Tooth Repair With a Restorative Dentist

Restorative dentists try to repair a tooth to save it before considering replacement options. Damage and decay can jeopardize a tooth and affect how the smile looks and functions. However, a restorative dentist can restore a tooth's form and function.

Restorative dentistry explained

A restorative dentist is any dentist who fixes or replaces teeth. This differs from cosmetic dentistry in that the goal is to restore the form and function of the teeth and not necessarily to make them look better. However, restorative dentistry does have cosmetic benefits. Insurance usually covers restorative dentistry because it is considered necessary for oral health.

Procedures to repair a tooth

Several options exist for fixing teeth damaged by decay, trauma, or wear and tear. Here is an overview of some common tooth repair treatments.

Dental bonding

This procedure can repair minor cracks and chips in teeth and cover stains that do not respond to teeth whitening procedures. The dentist uses a composite resin made to match the color of the patient's tooth. The resin is applied to the imperfection and then shaped appropriately. Then, the dentist uses a special light to harden the material.

Fillings

A dental filling is perhaps the most common dental restoration. After the dentist removes the tooth decay, the hole in the enamel is filled with a material such as gold, amalgam, or composite resin. Most people have had at least one filling.

Root canal

However, when a cavity goes farther than the outer enamel layer and reaches the living pulp in the center of the tooth, a filling is not enough to remedy the problem. In this case, the dentist will remove the pulp and fill the tooth during a root canal procedure. The dentist will often cover the root canal-treated tooth with a crown to reinforce it and protect it from infection.

Dental crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a tooth damaged by trauma or decay. In addition to reinforcing a root canal-treated tooth, a dental crown can repair a tooth that is too heavily damaged to repair with dental bonding or other restorations. Crowns restore a tooth's appearance, protect it from further damage or infection, and restore its chewing function. Crowns can contain various materials, including porcelain, metal, composite resin, or a combination of materials.

Inlays and onlays

Sometimes, a dental filling or dental bonding is not enough to repair a damaged tooth. However, the tooth is not damaged enough to require treatment with a dental crown. Inlays and onlays are restorations that replace large parts of the tooth structure. For example, if the center top of the molar needs replacing, a dentist will recommend an inlay. However, if the damage extends to the cusps of the molar, the dentist will recommend an onlay.