Restorative Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentist Serving San Jose, Sunnyvale and the Bay Area

Restorative dentistry usually refers to crowns, bridges, and fillings. However, it can be much more. It is the dentist’s role to restore the patient’s mouth whenever there is deterioration of oral health. This would include root canals, dentures, TMJ problems, periodontal disease, malocclusion, soft and hard tissue lesions, and more. A cosmetic dentist must address all of these problems in the treatment plan.

Teeth frequently need root canal treatment if they are badly fractured or infected. Crowns or veneers that are placed on weak or unhealthy teeth will not last. Root canals performed after the placement of crowns or veneers often damage the restoration and this results in more time and money to replace the restoration.

Periodontal disease (gum disease) causes bone loss. This loss of bone support can cause teeth to become mobile and unstable. This problem must be solved before cosmetic dentistry can be completed. Even after the disease is under control and bone loss has stopped, the cosmetic dentist may be faced with “black triangles” at the gum line. Unfortunately, the bone loss in between teeth usually causes a space to develop in this area. Treatment of this disease is part of restorative/general dentistry and must be completed prior to cosmetic dentistry.

Occlusion refers to how the upper and lower teeth occlude; how they come together when we bite. Malocclusion means that the teeth do not come together properly. Malocclusion can cause broken teeth and restorations. It is linked to headaches and facial pain. It also may accelerate gum disease. It is VERY important in cosmetic dentistry since good occlusion will increase the life of any restoration.

Full mouth reconstruction is also part of restorative dentistry. This is required when there is extreme tooth wear or in cases where orthodontics cannot correct a malocclusion without restorations. These are complex restorative procedures that improve occlusion by using crowns, bridges, onlays, veneers, and implants. Missing teeth and extreme tooth wear can cause a collapsed bite or very short front teeth that make you look older.

Cosmetic dentists use restorative dentistry to correct the bite and lengthen teeth resulting in a more youthful appearance.

Restorative dentistry is the engineering aspect of cosmetic dentistry. It is the foundation upon which successful cosmetic dentistry is built.

To learn more about restorative dentistry procedures or treatments, or if you would like to find out how restorative dentistry can give you the smile you've dreamed of, contact Dr. Wayland today.