Ogden Restorative Dentistry
Repairing or replacing damaged or missing teeth
Contact Us
What is restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing or replacing teeth. The main goal of restorative dentistry is to improve oral health and chewing function. Dr. Jim Ellis is a trusted dentist who does restorative dentistry in Ogden, UT.
Do You Need Restorative Dentistry In Ogden?
You may need restorative dentistry if you have:
- Cavities/tooth decay
- Damaged or broken teeth
- Missing tooth/teeth
What’s the difference between restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry?
Restorative dentistry focuses on improving oral health and function. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your smile.
Some dental procedures do offer both functional and cosmetic improvements. For example, a dental crown restores chewing function, but it can also improve the aesthetics of your smile.
Types of dental restoration procedures
There are several different types of dental restorations, depending on your unique oral health needs:
Fillings
When bacteria eats away your tooth enamel and causes a hole, it’s called a cavity. Smaller cavities are usually repaired with dental fillings.
During this procedure, your dentist removes the decayed portion of your tooth, then fills in the hole with a tooth-colored composite material. This halts the progression of tooth decay and reduces the risk of further damage.
Crowns
Dentists use dental crowns to repair large cavities or restore broken teeth. Sometimes called a cap, a crown fits over your entire tooth.
In order to place a crown, your dentist must remove some of your natural tooth enamel. So, they’ll alter your tooth (shave part of your tooth down), then place a crown over it.
Inlays and onlays
Sometimes a cavity is too big for a filling, but too small for a crown. In a case like this, your dentist might recommend an inlay or onlay. These custom restorations fit into your natural tooth structure like puzzle pieces. Your dentist permanently bonds them into place.
Inlays and onlays are similar. While an inlay fills the area between the cusps of your teeth, an onlay also covers at least one cusp.
Root canal therapy
Sometimes a cavity or crack goes deep enough into your tooth that it reaches the pulp. If bacteria get into the pulp of your tooth, it can cause a painful infection. In these cases, root canal therapy is necessary.
During this procedure, your dentist removes the diseased pulp, including the tiny nerves and blood vessels inside of your tooth. Next, they’ll thoroughly clean and disinfect the inside surfaces of your tooth, then fill the canals with a rubbery dental material called gutta percha. Then, they’ll place a filling to seal the tooth and prevent bacteria from entering.
In most cases, people who undergo root canal therapy also need a crown to provide additional strength and support.
Bridges
A dental bridge can replace a single missing tooth or a row of missing teeth. A bridge consists of artificial teeth with dental crowns on either side. Your dentist will alter (shave down) your natural teeth on both sides of the gap. Next, they’ll bond the bridge to your natural teeth. The crowns fit over your natural teeth and the artificial teeth span the gap in between them.
Dental implants
A dental implant is a small, threaded post that replaces a missing tooth root. Once your dentist adds a crown to your implant, it functions just like a natural tooth.
Your dentist can restore dental implants with crowns, bridges and even dentures. Unlike traditional crowns and bridges, implants don’t require alteration of your natural teeth. Many dentists consider implants to be the golden standard of teeth replacement.
Dentures
Dentures are another traditional teeth replacement option. Full dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth. Partial dentures replace several missing teeth in different areas. Dentures rest on top of your gums, and the jawbone underneath supports them.
You can also opt for implant-supported dentures. These appliances are similar to traditional dentures. But instead of resting atop your gums for support, they attach to dental implants. This offers much more stability compared to conventional dentures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry is a field of dentistry that focuses on restoring the function and appearance of damaged, decayed or missing teeth. It encompasses various procedures and treatments aimed at fixing and improving the oral health of patients.
- Restorative dentistry includes procedures such as dental crowns, bridges, implants, fillings, and dentures.
- The main goal of restorative dentistry is to restore the patient’s oral health and smile, while preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible.
- It is a preventative and restorative approach to oral health care, aimed at maintaining the health and function of the teeth and gums for as long as possible.
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a cap that fits over the remaining portion of a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
- Crowns are used to treat a variety of dental problems, including broken or cracked teeth, large cavities, and misshapen or discolored teeth.
- Crowns can be made of various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials.
- The process of getting a crown typically involves two appointments. During the first appointment, the dentist will prepare the tooth and take impressions, while the second appointment is used to place the permanent crown.
What are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth.
- Bridges can be made of a variety of materials, including porcelain, gold, and other alloys.
- Bridges are usually cemented in place and can only be removed by a dentist.
- Bridges are used to restore the appearance and function of the mouth by filling the gaps caused by missing teeth and preventing adjacent teeth from shifting out of place.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth.
- Implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth, as they can provide a strong and stable foundation for a permanent crown or bridge.
- The success rate of dental implants is very high and they can last a lifetime with proper care.
- The placement of dental implants typically requires a surgical procedure, followed by a period of healing. After the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, an artificial tooth can be attached to the implant.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are removable artificial teeth used to replace missing teeth and provide support for the lips and cheeks.
- Dentures can be full or partial, depending on the number of missing teeth.
What are Dental Fillings?
A dental filling is a material used to restore a decayed or damaged tooth to its normal shape, function, and appearance.
- Fillings can be made of various materials, including amalgam (silver), composite (tooth-colored), and glass ionomer (tooth-colored).
- Fillings are a common and simple way to treat cavities and other small dental problems.
- The process of getting a filling typically involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth, cleaning the area, and then placing the filling material in the cavity. The filling material is then shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth.
