Restorative Dentistry Specialist

What is restorative dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is the area of dentistry that’s focused on restoring teeth and gums that have been damaged by decay, disease or traumatic injuries, as well as replacing missing teeth. Many different procedures fall under the “umbrella” of restorative dentistry, including tooth-colored and metal fillings, very large fillings called inlays and onlays, crowns, bridges, dentures and dental implants, as well as gum procedures aimed at restoring gums that have receded as a result of severe gum disease. At Hicks Family Dental, all dental restorations are made using state-of-the-art materials and techniques including digital x-rays to aid in planning out treatment so results are optimized for each patient’s specific needs.

What are tooth-colored fillings?

Also called white fillings, tooth-colored fillings are restorations made of a durable composite resin material that can be tinted to match the surrounding tooth material. Once in place, a tooth-colored filling is pretty much invisible to anyone but another dentist. Tooth-colored fillings are applied by “flowing on” the resin to the tooth surface. The resin is designed to bond more securely with the tooth surface, helping to prevent cavities that can develop underneath and around traditional metal cavities. A special light is used to harden and cure the material so it’s very durable.

Do even minor issues like tiny cracks or small chips need to be restored right away, or can I wait until my next checkup to have them fixed?

Any damage to a tooth, no matter how small, should be evaluated and repaired immediately. Even a tiny crack or chip can make the tooth far more vulnerable to decay, which means by the time the next checkup rolls around, a much more extensive repair and restoration may be needed to correct the issue. Teeth are subjected to extreme pressures as a result of chewing, biting and grinding movements, and these motions can easily turn a small crack or chip into a major fracture unless they’re addressed right away. Plus, having restorations performed right away can save patients a significant amount of money as well as time.