
- Bruising
What is the success rate of restorative dentistry?
The success rate is usually 95 to 100%. It's very straightforward and we have great success with pretty much everything we do with any kind of treatment within dentistry medicine. There are always complications or issues that can arise, but in general, the restorative success rate is close to 100%.
You may need to visit a restorative dentist if you have missing or damaged teeth or need a tooth extracted. A restorative dentist can improve the health, function, and appearance of your teeth and gums. At Reiser Dental, Dr. Reiser and his staff are committed to patient health, comfort, and safety. Dr. Reiser specializes in restorative dentistry in Denver, CO, to correct, repair, or replace teeth. Call us to schedule a consultation for a dental crown, bridge, implants, or dentures.
Why Choose Reiser Dental
Dr. Reiser and his team at Reiser Dental are committed to improving patient comfort and creating a warm, welcoming environment. We provide compassionate, personalized care carefully tailored to your health, needs, and goals. We have extensive experience helping patients overcome dental anxiety, and we offer dental sedation and comfortable treatment areas to ease anxiety. Our office uses advanced, state-of-the-art equipment and technology to provide the highest quality care. We believe everyone should have access to safe dental care, so we take most major insurance plans and keep our prices reasonable. We focus on preventive care and treatment options that reduce your risk of future dental problems.
Schedule a Consultation for a Restorative Dentistry Procedure
Call us today or book an appointment online for a restorative dentistry procedure in Denver, CO. A friendly, knowledgeable member of our staff will assess your symptoms and schedule a consultation with Dr. Reiser and his team. We’re happy to answer any questions you have, and we will make sure you get the highest level of care and personalized dental solutions.