Restorative Dentistry in Jasper, AL
Have you ever wondered why dental professionals emphasize regular checkups so much? These visits are crucial for maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. During a checkup, your dentist can catch potential issues early when they’re still manageable and easier to treat. This proactive approach, known as preventive dentistry, focuses on stopping dental problems before they start. Of course, even with the best care and diligent oral hygiene, some patients may still need additional treatments to repair, restore, or protect their teeth or to address infections. In these instances, restorative dentistry offers various services to help you maintain a healthy smile.
At Bivona Family Dentistry, we provide a comprehensive range of restorative services to address dental issues and restore the function of your teeth and mouth.
What Is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry involves repairing or replacing teeth damaged by decay, injury, or loss. Unlike preventive dentistry, which focuses on stopping problems before they start, or cosmetic dentistry, which enhances the appearance of your teeth, restorative dentistry addresses the underlying oral health issues.
At Bivona Family Dentistry, we use restorative dental treatments to address various problems, such as:
- Broken or worn-down teeth: Like other parts of your body, teeth can break or wear down over time.
- Tooth decay and cavities: Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, where bacteria produce acids that attack your tooth’s enamel, eventually causing cavities. If not treated promptly, cavities can worsen into infections and may even result in tooth loss.
- Severe tooth or gum infection: Untreated infections in the teeth or gums can become serious. A severely infected tooth might require a root canal or, in some cases, extraction. Periodontal disease (an infection of the gums) is easy to treat if caught early, but surgical intervention may be necessary if it progresses.
- Tooth loss: Losing a tooth can impact your ability to eat, speak, and smile comfortably. It also leads to jawbone deterioration, which worsens over time. To address this, we can use dental implants—prosthetic tooth roots—to replace missing teeth and provide a stable, long-lasting solution to tooth loss.
Restorative Dentistry Procedures
Dental Fillings
Did you know that one in four adults aged 20 to 64 has an untreated cavity? If you have a small to medium-sized cavity, the solution is simple: we fill it! Our dentists use tooth-colored composite material to fill in cavities, restoring your tooth’s strength and preventing further damage. This material blends seamlessly with the remaining tooth structure to discreetly yet effectively treat decay.
Root Canal Therapy
If a cavity is left untreated or you crack a tooth, infection can spread deep into the tooth’s pulp, causing significant pain. At this point, we may perform root canal treatment to save the tooth from extraction. One of our skilled dentists will painlessly remove the infected pulp to prevent further damage. After cleaning the inside of your tooth, they will seal it with a filling and place a protective crown.
Despite what you may have heard, modern root canal treatments are designed to be comfortable and effective. We’re here to relieve your pain, not cause it—our goal is to save your tooth and ensure you leave our office feeling much better than when you arrived!
Dental Crowns and Bridges
A dental crown is one of the most versatile and common restorative procedures we offer today. A crown acts as a protective cap over a damaged tooth, restoring its function and appearance while preventing further harm. Crowns are key for protecting weak teeth, restoring severely worn or broken teeth, and supporting teeth with large fillings when there’s little natural structure left.
We are proud to offer same-day dental crowns right here in our office. Thanks to our in-house CEREC machine, we can design, create, and place your custom crown in a single appointment.
Additionally, if you’re missing one or more consecutive teeth, we can use a dental bridge to fill the gap in your smile. We offer different types of bridges to suit your needs. A traditional dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth anchored by crowns on the neighboring teeth. We also offer implant-supported bridges, which boast many oral health benefits and provide long-lasting results. These bridges are anchored by dental implants instead of your natural teeth, providing a more stable and reliable solution.
Dental Implants and Mini Dental Implants
If you’re struggling with tooth loss and need to restore your oral function and enhance your smile, we may recommend dental implants. These tooth replacement devices are a reliable and lasting solution, drastically improving the functionality and appearance of your teeth. At Bivona Family Dentistry, we offer two types of implants: conventional dental implants and mini dental implants. These titanium posts integrate with your jawbone to support a crown, bridge, or denture.
Conventional implants average 5 millimeters in diameter and require a multi-step process. First, we place a titanium post into your jaw, which serves as the foundation. After several months of healing, we attach a small connector called an abutment. Finally, we secured the replacement tooth on top.
If you’re looking for a less invasive option or you’ve experienced bone loss in your jaw, mini dental implants might be more suitable. These implants are under 3 millimeters in diameter, and we can place them using an efficient and minimally invasive technique. This process results in a quicker recovery and less discomfort, which is especially beneficial if you’re anxious about dental work.
Maintain the Health of Your Smile With Restorative Dentistry
If you or a loved one is struggling with damaged, decaying, or missing teeth, it’s time to take the first step toward a healthier smile. At Bivona Family Dentistry, we’re ready to craft a personalized treatment plan to restore your smile and enhance your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Veneers are generally not considered a restorative treatment. While they can enhance the appearance of your teeth and provide some protection to the teeth beneath them, they don’t repair damaged tooth structure or restore lost function like crowns and fillings do.
We recommend veneers when your teeth are healthy, and you want to improve your smile’s appearance. Since veneers are considered cosmetic, insurance companies typically don’t cover them. However, we provide flexible financing options to help you manage your treatment costs.
We understand that cost is an important concern when it comes to oral health. Cost can vary depending on the specific treatment. We’re here to help you find a solution that fits your needs and budget.
Restorative care is essential for relieving pain, restoring your dental health, and helping you feel confident in your smile again. During your visit, we’ll assess your situation, discuss your insurance coverage, and explore financing options to make sure you receive the care you need in a way that works for you.
We want every treatment we perform to last a lifetime. Still, the lifespan of your dental restoration depends on several factors, including the materials used, your oral hygiene habits, and your diet. When cared for properly, porcelain, ceramic, and composite restorations typically last 10-30 years. Some materials, like zirconia and titanium, often used in implant-supported restorations, can last even longer.
As we plan your treatment, we’ll discuss the expected lifespan of the specific restoration and provide tips to help you maximize its durability.