Renewing Oral Health Through Restorative Dentistry

Renewing Oral Health Through Restorative Dentistry

September 11, 2019

Dentistry continues to evolve in response to the changing needs of patients and as advancements in technology create more treatment alternatives.  The extent of most people’s contact with a dentist will only be for  check ups and cleanings, and an occasional cavity filling.

However for people who have multiple oral health issues such as missing or damaged teeth, or tooth and gum decay, dentistry can become an overwhelming part of life.  For issues such as these that require more extensive plans, it is important to secure a reputable dentist and understand current options in treatments.

Restorative dentistry is becoming a specialized part of dentistry in which general dentists, through additional training and certification, are able to perform more extensive procedures.  Today, with the variety of options for dental restoration, there are many choices for repairing decayed, worn, damaged, or missing teeth, bringing back a healthy and beautiful smile.

For people suffering from oral health problems, restorative dentistry is key in bringing back functionality of the mouth by preserving natural teeth as much as possible. However, in many cases, replacing missing teeth with implants, dentures, or bridges, can be utilized in order to promote dental health.

Crowns, onlays, and inlays are all types of direct tooth restoration that can be performed to  treat damaged teeth.  These types of treatments usually involves more than one visit to the dentist as the products used require fabrication unique to the patient.  This process can involve a team of oral health professionals who specialize in restorative, cosmetic, and sedation techniques, all who work to rejuvenate the patients smile.

While a goal of restorative dentistry is to improve the aesthetics of a person’s teeth and smile, correcting the underlying health issue is a primary concern.  Researchers are beginning to understand the impact of oral infection on the body’s vital organs and systems, and are finding that the health of the mouth can directly affect the overall health of the person.

Over time, the bacteria that builds up on the teeth can lead to infections in the gum. Once this happens, the immune system attempts to eradicate the source of the infection, which can lead to gum inflammation.  This inflammation can become chronic, and may release chemicals that eat away at the gum and bone tissue.  The result of such a condition is gum disease, which can affect the other systems within the body.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best defense against tooth and gum loss. However, if someone has had an illness, injury, or is prone to disease, restorative dentistry target the problem and reinstate full functionality to the patient’s mouth.  A healthy mouth is definitely something to smile about.