Restorative Dentistry for Improved Oral Health
By definition, restorative dentistry is the process of rehabilitating and/or restoring the natural function of a tooth by repairing or replacing damaged or missing tooth structure. For our Vancouver patients, restorative dentistry is a core part of long term preventative dental care. During patient check-ups, we focus on early detection of tooth decay and structural weaknesses that can lead to the loss of tooth structure. In our view, dental restoration is about preservation; preserving as much tooth structure as possible helps us keep your teeth in their normal form, function, and appearance.
Dental Restorations 101
Since every case is different, Dr. Sidhu and Dr. LeClair provide a wide variety of restorative dentistry options that promote oral health, and to help you get the smile you have always wanted. There are essentially two streams or classifications for restorative care for patients:
Direct: The restoration work performed directly on your existing tooth structure. This includes composite fillings, amalgam fillings, or stainless steel crowns. Dental specialties such as Endodontics or Periodontics also come into play when a root canal procedure is required or infection or diseases are causing multiple complications.
Indirect: This type of restoration is a prosthetic solution. This includes the creation of a veneer, crown, bridge, dental implant, inlay, or onlay. Common materials used are gold, porcelain, and zirconia. A dental specialist such as Prosthodontists or Denturists, carefully create the prosthetic solution based on the unique needs of the patient.
Restorative Dentistry Services Overview
Mercury-Free Fillings: Also known as composite (white) fillings, mercury-free fillings are made of extremely durable and wear-resistant porcelain. Mercury-free fillings prevent tooth decay while also protecting your teeth against hot and cold sensitivity. Unlike silver fillings of the past, these composite fillings are custom-shaded to match your existing teeth.
Dental Crowns: We use crowns to solve multiple issues when appropriate. Crowns can be used to seal cracks in your teeth, restore a fractured tooth, cover misshapen or stained teeth, support fillings, and to protect weaker teeth. The goal for the crown is to return form and function for the weakened area of the mouth.
Root Canal Treatment: a root canal is performed in an instance where a patient is experiencing distress caused by extensive decay, infection, tooth trauma, or gum disease. Wrongly labeled as a painful dental procedure, root canals are pain-free surgery for patients.
This type of dental restoration allows a patient to keep their tooth. During treatment we completely remove damaged tissue (pulp) from the tooth roots, which are usually infected with bacteria. By removing the tissue, we prevent infection from spreading to the jawbone. The entire pulp area in the root canals is sealed with a special compound to eliminate room for any remaining bacteria to grow.
Dental Bridges: This is one possible approach to replacing a missing tooth, or filling a gap between teeth. A Bridge is defined as a fixed restoration used to replace one or more teeth by fusing an artificial tooth permanently to adjacent teeth. The bridge is built to match the exact shade and shape of your existing teeth, with the goal of having a natural look, support and structure.
Dental Veneer: Also known as a cosmetic dentistry solution, veneers are a thin porcelain laminate which are bonded to the external face of a tooth to repair or change the colour and/or shape of a tooth. Veneers provide us with the ability to:
1. Reshape imperfect teeth that are too short or too long
2. Restore chipped, cracked or broken teeth
3. Align teeth to refine your bite
4. Brighten teeth without chemical procedures
5. Fill in excess spaces or gaps between teeth
Dental Implants: Single or multiple dental implants are the ideal restorative solution to missing teeth because it stops bone loss and promotes the health of the neighbouring teeth and gum. Furthermore, implants double as a cosmetic solution because they more closely replicate the natural look and feel, form and function of your natural teeth. They have an added benefit of a longer life span than bridges or dentures with routine dental check ups and daily care.
Restorative Dentistry Vancouver: Getting our patients to optimal oral health is our primary concern. We encourage you to schedule an appointment if you are in need of a more detailed treatment plan.
Alma Dental Centre proudly services the communities of Kitsilano, Point Grey and UBC. Our dental services page contains a complete overview of our preventative dental care options. For more information on common dental procedures, visit the Canadian Dental Association website.