828 NE A St, Grants Pass, OR 97526
What is Restorative Dentistry?
The term "restorative dentistry" can be used to describe a variety of dental procedures that help patients restore their dental health and regain confidence. Restorative treatments are great for patients who have had an injury, tooth decay, or gum disease. It can be as simple as filling a cavity or as individualized as replacing a missing tooth.
Restorative Treatment Options
Tooth Extractions
Tooth extraction is a procedure where a damaged, decayed, or problematic tooth is carefully removed to protect your overall oral health, especially when it cannot be saved with treatments like fillings or crowns. It helps relieve pain, prevent infection from spreading, and supports a healthier environment for your remaining teeth. The procedure is performed with a focus on comfort, using modern techniques for a smooth and efficient experience.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a long-lasting solution for missing teeth, consisting of a titanium post placed in the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. They provide a stable foundation for crowns, restoring both function and a natural-looking smile. Implants also help preserve jawbone health and prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, making them one of the most reliable tooth replacement options available.
Root Canal Therapy
A root canal is a dental procedure that removes the pulp from inside of a tooth that has become infected or damaged. The procedure can be performed on any teeth, but it is most commonly done on molars or premolars.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic that replaces one or more missing teeth. The process of installing the dental bridge will involve placing crowns on the two adjacent teeth and cementing them together to support the new tooth.
The advantages of having a dental bridge are numerous, but they include better chewing ability, improved speech, less sensitivity from exposed roots, and an overall improvement in oral health because it supports natural teeth.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are a common dental procedure used to restore teeth that have been decayed by cavities or compromised by other damage. Your dentist can use different materials for the filling depending on your oral health and the location of the damage. Composite resin, gold alloys, metal amalgam, porcelain, and glass ionomer cement are all types of material traditionally used in fillings. If you have a cavity, it is important that we address it as soon as possible to prevent further damage. If left untreated, a cavity will eventually require more invasive procedures like root canal therapy or extraction to restore your oral health.
Inlays and Onlays
Dental inlays and onlays are a restorative procedure to improve the function, appearance, or both of teeth. A dental inlay is when there is an artificial tooth-shaped filling that goes over the surface of a damaged tooth. Dental onlay is when an artificial tooth-shaped filling goes over a structural defect or fracture within the natural crown of a tooth. They can be made from either porcelain or composite resin material and are usually larger than traditional fillings.
Full & Partial Dentures
Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and gum tissue. A partial denture is made when only some of the natural teeth have been lost, while a full denture can be used to replace all the natural teeth. Dentures may be made from plastic or metal materials and stay in place by suctioning onto the roof of your mouth with an adhesive material or metal framework that clips onto your remaining healthy teeth. Dentures offer a convenient affordable solution for restoring your smile and self-confidence. To find out if a partial or full denture may be right for you, schedule a consultation today!
Oral Surgeries
Sometimes, oral surgeries may be needed to prep your mouth for dental implant treatment, remove teeth that are growing improperly, or correct severe orthodontic issues.
Bone grafts are another common oral surgery that helps replace jaw bone mass and promote regrowth. Patients who have weakened jawbones due to periodontal disease, tooth loss, or the natural aging process may be good candidates for this treatment. Bone grafts are often done prior to a dental implant placement to ensure the jaw bone will be able to retain an implant.
Extractions may be needed if a patient is receiving full dentures or full-arch dental implants. Because a full arch of artificial teeth requires the extraction of all remaining teeth, we will only recommend this treatment option if we can not restore your smile using other, less invasive procedures.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a quick cosmetic treatment that uses tooth-colored resin to repair chips, cracks, gaps, or discoloration. The material is carefully shaped and hardened to blend naturally with your teeth, improving your smile in a single visit. It is a minimally invasive option that requires little to no enamel removal, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to enhance your smile.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are custom-made caps placed over damaged or weakened teeth to restore their strength, shape, and appearance. They protect the tooth from further damage while improving function and aesthetics. Crowns are designed to match your natural teeth, providing long-lasting durability while helping you chew and speak comfortably.