Restorative Dentistry in Anchorage, AK

Restoration in dentistry includes measures that are taken to repair or replace teeth that have become damaged or that are missing, improving the function and health of the oral cavity to allow for increased ease with speaking and chewing. Many different types of restorations can be performed in dentistry, depending on what requires reparation or restoration, whether one tooth has to be extracted so an implant can be placed or a bridge of teeth requires reparation. These procedures tend to be a bit more invasive than typical dental work but will be either long-lasting or entirely permanent, ensuring that the patient can comfortably live as they had previously as if they had all of their natural teeth. While restorative dentistry can also improve the appearance of the teeth and smile, it differs from cosmetic dentistry in that the procedures focus on restoring function and improving oral health rather than improving the appearance of the teeth.

Restorative dentistry can often be considered the third level of preventative dentistry in that restorative interventions are one of the last options available for restoring the bite and surrounding tissues to good health before more permanent or debilitating damage has occurred. In most cases, restorative dentistry is only necessary when the natural tooth has started to incur damage (moving beyond phase 1 of preventative dentistry) and a less invasive treatment option such as removing any damaged tissues is no longer feasible or impedes the structure of the remaining tooth. Restoring a damaged tooth or set of teeth prevents further damage or injury from developing amongst the surrounding teeth and gums, as having a tooth extracted without an implant put in its place can lead to the surrounding teeth shifting, drastically affecting the bite. Another example is that leaving a tooth socket open or without an implant or bridge to provide coverage for the missing tooth can leave the gums vulnerable to bacteria or decay.

The primary goal of restorative dentistry is not to save the natural tooth at all costs but to instead restore the integrity and function of the tooth structure, ensuring that all remaining tissues are in good health. The purpose of restorative dentistry is to repair damaged teeth wherever possible and to replace missing teeth to ensure that the bite remains in good health and function. The remaining teeth, both natural and replaced, should look, feel, and function entirely like natural teeth, making sure that the remaining teeth stay correctly spaced so that the patient can continue to chew normally. Additionally, the goal with restorative dentistry is that the function and health of the teeth and smile can be maintained while still providing a natural appearance that will last long-term, ideally for the remainder of the patient’s life if possible.

The most common type of dental restoration is a dental filling, in which a tooth that has lost enamel due to decay, resulting in a cavity, has the decay removed and the newly formed hole is filled in with a material to stop the progression of the decay and prevent further damage. There are several different options for the material that is used for the filling, with a tooth-colored composite material being a common option, along with golf or silver amalgam.

If the decay that has developed in a tooth is more extensive, a filling may be insufficient for a proper restoration, in which case the patient may be recommended to receive a dental crown. Dental crowns are placed over the damaged tooth once the damaged tissue and bacteria have been removed entirely. This procedure option requires that the enamel of the natural tooth be shaved down a little bit to ensure that the dental crown fits properly.

Other commonly used dental restoration options include dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants.
Restorative dentistry is available at Four Corners Dental Group. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3901 Raspberry Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502. We serve patients from Anchorage AK, Eagle River AK, Campbell AK, South Anchorage AK, Chugiak AK, Spenard AK, and surrounding areas.