Restorative Dental Care 101
How much do you know about restorative dental care? Dental professionals use the term “restorative dentistry” to describe the process of replacing or repairing teeth. Today, there are many solutions to dental problems, including crowns, bridges, fillings, and implants. Not only can these products restore your natural smile, but they can also help prevent future problems with your dental health.
How can replacing damaged teeth improve your oral health? First, when the empty spaces in your mouth are filled, your teeth will remain in proper alignment. When your teeth are properly aligned, it’s easier to maintain good oral hygiene, preventing the build-up of plaque that can lead to additional problems. What’s more, dental restoration can improve your appearance, health, and self-esteem.
- If your problem is cavities, you probably need fillings. Your dentist will remove the decay from the damaged tooth and fill the hole with one of several different materials. The materials used in fillings include gold, silver amalgam, tooth-colored plastic, composite resin, or porcelain.
- Sometimes, cavities or broken teeth require crowns. A tooth-shaped cap placed over a tooth, a crown is used to protect and strengthen your tooth structure. Crowns are custom made, based on an impression your dentist makes of your damaged tooth, and cemented in place.
- If you’ve got missing teeth, your dentist might choose a dental bridge to “bridge” the gap. Anchored on each end by a crown, a bridge uses artificial teeth to connect the crowns and fill the space. This can help prevent your remaining teeth from shifting, and a bridge works like your natural teeth.
- A good permanent solution for missing teeth is dental implants. Implants involve two pieces: an anchor and a tooth. The metal anchor is inserted into the jawbone, then topped with a false tooth, designed to look and feel like a natural tooth.
Once your smile has been restored, you can care for your dental appliances just as you would your natural teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and consider an electric toothbrush to help remove plaque from both the restorative work and your teeth. It’s also important to floss around your teeth, dental implants, bridges, or crowns every day, and use an antibacterial mouthwash to help fight plaque bacteria. Eat a healthy diet, avoiding sugary, sticky foods, and trying not to chew on hard foods that can damage your dental work.
If you need restorative dental care, look to Glenwood Premier Dental, where we believe that a healthy, confident smile is an important part of a happy and healthy lifestyle. Our staff of caring professionals offers a wide range of dental services, working to exceed our patients’ expectations, and provide the best possible service. We offer dental exams and teeth cleanings, teeth whitening, and more, using state of the art technology in a comfortable and friendly environment. If you’re looking for dental care in Hazlet, contact us through our website or call 732.264.4477.