Everybody knows the power of a healthy and beautiful smile, and dental care plays a crucial role in ensuring that you have this smile for as long as possible. However, in times when a healthy and beautiful smile is not possible, restorative dentistry is a great option to consider. Whether it is a chipped tooth, cavities, missing teeth, or other health issues, restorative dentistry can bring back both function and aesthetics. Is restorative dentistry really worth it? This question is probably something you are wondering about if you are considering restorative dentistry. The best person who can answer this will be your dentist since they know your particular situation. However, this post will give you a general idea of what restorative dentistry can do for you.
Is Restorative Dentistry Worth It?
Restorative dentistry refers to the procedures that repair damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. The main goal of restorative dentistry is to restore the function of your teeth while also improving their appearance. In comparison with cosmetic dentistry, which focuses on aesthetics, restorative dentistry addresses oral health problems and prevents further problems and complications.
The Benefits of Restorative Dentistry
Improved Oral Health
Infections can stem from decayed or damaged teeth. If this is left untreated, further deterioration can occur. Restorative dentistry can help prevent this by repairing and protecting the affected teeth, which can reduce the risk of gum disease and other complications.
Enhanced Functionality
The effects of damaged or missing teeth can extend beyond the difficulty of chewing. It also makes speech difficult. Restorative dentistry, like crowns, bridges, and implants, helps you to eat and speak easily and comfortably, and in effect improves the quality of your life.
Prevention of Further Damage
An untreated cavity, no matter how small, can lead to severe decay, infection, or tooth loss. Fillings and crowns can save you from more extensive procedures in the future by stopping the progression of the problem.
Increase in Self-Confidence
Tooth loss or even just a chipped tooth can damage one’s self-confidence and make people self-conscious. With restorative procedures, you can have a healthy and beautiful smile, which can bring back your self-confidence, especially in social and professional settings.
Long-Term Cost Savings
While it may initially seem like restorative treatments cost a lot of money, they can actually help you save money in the long run. Addressing your dental problems early can save you a lot of pain and prevent the need for more complicated and costly procedures.
Common Restorative Dentistry Procedures
Dental Fillings
A dental filling is a procedure done to treat cavities. It is one of the most cost-effective and most common restorative dentistry procedures. It not only restores the functionality of your tooth but also prevents further decay. An untreated cavity can lead to a severe infection, which may eventually require a root canal or an extraction.
Fillings are relatively inexpensive, do not require a lot of time, and are effective.
Dental Crowns
Crowns are caps custom-made to match your teeth. They are placed over damaged or weakened teeth to restore their shape, appearance, and strength. They protect the tooth from further damage and can serve you for many years as long as you take good care of them.
Although they need more investment than dental fillings, they can extend the life of a damaged or weakened tooth and prevent more invasive procedures.
Bridges and Dentures
Bridges are used to replace missing teeth by anchoring them to adjacent teeth. Meanwhile, dentures are removable replacements for multiple missing teeth.
Both practical and effective, these options can bring back the patient’s ability to chew and speak properly.
Root Canal Treatment
This treatment is done to save a severely infected tooth. The dentist removes the damaged pulp, cleans the infected area, and seals it. A root canal procedure usually takes at least two visits to an endodontist, who may then refer you to another dentist who will make a crown for the treated tooth.
Dental Implants
As a long-term solution for missing teeth, a dental implant is made of a titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone. It is topped with a custom crown that matches the look and feel of your missing teeth.
Is Restorative Dentistry Right for You?
If you are struggling with decayed, damaged, or missing teeth, try answering these questions:
- Do you find speaking, chewing, or eating difficult because of your decayed, damaged, or missing teeth?
- Are you experiencing pain or discomfort?
- Does your tooth, or lack of it, prevent you from smiling?
- Would you like to prevent future problems?
If you answered yes to any one of the questions above, it would be good to contact a dentist.
Ask Your Dentist About Restorative Dentistry Today
A restorative dentistry procedure not only brings back function but also improves aesthetics, boosts the patient’s self-confidence, and prevents any severe dental issues. Although costs vary depending on the dentist, location, procedure, and complexity, the long-term benefits of these procedures still outweigh the costs and expenses. This means that they are a worthwhile investment.
If you are considering having any restorative procedure, consult a board-certified dentist who can help you explore the best possible solution for your unique situation. Contact us today and allow us to help you get back your healthy and beautiful smile.
