Restorative Dentistry in Independence, KY

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, such as fillings and bridges. At Peter Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide the restorative dental treatments you need to help you smile confidently again. We’ll discuss your concerns and work with you to determine the best, most cost-effective treatment for your situation.

What Can Restorative Dentistry Treat?

Restorative dentistry can help treat the following conditions: 

●      Tooth Decay

●      Missing teeth

●      Broken, worn, or damaged teeth

Restorative Dental Treatments & What Are They For

Here are common dental restorative treatments: 

●      Fillings: Dental fillings are the most common type of restorative dentistry. These are used to structurally repair and stabilize a tooth that has been deteriorated from cavities and decay. Fillings can also repair broken or cracked teeth if the hole is not too big. With the right filling material and a proper job done by our dentist, Dr. Jeffrey D. Peter, DMD, you can expect fillings to last several years and provide the appearance and functionality of an intact tooth.

●      Crowns: These are tooth-shaped caps placed and cemented over a tooth to protect it from damage and infection. They can be used to restore the size and shape of a tooth while improving its appearance. Dental crowns are often used to cover and support a damaged tooth, protect a weak tooth from decay, cover a discolored tooth, cover a dental implant, or hold a bridge in place. Crowns can be made from many different materials, but the most popular ones are tooth-colored, such as porcelain or ceramic for a natural appearance.  

●      Root canals: When a tooth becomes so badly decayed that a filling isn’t enough, you might need to undergo a root canal procedure. With a root canal, the dentist removes infected pulp within a tooth’s root canal and replaces it with the filling material. A root canal helps save your natural tooth from being extracted.  

●      Bridges: While a filling or crown is the best option for prolonging the life of a damaged or weakened tooth, a missing tooth requires a different restorative process. One such process is fitting the patient and installing a bridge. A bridge is usually made up of a replacement tooth and a crown on each side. This eliminates the gap in your smile, restores a normal bite, and helps keep your whole mouth healthy.

●      Dental implants: If you have a missing tooth or need extraction due to severe decay or damage, a dental implant can be an excellent option. The procedure requires fusing titanium posts to the jaw with an artificial tooth screwed to the top of it. Dental implants are placed within the jaw to act as the root and support structure. A dental crown is placed atop the implant, attached by a screw.

Benefits of Restorative Dental Care

●      Improve facial appearance: When you lose teeth, it not only affects the way your smile appears; it can change your facial appearance since your teeth and jaw bone provide support for your facial muscles. Dental restorations give your facial muscles the support they need for a more youthful appearance.

●      Complete, confident smile: Your smile is an important part of your appearance. When you lose one or more teeth, you may feel embarrassed to smile or be as social as you once were. Restorative dental care can give you back a complete, confident smile that can positively impact your mental and emotional well-being.

●      Encourage good oral hygiene: Restorative dentistry helps encourage overall oral hygiene. Having corrective dental work done helps create even spaces between your teeth so that you are able to easily brush and floss regularly. This eliminates bacteria build-up and helps prevent bad breath and more serious oral health issues. If your teeth are broken, chipped, or decaying, it can be quite difficult to care for them correctly.

How to Care for Teeth After Restoration

Here are a few tips for taking care of your restorative dentistry work:

●      Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day and visit the dentist regularly

●      Make sure to floss around your teeth, dental implants, crowns, and bridges every day

●      Try not to chew on hard or sticky foods as these can damage your implant, bridge, or crown

●      Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help fight plaque bacteria around restorative work

Tooth Restoration Cost

The cost of restorative dental care varies depending on several factors, such as the type of treatment. Luckily, insurance typically covers the cost of treatment. 

 Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Whether you need a damaged or infected tooth saved with a root canal or have missing teeth that need replacement, our family dental practice can help you find the right solution to ensure you keep a complete, healthy smile. We will guide all patients step by step to make an informed decision. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.