Restorative Dentistry

There are many reasons why Dr. Hoffman may recommend restorative dentistry. The first reason is decay. Decay is caused by bacteria build-up on your teeth that causes the teeth, gums, and bone to break down. The decay will slowly spread throughout the tooth and gums, causing havoc. It is crucial to restore your tooth before the decay spreads. We offer a few different restoration options: fillings, crowns, bridges, or dental implants. Below we will go over the different types of restorative dentistry. 

The next common reason for restorative dentistry is a broken or missing tooth. A healthy tooth may break because of a sports or car accident. If your tooth has decay, it can break during everyday activities such as eating. Teeth with decay break easier than healthy teeth because they are missing the strengthening support system to help them withstand ordinary force. 

Dental Crowns 

A crown is like a cap that goes over a broken tooth to restore its function and appearance. We will shape this cap to look like your other teeth, from the color to the size. To make a dental crown, Dr. Hoffman and his team will take an impression of your teeth. He will send this impression off to a lab where a dental crown is made. While you wait for the dental crown, Dr. Hoffman may give you a temporary crown. Once the dental crown is completed, you will have your second appointment to fit the dental crown. At this appointment, Dr. Hoffman will form the crown to your liking, ensuring that it fits in with your other teeth and there are no sharp edges. 

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are similar to dental crowns in that they are essentially many dental crowns attached. Dental bridges are typically used to restore missing teeth. They are a more affordable option compared to dental implants. Dental crowns will be placed around the surrounding teeth to stabilize the bridge. Then a dental crown will cover the missing tooth by sitting in the spot where the tooth was. Like dental crowns, first, Dr. Hoffman and his team will take an impression of your teeth. Then the impression will be sent to a lab where a lab technician will make it. In your next appointment, he will place the final bridge. Dr. Hoffman will ensure that it fits your liking. 

Dental Implants

A dental implant replaces the entire tooth from the root to the crown. To place a dental implant, Dr. Hoffman will first remove the broken tooth with a dental extraction. Once he clears a space for the dental implant, Dr. Hoffman will place a titanium post in your gums to support the implant. Once that heals, which may take weeks to months, he will place an abutment. The abutment is the connection between the implant and the crown. The dental crown is made like other dental crowns by first taking an impression of the teeth and then placing and perfecting it. Many patients prefer dental implants because they are durable with the look and function of a natural tooth. 

Restorative dentistry is an excellent option for patients with missing, broken, or decayed teeth. This dental focus includes restorative dental options such as crowns, bridges, and dental implants. For more information about restorative dentistry or to make an appointment, call our office today. 

We look forward to hearing from you.