Restorative Dentistry in Somersworth
Godfrey Dentistry provides restorative dentistry in Somersworth, NH. Call 603-692-2045 to learn more and schedule your appointment.
Restorative dentistry is a term used for dental procedures meant to restore the function, appearance, and strength of a tooth that has been damaged by dental trauma or decay. In addition, restorative procedures performed at the right time lower the likelihood of requiring more extensive dental work in the future.
The Biomimetic Approach
Biomimetic Dentistry is defined as the reconstruction of teeth to emulate their natural biomechanical and esthetic form and function. Simply put, biomimetic dentistry means to copy what is life-like. With biomimetic dentistry, only the damaged and decayed part of the tooth is removed and the final restoration is bonded to the remaining healthy natural tooth structure. Biomimetic restorations include stress-reduced direct composite restorations and porcelain/composite inlays and onlays that restore the biomechanics of broken and damaged teeth.
When restoring damaged, broken, and decayed teeth, the goal is to return the tooth to its original strength, function, and esthetic. Biomimetic dentistry accomplishes all of this in a conservative approach with strong and attractive results.
Godfrey Dentistry performs the following restorative dental procedures:
Composite Fillings
Sometimes known as white fillings, composite fillings use an aesthetic tooth-colored resin to restore the appearance of decayed teeth, in addition to repairing the physical damage to the tooth structure. First, areas of decay are removed, then these areas are filled in with a composite material carefully chosen to blend in with the rest of your tooth and hardened with a curing light.
Inlays and Onlays
There are times when a tooth has suffered more damage than can be repaired with a dental filling, but not enough for the placement of a dental crown. In such circumstances, inlays and onlays are used to restore the affected tooth. Sometimes known as partial crowns, these restorations are made with porcelain or gold and are designed to replace the tooth structure that must be removed.
Crowns
A crown is a type of dental restoration that completely covers the outside of a tooth that has severe decay or damage, preserving the remaining healthy structure and restoring strength and function. A dental crown usually requires two appointments, one in which the tooth is prepared and a second in which the permanent restoration is placed.
Dental Bridges
We use dental bridges to replace one or more missing teeth. There are a few different types of bridges, but the most common is the traditional bridge, which uses two crowns on adjacent teeth to hold a span of pontics, or prosthetic teeth, in place.
Implant Restorations
Dental implant-supported restorations are the preferred replacement option for missing teeth because they are the only solution that prevents bone loss in the jaw, resulting in a stronger bite, more youthful appearance, and better oral health. A typical dental implant restoration has
three components: one or more biocompatible titanium implant posts, a restoration to replace the missing tooth or teeth, and abutments that connect the two.
Dentures
Dentures are used to replace multiple missing teeth in a single upper or lower arch. Dentures can be full or partial, traditional (held in place with denture paste or adhesive) or implant-supported, and implant-supported dentures may be fixed or removable (snap-in). All removable restorations are expertly made and processed by our partners at Nucraft Dental Arts laboratory.
Frequently Asked Questions About Restorative Dentistry
What is restorative dental care?
Restorative dental care is a term used to describe procedures that repair damaged teeth or restore missing teeth. The goal is a return to normal bite strength and function, along with a restored appearance when aesthetic materials are chosen.
Can dentists rebuild teeth?
Dentists have the ability to rebuild teeth that are decayed, fractured, worn down, cracked, or damaged in other ways, although there are some cases when a tooth may need to be extracted and replaced, as when a crack extends below the gum line. Dental crowns, inlays, and onlays are all restorations that allow the tooth to be rebuilt to restore strength and function.
Is a crown or filling better?
Certainly you might prefer a dental filling to a crown, so a filling may be better in that respect, but when Dr. Godfrey recommends a dental crown, it’s because damage or decay is too extensive to successfully repair with a filling. In other words, the better option depends on your unique circumstances.
Can you get dentures that look like real teeth?
Our patients choose Bracken Godfrey Dentistry because of our high quality dental work and dentures are no exception. We’ve partnered with a dental laboratory that uses advanced materials and skilled technicians to create realistic dentures that won’t leave you feeling self-conscious about your smile.
Call 603-692-2045 to schedule your appointment.