Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry is the branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing the restoration of missing, damaged, or decayed teeth. Its goal is to restore the natural function, health, and appearance of your teeth and gums. Restorative dental treatments can address a variety of issues, including tooth decay, fractures, tooth loss, and more.

Unlike cosmetic dentistry, which primarily focuses on enhancing the aesthetics of the smile, restorative dentistry also places a strong emphasis on returning the teeth to their natural functionality, ensuring that patients can eat, speak, and smile with ease.

Common Restorative Dentistry Procedures in Houston, TX

Dr. John H. Krell offers a wide range of restorative dental treatments to meet the diverse needs of his patients. These procedures are designed to restore the structure and function of your teeth, often utilizing durable and aesthetically pleasing materials to ensure that your smile looks as natural as possible.

Dental Fillings

One of the most common restorative treatments is the dental filling, which is used to treat cavities caused by tooth decay. Fillings restore the tooth’s structure and prevent further damage. Traditionally, dental fillings were made from amalgam (metal), but modern restorative dentistry uses tooth-colored fillings, which are made from composite resin or porcelain.

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings:

• Natural appearance: Tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly with the natural color of your teeth.
• Durability: Composite fillings are durable and can withstand normal chewing forces.
• Minimally invasive: The procedure requires minimal removal of the natural tooth structure.

Crowns

A crown is a capsule-shaped restoration that completely covers a damaged tooth. Crowns are often used to restore teeth that are severely decayed, cracked, or weakened due to large fillings. They can also be used after a root canal to protect and restore the tooth’s structure. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and metal alloys.

Benefits of Crowns:

• Restores the shape and size of the tooth.
• Provides strength and support to a weakened tooth.
• Available in metal-free options that match the natural color of the tooth.

Bridges

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that fills the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth that are anchored by crowns on the adjacent natural teeth. Bridges are a great option for patients who are missing teeth but do not want to wear removable dentures.

Benefits of Bridges:

• Restores the appearance and functionality of missing teeth.
• Prevents neighboring teeth from shifting into the empty space.
• It can improve the bite and chewing function.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the most advanced and long-lasting restorative treatments for replacing missing teeth. An implant consists of a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it acts as a replacement for the tooth root. Once the implant fuses with the bone (a process called osseointegration), a crown is placed on top of the post to complete the restoration. Contact us to learn more.

Benefits of Dental Implants:

• Permanently replaces missing teeth.
• Preserves bone density in the jaw.
• Restores full chewing function and aesthetics.
• Requires no alteration to adjacent teeth.

Root Canal Therapy

When a tooth becomes severely infected or damaged, a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth and prevent the spread of infection. During a root canal procedure, Dr. Krell will remove the infected pulp from inside the tooth, clean and disinfect the area, and seal it. Afterward, the tooth is typically restored with a crown to protect it from further damage.

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy:

• Saves a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
• Relieves pain and prevents further infection.
• Preserves the natural tooth structure.

Dentures

For patients who have lost multiple teeth, dentures provide a removable solution to restore missing teeth and improve function. Full dentures replace an entire set of upper or lower teeth, while partial dentures replace only a few missing teeth. Dentures can be made from a variety of materials, including acrylic and porcelain, and can be designed to match the appearance of natural teeth.

Benefits of Dentures:

• Restore the ability to chew and speak normally.
• Enhance the appearance of the smile.
• More affordable than dental implants or bridges.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are designed for patients who have some remaining natural teeth but have missing teeth in other areas of the mouth. A partial denture fills in the gap and is typically attached to the natural teeth using clasps or other secure methods.

Benefits of Partial Dentures:

• Restore function and aesthetics without affecting remaining healthy teeth.
• More affordable than implants or bridges.
• Easy to remove for cleaning and maintenance.

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are custom-made fillings that are used to restore teeth that have been damaged by decay or trauma. Inlays are placed inside the tooth’s cavity, while onlays are used to cover the tooth’s top surface. These restorations are made from durable materials such as porcelain or composite resin and are designed to match the natural color of the tooth.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays:

• More durable than traditional fillings.
• Custom-made to fit the shape of the tooth.
• Provide a natural, aesthetic appearance.

The Importance of Restorative Dentistry in Houston, TX

Restorative dentistry is crucial not only for improving the appearance of your smile but also for maintaining the overall health of your teeth and gums. By restoring damaged or missing teeth, restorative dental treatments help to:

Restore Functionality

Restorative dentistry helps to restore the natural function of your teeth, including biting, chewing, and speaking. Damaged or missing teeth can make these functions difficult, but with restorative treatments like crowns, bridges, and implants, you can enjoy a full range of oral functions once again.

Prevent Further Damage

When left untreated, cavities, fractures, and missing teeth can lead to additional dental problems, such as tooth misalignment, jawbone loss, or gum disease. Restorative treatments prevent further damage and help preserve the health of your mouth.

Improve Aesthetic Appearance

Restorative dentistry can also significantly improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile. Whether you need dental implants, crowns, or tooth-colored fillings, these treatments can help create a natural-looking smile that enhances your confidence and self-esteem.

Enhance Comfort

When teeth are damaged or decayed, they can cause discomfort, pain, or sensitivity. Restorative dentistry addresses these issues by repairing the damaged teeth and alleviating any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing.

Conclusion

Restorative dentistry plays a vital role in improving both the health and aesthetics of your smile. Whether you need a simple filling or a more complex restoration, our dentist in Houston, TX, is committed to helping you restore the function, comfort, and beauty of your teeth. With a range of services, including crowns, bridges, dental implants, root canals, and dentures, Dr. Krell can provide the care you need to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts for years to come. Contact Dr. Krell’s office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how restorative dentistry can transform your smile.

Looking for expert dental care in Houston? Contact Dr. John H. Krell, D.D.S. at (713) 877-1775 to schedule your appointment today and experience personalized, top-quality dentistry at 3900 Essex Ln #1130, Houston, TX 77027.