Restorative Dentistry Tigard, OR
 Restorative dentistry involves different services to improve the health and quality of your smile. At Lincoln Center Smiles, we will develop a treatment plan that is unique to your specific dental needs. The purpose of restorative dentistry is to restore the functions of your mouth, along with its aesthetics. In some cases, we may consult with other specialists, such as periodontists, to provide you with a solid foundation for your restorations. Your treatment plan will indicate which, if any, other specialists may be required.
The different restorative dentistry procedures we provide include:
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Dental Crowns
: Crowns provide strength, support, and protection for teeth that have experienced more substantial damage, preventing the need for tooth extraction. Crowns are typically made out of metal, porcelain fused to metal, or ceramic. Metal crowns are the strongest, but ceramic provides the best aesthetic results.
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Dental Bridges
: A bridge is a restoration designed to replace one to three missing teeth. Typically made from ceramic, it consists of your replacement tooth (or teeth) between two crowns. The crowns anchor the bridge in place by way of the adjacent healthy teeth.
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Dentures
: Dentures have been used for quite some time to replace missing teeth. They can replace sections of missing teeth, through use of partial dentures, or all of the teeth in a single, or both, arches with full dentures.
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Dental Implants
: A dental implant is an artificial tooth root. Dental implants are made of titanium, a biocompatible material that fuses with your jawbone. Dental implants can replace a single missing tooth, multiple teeth, or a full set of teeth.
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Dental Fillings
: Tooth decay causes cavities, which start from one point and spread to the whole tooth. Dental fillings are the best way of restoring the tooth, a process that involves removing the decayed part and filling it to prevent the spread.
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Inlays and Onlays
: Inlays and onlays are two options for restoring a tooth. They are similar in some ways to fillings or crowns, and they have been used for quite some time. If you only need to replace a cusp on the top of your tooth, it is possible an inlay or onlay may be the ideal solution. While they are not as common as fillings or crowns, they are still an option that at times works very well.
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Root Canals
: Root canals are used to treat infected teeth. The infection occurs when bacteria build up in the root of a tooth, which can cause intense pain and swelling around the area. If left untreated, it could lead to more severe conditions such as an abscess or even bone infections. A dentist or oral surgeon performs a root canal procedure to remove the infected or injured dental pulp. The treatment provides a suitable solution to safeguard the tooth structure.
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Tooth Extractions
: You may need to have a tooth pulled or have already had one pulled. This common practice is called dental extraction. It is fully removing a tooth from its socket, detaching it from its ligaments and root nerves. If you have any heavily decayed teeth that are beyond saving, having issues with your wisdom teeth or if you are getting dentures, an extraction may be necessary. |
FAQs
What is restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing or replacing damaged, decayed, or missing teeth to restore the health, function, and appearance of your smile. At Lincoln Center Smiles, our dental team creates personalized treatment plans based on your unique oral health needs.
Which restorative dentistry treatments may be recommended for missing teeth?
Depending on your situation, our dentists may recommend dental bridges, dentures, or dental implants to replace missing teeth. Each option offers different benefits, and the best choice depends on factors such as the number of missing teeth, jawbone health, and your overall treatment goals.
How do I know if I need a dental crown instead of a filling?
A dental filling is often used when decay or damage is relatively minor. A dental crown may be recommended when a tooth has significant damage, weakness, or structural loss and requires additional protection and support. Our dental team will evaluate your tooth and recommend the most appropriate restoration.
When is a root canal necessary?
A root canal may be needed when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or severely damaged. Symptoms can include persistent tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, or signs of infection. Root canal therapy removes the infected tissue and helps preserve the natural tooth whenever possible.
What are inlays and onlays, and when are they used?
Inlays and onlays are custom restorations used when a tooth requires more support than a filling can provide but does not need a full crown. They are often recommended for repairing moderate damage while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Will I need to see a specialist as part of my restorative treatment?
Some restorative cases may benefit from collaboration with specialists, such as periodontists, to ensure a strong and healthy foundation for treatment. If specialist care is recommended, our dental team will explain the process and coordinate your care as part of your overall treatment plan.
If you have any questions regarding restorative dentistry or the procedures we provide, or if you are ready to schedule your consultation, contact Lincoln Center Smiles today at (503) 598-0898. |
