While we’d love to say that the way our teeth look shouldn’t impact our self-esteem, the reality for many people is that it does. Sometimes, insecurities about our overall dental health can have us shying away from talking, smiling, and eating in social situations. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. Having the confidence to smile and socialize should bring joy, but being self-conscious about your teeth can rob you of that experience.
Enhancing your smile is only one part of restorative dentistry. Filling gaps can do wonders for your oral hygiene and overall dental health, which positively contributes to your well-being. Keep reading to learn more about restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, dental implants, and denture services.
What is restorative dentistry?
As the name implies, the goal of restorative dentistry is to ‘restore’ the natural function of your teeth, improve the health of your gums, and enhance your smile. This area of dentistry focuses on repairing or restoring damaged or missing teeth, whether from injury, an accident, or gradual tooth loss from dental problems.
Restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry are often mistaken for each other, but there are key differences between both. Cosmetic dentistry strictly focuses on aesthetics, including teeth whitening, veneers, tooth contouring, and more. Restorative dentistry can enhance the look of a person’s smile while restoring function and improving overall hygiene.
The different restorative dentistry services
At Fort McMurray, we offer the following restorative dentistry services:
Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and bridges are an effective and affordable way to cover a damaged tooth and fill in gaps from missing teeth. A dental crown is typically made of porcelain, ceramic, metal, or resin and is placed over decayed or mishappen teeth. This can protect the teeth from further damage and can help make brush and flossing easier. They are secured with high-grade dental cement.
Dental bridges are ideal for filling in a gap for one or two missing teeth. The end pieces of the bridge are hollow (like a dental crown) so they can be placed over natural teeth or dental implants on each side.
Dental Implants
Dental implants offer the strongest, sturdiest, and most reliable restorative solution for missing teeth. An artificial tooth root is surgically implanted in the jaw beneath the gum line and, once healed, a crown is secured on top of the implant. Dental implants can look and function like natural teeth, allowing patients to eat their favourite foods.
To qualify for dental implants, patients must have a healthy jawbone structure. However, bone grafting is an option if there is not enough jawbone to work with.
Dentures
Dentures are a popular restorative solution for patients who need to replace all teeth on either the bottom, the top, or both. Today’s dentures can be fixed and permanently supported by dental implants rather than needing to remove overnight.
Denture services include partial dentures to replace only a few missing teeth or complete dentures to replace all teeth.
Schedule your restorative dentistry appointment in Fort McMurray
Whether you need to replace one tooth or a full gum line, there is a dental restoration option that’s right for you, your budget, your goals, and your comfort level. With friendly staff, knowledgeable dentists, and instant financing, Fort McMurray can help you improve your oral health and get your confidence back with restorative dental treatments. Contact us to book your first consultation.
