Restorative Dentistry
Getting a tooth working again
Restorative dentistry is what we do when a tooth is damaged, decayed or missing: fillings, crowns, bridges and implant crowns. The aim is a tooth that chews properly, feels normal, and doesn't stand out from the ones beside it.
Matching the repair to the damage
Not every damaged tooth needs the same answer. A small cavity needs a filling. A tooth that's cracked or lost a lot of structure needs a crown to hold it together. A gap needs a bridge or an implant crown. Choosing the biggest option by default isn't good dentistry.
- Fillings. For decay caught early, using tooth-coloured composite rather than metal
- Crowns. A cap over the whole tooth, for cracks, large old fillings, or after a root canal
- Bridges. Replacing a missing tooth by anchoring to the teeth either side
- Implant crowns. A crown fitted onto an implant, replacing a tooth without involving its neighbours
Shade and shape
Most of this work is judged on whether anyone can tell. We match the shade against your own teeth in natural light, and shape new work to the tooth it's replacing rather than to a catalogue. Front teeth get more time spent on this, and we'd rather send something back to the lab than fit a crown you'll notice every time you look in a mirror.
What it's like to go through
Most restorative work takes two visits: one to prepare the tooth and take an impression, one to fit the finished piece. You'll have a temporary in between. We'll tell you up front how many visits to expect and roughly how long each one takes, so you can plan around work and school.
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Questions? We're Here to Help.
The questions we get asked most about restorative dentistry. If yours isn't here, call the office and ask.
Contact UsHow long does a crown last?
Commonly ten to fifteen years, often longer. What shortens that is usually grinding, decay at the margin where the crown meets the tooth, or an injury, so cleaning around the edge properly matters more than the crown material does.
Will a crown or filling match my other teeth?
That's the intention, and we match shade in natural light rather than under the surgery lamp. Porcelain and composite can both be matched closely. Front teeth take more care than back ones, and we'd rather remake something than fit a poor match.
Bridge or implant crown: which is better?
An implant crown doesn't involve the teeth either side, which is a real advantage if those teeth are healthy. A bridge is quicker and doesn't need surgery or healing time. Bone, budget and the state of the neighbouring teeth all come into it, so it's worth talking through.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The appointment itself is done under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn't feel the work. Some tenderness for a day or two afterwards is normal, particularly if the tooth was already inflamed.
Can I wait on a cracked tooth?
It's a bad idea. Cracks spread, and a tooth that could have been saved with a crown this month can need a root canal or extraction a few months later. If it's sensitive to pressure or temperature, get it looked at.
Broken, Missing, or Just Worn Down.All Fixable.
Bring us the problem and we'll walk you through the options, what each one involves, and what it costs.
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