Restorative dentistry involves any dental procedures used to restore the structure and functionality of your teeth and can involve any number of different treatment options. To determine if you’re in need of restorative dentistry services, it’s important to first understand what these services may be.

What Is Restorative Dentistry?

To put it simply, restorative dentistry involves any dental process which focuses on repairing or restoring damaged oral structures. This can include procedures such as fillings, bridges, and implants among many other services. It’s important to note, however, that restorative dentistry does not include those procedures that are considered cosmetic such as veneers or whitening services.

Most Common Restorative Dentistry Practices

While each case is different, there are a few restorative dentistry procedures that are among the most common services provided to our patients. Knowing whether your prospective procedure falls under restorative or cosmetic can help save you thousands in terms of what’s billed as an elective practice versus restorative. Here is a look at some of the most common restorative dentist Lancaster services treated by our professionals:

• Fillings. Whether they are amalgam (metal) or composite (white), fillings are the most common restorative dentistry we see. These are used to structurally repair and stabilize a tooth that has been deteriorated from cavities and decay.
• Crowns. If a tooth has suffered significant decay and is irreparable via fillings, it may be time for dental crowns (or caps as they are sometimes referred). These restorative processes involve constructing a “cap” that covers the entire tooth down to the gumline in order to protect it from further damage.
• Bridges. Similar to crowns, bridges are used to cover an area that has suffered a tooth extraction. It involves several crowns that are merged together and then bonded to the nearest healthy teeth on either side of the gap in order to “bridge” the missing tooth with a porcelain replacement.
• Bonding. In the case of chipped or broken teeth, bonding is usually the restorative practice utilized for repairs. Bonding is the process of recreating the missing portion of enamel by forming and bonding composite materials to the remaining tooth.
• Implants. When damage is significant, dental implants may be a viable decision. This is the process of replacing existing tooth structures with implanted artificial teeth. These are attached by a metal post that is essentially bonded to your jawbone via a screw-like metal “root.”

How to Prepare for Major Dental Work

Restorative dentistry can provide much needed relief for a variety of oral ailments, but it’s important to be fully informed prior to scheduling any such procedure. Be sure to thoroughly discuss your options with your Lancaster dentist in order to know what to expect and to make the right choice for your situation. You’ll also want to verify any potential procedures are covered by your insurance plans. This will help you avoid any surprise charges down the road from procedures that were deemed elective rather than restorative. Planning for your dentistry services in advance by doing your research and discussing things with your dentist is the best way to keep the pain away – both physically and financially.