If we lived in a perfect world, our smiles would always be bright, beautiful, and healthy. Cavities wouldn’t exist, we’d never break a tooth, and we wouldn’t ever have to worry about dentures or implants. Here in the real world, however, these things happen from time to time. When they do, it’s important to have a reliable way to restore your teeth so you can regain a functional smile once more.
Here at Germantown Dental Group, we’re proud to offer patients a wide variety of restorative dental services to do just that! Let’s take a closer look at what restorative dentistry is and how it can improve the appearance and function of your smile.
What is restorative dentistry?
Put simply, restorative dentistry refers to any dental procedure that repairs or replaces a tooth. There are generally two goals in restorative dentistry: to restore the function of the teeth and to restore the appearance of the teeth. In some cases, we’ll work towards one or the other of these goals. In other cases, we’ll work towards both.
Whether it’s a crown, bridge, or implant, modern techniques and technology allow us to achieve natural-looking restorations that blend in well with your existing teeth. These restorations are fully functional and made with the highest-quality materials for superior results. Our practice offers the following restorative procedures from our Germantown office.
Dental crowns
Dental crowns are caps designed to cover the entire tooth. They are designed for the most natural look and fit possible, and provide damaged teeth with strong support and protection. Crowns are also the final step in a dental implant or root canal procedure.
Most crowns are made from porcelain and can be an excellent option for patients who have teeth that are cracked, brittle, broken, or worn down. They are generally color-tinted to match the surrounding teeth, so they become indistinguishable from the rest of your smile. Once we bond the crown to the tooth, you may have a difficult time remembering it’s not your natural tooth!
Dental bridges
If you have one or more missing teeth in the same area, a dental bridge can often be a good option for teeth replacement. Dental bridges are composed of a false tooth or teeth supported by dental crowns that are then placed on the natural teeth surrounding the gap. This treatment quite literally “bridges” the gap between your teeth, improving both form and function.
The artificial teeth, as well as the crowns, are customized for the proper fit and appearance. By closing the spaces left by missing teeth, a dental bridge can enhance the strength of your bite, decrease the chance that the surrounding teeth will shift out of place, and improve the look of your teeth. Modern bridges also look incredibly natural next to your own teeth.
Dental implants
If you are missing permanent teeth for any reason, dental implants can serve as an advanced alternative to traditional dentures. The small titanium posts are designed to replace missing teeth in a way that mimics the function of natural tooth roots. Dental implants are inserted into the gums and anchored to the jawbone, where they fuse to the bone. A permanent dental crown is then attached to the post and serves as a replacement tooth. It’s the next best thing to your natural teeth! Because the implants are built to last, they can be an excellent long-term solution for tooth loss.
Implant dentures
If you have several missing teeth or are missing all your teeth, implant dentures can be a revolutionary treatment. Although traditional models have been an effective tooth replacement option for decades, many patients struggle with ill-fitting dentures that require messy adhesives to keep them in place. Implant dentures can resolve these issues by stabilizing the denture appliance and allowing it to function more like a natural set of teeth.
Implant dentures combine the best benefits from both dental implants and traditional dentures to create a unique and effective way to replace missing teeth. with beautiful results. The dental implants serve as artificial tooth roots, becoming a permanent part of the mouth and serving as a foundation for the denture. This gives you a more comfortable fit with less movement along the gums and no adhesives necessary. You’ll enjoy replacement teeth that look, feel, and function more like your own teeth! Our practice offers partial implant dentures, All-on-4 dentures, and All-on-6 dentures for completely customized care.
Full mouth reconstruction
Extreme decay or severe trauma can cause the loss of several or all of your natural teeth. A full mouth reconstruction can give you back your smile! Our expert dental team will create a full mouth reconstruction plan based on your specific needs, schedule, and budget. We’ll always begin with the most conservative treatments available to address your issues and create the look you desire.
For some patients, the entire procedure can be performed in a single appointment at our office. For others, a series of appointments will be necessary to complete the treatment plan. Our dentist will discuss the best plan for your specific needs once you have been evaluated and your treatment options have been chosen.
Depending on your unique needs and goals, a full mouth restoration can involve several advanced treatment options. These may include all or some of the following procedures:
- dental implants
- porcelain veneers
- dental crowns
- teeth whitening
- cosmetic dental bonding
- gum reshaping
- gum disease treatment
- Invisalign® or Six Month Smiles® orthodontic treatment
- TMJ disorder treatment
Trust your teeth to the experts at Germantown Dental Group
Dental procedures can be overwhelming, particularly if you have a complex case or one that requires a significant amount of work. We do our best to lessen your anxiety by providing you with a calm and cozy office environment. Our goal is to give you a positive and stress-free dental experience no matter the treatment!
If you’re in the Mid-South area and struggling with serious dental issues, our restorative treatments could be exactly what you need to start smiling again! Get in touch today to schedule an appointment and take the first steps towards teeth that are strong, healthy, and fully functional again.