Rehabilitative dentistry, or the restoration of one’s smile, is the process of returning a tooth’s shape and appearance to its natural state. If you have lost a tooth or experienced a traumatic accident that has affected your teeth, our restorative services are the solution.
Restorative dentistry services take many forms, and luckily, our dentists in Flower Mound, TX, have expert-level experience and passion for all of them. Our dental office also provides comprehensive dental services that prevent oral health issues and correct injuries or blemishes.
Restorative Dentistry in Flower Mound, TX
Our dentists want to do everything possible to keep your smile in shape. Rehabilitative and restorative dentistry is the most effective way to do this, especially when dealing with multiple dental problems.
Our office offers crowns for a more in-depth approach to restoring a cracked or damaged tooth. Crowns will completely cover and protect a broken or worn-down tooth from further damage. Dental crowns mimic the look and feel of natural teeth and are most often solutions for severe cavities.
Dental implants are small posts that restore missing teeth at the root. Implants are made of high-quality materials that ensure single dental crowns, bridges, or dentures last.
We also offer TMJ treatment for patients who experience symptoms like headaches, tooth pain, or jaw pain. Our office also provides Xeomin injections to relax the facial and jaw muscles and alleviate headaches. We can make nightguards to prevent teeth clenching and grinding.
Periodontal disease treatment can reverse gingivitis and help patients manage periodontitis. Deep cleaning treatments and routine dental care can remove harmful bacteria that affect the gums. Sleep apnea is a disruptive problem that causes breathing issues during sleep. We can create custom oral appliances to keep the airway open and prevent sleep apnea.
Do I Need Restorative Dentistry?
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, but keeping it healthy takes more than just brushing and flossing. Sometimes, teeth get damaged, decayed, or even lost, and that’s when restorative dentistry comes in. Restorative dentistry includes treatments that repair or replace teeth to restore your smile’s function, comfort, and appearance. You may need restorative dental work if you’ve ever had a cavity, a cracked tooth, or missing teeth.
1. Tooth Decay and Cavities
Even with good oral hygiene, cavities can happen. When plaque builds up on your teeth, its acids eat away at your enamel, creating small holes called cavities. If left untreated, cavities grow larger and can reach the inner part of your tooth, causing pain and infection. A simple filling can fix small cavities, but you might need a crown or root canal to save the tooth if the decay is severe.
2. Cracked or Broken Teeth
Teeth can crack or break from accidents, grinding your teeth, or biting down on something hard. A small chip might not hurt, but a large crack can expose the nerves inside, leading to pain and sensitivity. Depending on the damage, your dentist might repair it with bonding, a crown, or a veneer. If the crack is deep, a root canal may be necessary before placing a crown to protect the tooth.
3. Worn-Down Teeth
Over time, teeth can wear down from grinding (bruxism), acid erosion (from foods, drinks, or stomach acid), or just years of use. Worn teeth can become sensitive, change your bite, and even make you look older. Restorative treatments like dental bonding, crowns, or veneers can rebuild your teeth to their normal shape and strength.
4. Missing Teeth
Losing a tooth affects more than just your smile. Gaps from missing teeth can cause your other teeth to shift, leading to bite problems and jaw pain. It can also make chewing difficult and weaken your jawbone over time. Dentists can replace missing teeth with dental implants, bridges, or dentures. Implants are the most permanent solution because they act like natural tooth roots, preventing bone loss.
5. Old or Failing Dental Work
Fillings, crowns, and bridges don’t last forever. Over time, they can wear out, loosen, or even break. If an old filling leaks, bacteria can get underneath and cause new decay. A damaged crown can expose your tooth to infection. Your dentist can replace old dental work with stronger materials to protect your teeth.
6. Gum Disease and Tooth Loss
Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. When gums pull away from teeth, pockets form where bacteria grow, damaging the bone that holds teeth in place. If gum disease isn’t treated, teeth can become loose and fall out. Deep cleanings, gum treatments, and bone grafts can help restore your oral health. Implants or dentures can fill the gaps if you’ve already lost teeth.
7. Improving Your Bite and Jaw Function
If your teeth don’t fit together properly, it can cause jaw pain, headaches, and uneven wear on your teeth. Restorative treatments like crowns, bridges, or orthodontics can correct your bite, making chewing and speaking easier while preventing future damage.
8. Boosting Confidence and Appearance
Damaged or missing teeth can make you feel self-conscious about smiling or talking. Restorative dentistry doesn’t just fix function but also improves your smile’s look. Whether whitening stained teeth, filling gaps, or repairing chips, these treatments help you feel more confident.
Restorative Dentistry FAQs
Learn more about restorative dentistry in our Flower Mound, TX dental office with answers to these commonly asked questions:
Does insurance cover restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry is often covered by dental insurance, but it depends on your specific plan. Some treatments are usually covered because they are necessary for dental health. However, some plans may only cover part of the cost, and others may not cover certain treatments. Check with your dental insurance provider to see what’s included in your plan and how much they will pay for restorative procedures.
How do I know if I need restorative dentistry?
You might need restorative dentistry if you notice certain signs or have specific problems with your teeth. Signs that you may need to see a dentist for restorative care can include:
- Broken or Chipped Teeth
- Missing Teeth
- Severe Tooth Wear
- Gum Disease
If you injure or lose teeth from an accident or notice changes in your tooth or gum health, please contact our dentist office. We can restore your teeth and gums’ look, comfort, and function.
Will restorative dentistry improve the look of my smile?
Yes, many restorative treatments improve the look of your smile. Crowns, bridges, and dental implants fix damaged or missing teeth and make your smile look better. Restorations match your natural teeth. They can help you feel more confident about your smile while improving your dental health.
Can restorative dentistry improve my bite?
Treatments that replace missing teeth and repair tooth damage can create a more balanced bite. Implants replace missing teeth, making it hard to bite and chew. Dental crowns cover worn and fractured teeth to prevent further damage and improve the bite. TMJ treatments can also improve how teeth come together and the comfort of your bite.
Are dental implants better than dentures?
Dental implants are often considered better than dentures for many people, but it depends on your specific needs. Implants are small titanium posts we place in the jawbone and act like natural tooth roots. They are permanent, sturdy, and feel more like real teeth. Implants also help prevent bone loss in the jaw, which can happen when teeth are missing.
Traditional dentures are removable and can be a good option for people who have lost several teeth. While they are less expensive, dentures can sometimes slip or feel uncomfortable. Luckily, we offer implant-supported dentures so you can have a stable smile.
Can dental crowns treat decay?
Dental crowns can treat tooth decay if the damage is too severe for a regular filling. When a tooth has a large cavity or is weakened by decay, we can place a crown over it to protect it. A crown acts like a cap that covers the entire tooth, restoring its strength, shape, and function.
By placing a crown, we can prevent decay and protect the tooth from further damage. This helps save the tooth and keeps your smile healthy.
Do I need a bridge or dentures?
Whether you need a bridge or denture depends on how many teeth you’re missing and your specific dental needs. A dental bridge replaces one or a few missing teeth in a row. It is anchored to the natural teeth next to the gap and stays in place permanently.
We use a denture when you miss many or all of your teeth. Dentures can be full (replacing all teeth) or partial (replacing some teeth). They are removable and custom-made to fit your mouth. Our dentist can help you choose between a bridge and dentures based on your situation.
How long do dental restorations last?
The length of time your restorations last depends on the restoration type. Crowns covering damaged teeth can last 10 to 15 years or even longer with good care. Porcelain crowns tend to last about the same time as metal crowns but blend with the color of natural teeth.
Traditional dental bridges can last about 5 to 15 years, depending on your oral hygiene and whether the supporting teeth remain healthy. Removable dentures last 5 to 7 years before you need to replace or adjust them, as your mouth can change shape over time. However, bridges and dentures secured with implants last 10 to 15 years or more.
Restore Your Smile
We cannot wait to help you achieve the smile you deserve. Call our office for an appointment today at 972-848-8745 or request a consultation with us online.