Restorative Dentistry In Saint Paul, MN

Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing and restoring the function and aesthetics of teeth damaged, decayed, or lost due to various factors such as trauma, decay, or wear. It encompasses various treatments, including fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants. The goal is to rebuild and strengthen teeth, improve bite alignment, and enhance oral health and appearance. Restorative dentistry procedures in Saint Paul, MN, address immediate dental issues and aim to preserve natural tooth structure and promote long-term oral health.

Uses of Restorative Dentistry

Addressing Dental Decay and Cavities

Dental decay, commonly called cavities, is a prevalent issue caused by bacteria that produce acids, leading to enamel erosion and tooth decay. Restorative dentistry addresses this by using dental fillings to repair minor to moderate cavities. These fillings, typically made of composite resin or amalgam, restore the tooth's structure and prevent further decay.

In cases where the decay is more extensive and a traditional filling may not suffice, inlays and onlays are used. These custom-made fillings fit into the prepared cavity and are bonded securely to the tooth. By preserving a more natural tooth structure, crowns, inlays and onlays offer a durable solution that blends seamlessly with the natural tooth.

Strengthening and Protecting Weakened Teeth

Teeth can become weakened due to various factors such as trauma, large fillings, or extensive decay. Restorative dentistry provides solutions to strengthen and protect these weakened teeth, ensuring their longevity and functionality. Dental crowns are one of the primary treatments used for this purpose. Crowns encase the entire visible portion of the tooth, providing protection and restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. They are custom made to match the color and contour of natural teeth, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits. Crowns are commonly recommended for teeth that have undergone root canal treatment, are severely decayed, or have large fillings that compromise their integrity.

Replacing Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can significantly impact oral health and overall well-being. Restorative dentistry offers several options for replacing missing teeth, depending on the patient's needs and preferences. Dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement. These are titanium posts surgically implanted into the jawbone, acting as artificial tooth roots. They provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth (crowns, bridges, or dentures) that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Implants help preserve jawbone density and prevent bone loss, which can occur when teeth are missing. Dental bridges are an effective solution for individuals missing several teeth in a row. Bridges consist of artificial teeth (pontics) anchored to adjacent natural teeth or implants, restoring oral function and aesthetics. Contact us today to learn more.

Types of Restorative Dentistry Procedure

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are one of the most common restorative treatments to repair teeth affected by cavities (dental caries). The process involves removing decayed tooth material, cleaning the affected area, and filling the cavity with a material such as composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain. Fillings restore the tooth's shape, strength, and function while preventing further decay.

Benefits:

• Helps to retain as much of the natural tooth structure as possible.
• Seals off the cavity, preventing bacteria from entering and causing further damage.
• Tooth-colored fillings (composite resin) blend seamlessly with natural teeth, enhancing smile aesthetics.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns, also known as caps, encase the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line. They are used to restore teeth that are severely decayed, cracked, weakened, or have undergone root canal therapy. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of materials (porcelain-fused-to-metal).

Benefits:

• Strengthens and protects weakened teeth, allowing for normal biting and chewing.
• Enhances the appearance of damaged or discolored teeth, improving overall smile aesthetics.
• Crowns are durable and can withstand biting forces, offering long-term restoration.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth (pontics) to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. They consist of crowns placed on the natural teeth (abutment teeth) or implants on either side of the gap, with the pontic(s) bridging the gap between them.

Benefits:

• Restores the ability to chew and speak correctly, which may be compromised due to missing teeth.
• Maintains the alignment of surrounding teeth by filling the gap left by missing teeth.
• A natural-looking solution to restore a complete smile.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone by the dentist in Saint Paul, MN, to replace missing tooth roots. They are a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth (crowns, bridges, or dentures) that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

Benefits:

• Stimulates the jawbone to prevent bone loss and maintain facial structure.
• Implants are durable and can last a lifetime with proper care.
• Provides stability and comfort, allowing for natural chewing and speaking.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is performed to save a tooth that has become infected or severely decayed. The procedure involves removing the infected pulp tissue from the tooth's interior, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and sealing them to prevent further infection.

Benefits:

• Allows you to keep your natural tooth rather than extracting it.
• Alleviates toothache and discomfort caused by infection.
• Stops the spread of infection to surrounding teeth and gums.

Dentures

Dentures are removable prosthetic devices used to replace multiple missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They come in two types: complete dentures, which replace all teeth in an arch, and partial dentures, which replace only a few missing teeth and are supported by remaining natural teeth or implants.

Benefits:

• Helps with chewing and speaking, particularly for individuals missing several teeth.
• Improves facial aesthetics by filling out the cheeks and lips.
• Provides a cost-effective solution for tooth replacement.

Restorative dentistry offers a range of treatments to repair, replace, and enhance your smile's function and appearance. Visit Hillcrest Dental Center at 1762 Iowa Ave East, Saint Paul, MN 55106, or call (651) 771-6464 to discuss which restorative options best address your specific dental needs and goals, ensuring a healthy and beautiful smile for years to come.