Composite Fillings
A filling is used to treat a cavity, which is a small pit or hole in a tooth caused by plaque. Composite fillings are tooth colored and blend in with your existing teeth.
What Is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry refers to procedures that restore the health of your teeth. When problems occur, such as tooth decay or other damage, restorative dentistry repairs your teeth if possible, and replaces them if necessary.
Benefits of Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry provides many benefits:
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- Improve your oral health. Repairing or replacing damaged teeth improves the health of your other teeth and your gums.
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- Restore the function of your teeth. Restorative procedures allow your teeth to function properly for chewing and speaking.
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- Improve your smile. Repairing or replacing teeth can give you a more natural looking smile.
- Prevent further damage. When restorative procedures are done at the right time, it can prevent further damage and the need for more complex procedures.
Why Choose Meadows Dental Associates of Sarasota
At Meadows Dental Associates of Sarasota, we believe in the importance of saving your natural teeth. With advanced technology we can provide improved diagnostics and minimally invasive procedures that offer the best chance of restoring the health of your teeth and mouth.
When the natural teeth can’t be saved, we provide replacement options that look and function as closely as possible to your natural teeth. We understand that your appearance is important to you, as well as your ability to eat the foods you love. Our patients are our top priority, and we strive to meet your needs and expectations above all else.
When the natural teeth can’t be saved, we provide replacement options that look and function as closely as possible to your natural teeth. We understand that your appearance is important to you, as well as your ability to eat the foods you love. Our patients are our top priority, and we strive to meet your needs and expectations above all else.
Procedures Offered
Inlays & Onlays
When there is significant decay or damage to a tooth, an inlay or onlay is a piece of porcelain that can be bonded to the remaining tooth material to reshape it.
Dental Crowns
A crown is a tooth-shaped cover placed over a tooth that has extensive damage. The natural root of the tooth is able to remain in place for support.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge can replace one or two teeth in a row using the healthy teeth on each side for support.
Dentures
Dentures can replace multiple or all of your teeth. We offer traditional dentures and implant supported dentures.
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- Partial Dentures. Partial dentures can replace some of your teeth by connecting to the remaining healthy teeth.
- Partial Dentures with tooth-colored clasps. Partial dentures with tooth-colored clasps replace teeth in a discreet way.
Root Canal Treatment
A tooth that is infected or at-risk of infection may need a root canal. The procedure removes the dental pulp from the inside of the tooth and fills it with a replacement material that is resistant to infection.
Extractions
Teeth may be extracted due to severe decay or damage, or for orthodontic purposes to help make more room in the mouth.
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- Wisdom Teeth. Wisdom teeth often do not come in properly and need to be extracted. We provide wisdom teeth extraction when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Restorative Dentistry
Are composite fillings better than metal fillings?
Composite fillings are made of tooth-colored resin that blends in with your natural tooth enamel. Metal fillings are more visible and they expand and contract with changes in temperature, which can eventually cause teeth to crack. This is why composite fillings are more commonly used.
How long can a tooth last after a root canal?
A root canal is a procedure used to remove the dental pulp, the soft tissue at the center of a tooth, and replace it with a new material that fortifies the tooth and prevents infection. In many cases a tooth can last for the rest of your life after a root canal.
What is the difference between crowns and veneers?
Veneers are cosmetic and only attach to the front side of your teeth to improve your smile. A crown is restorative and fits completely over the top of an existing tooth that has too much decay or damage for a filling to be effective.
How long does a dental bridge last?
A dental bridge typically lasts between 10 and 15 years. Over time a bridge can wear out and eventually cause damage to the support teeth. It may need to be replaced with a different restorative option, such as an implant supported bridge or partial dentures.
Do wisdom teeth always need to be extracted?
In some cases the wisdom teeth may come in properly and won’t need to be extracted. But in the majority of cases there is not enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth, causing them to come in improperly or not come in at all. In these cases they will need to be extracted.
What type of anesthesia is used for restorative dentistry?
Anesthesia is based on the type of procedure and the preference of the patient. Most restorative procedures can be performed with just local anesthesia to numb the area being treated. Sedation options are available upon request, such as nitrous oxide and IV sedation.
How long can restorative procedures be put off?
If we recommend a restorative procedure, it is best to take care of it as soon as possible. A small cavity can be easily filled before it worsens and needs a root canal. A root canal may be able to save a tooth if it is performed in time. Putting off restorative dentistry will only make problems worse.
Is restorative dentistry covered by insurance?
Most restorative procedures are covered by dental insurance because they are considered to be medically necessary. The amount of coverage will depend on the details of your plan.