When you have a tooth that hurts, this could be due to the presence of decay or infection, and treatment is crucial. If you have one that is damaged, this again requires treatment to keep your smile healthy and whole. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist explains how we help smiles with restorative dentistry, restoring your smile to optimal health, function, and beauty again, sometimes in only one visit!

When to Seek Restorative Dentistry

We urge patients to see our team every six months, so we can identify issues like cavities and infections in the earliest stages, often before you experience discomfort, and then take action to preserve the tooth. Otherwise, you may not know you need care until your hurts, at which the decay or infection could be advanced and the risk of tooth loss much higher. You should also see us when a tooth is damaged, either from an accident or teeth grinding, as even minor chips or cracks could leave your tooth vulnerable to serious complications and discomfort. Our team will carefully examine the tooth with digital x-rays and intraoral camera technology to plan the process in detail, and we will use lifelike materials to ensure the results blend with your smile!

Dental Fillings

A dental filling is a common restoration, and one we use to treat a cavity. Instead of metal, we use composite resin, which can be shade to blend with the tooth. We will prepare the material and then remove decay from the tooth. To ensure you are comfortable, we always administer a local anesthetic. We then clean the tooth and apply the filling material in several layers, curing it under a light as we sculpt and mold the tooth. We then polish it for a brighter appearance. Along with treating cavities, composite resin can also be used in a bonding procedure to mask common cosmetic imperfections.

Custom Crowns

If you have a more substantial case of tooth decay or an injured tooth, we could help restore it with a crown. The restoration will fit over the tooth to repair cosmetic and retaliative concerns. We also have partial crowns, known as inlays and onlays, to address more specific areas of the tooth. The restoration will be made from materials like ceramic, which we can shade to blend with the tooth. The process only takes two visits, and can help safeguard the tooth for years to come!

Root Canal Therapy

What if a tooth is infected? When a dental infection occurs, this could lead to serious pain and the risk of eventual tooth loss. To stop the discomfort and preserve your tooth, we may recommend an endodontic treatment known as a root canal. The procedure is a gentle and comfortable one, we will numb your tooth and then remove the tissues from within. We add a special restorative filling material and then cap the tooth with a dental crown. We take steps to ensure the crown not only looks natural, but ensures a balanced bite and a durable chewing surface.

Tooth Replacement

What if you have missing teeth? Tooth loss could lead to serious trouble for your oral health, bite function, and the appearance of your smile. But with dental prosthetics, we can address tooth loss and ensure you continue to enjoy a full smile. For minor tooth loss, such as one to three missing teeth in a row, our team could create a custom and lifelike dental bridge, which can last up to 15 years. For more complicated cases, we could discuss partial dentures, and a full denture could address every tooth on one or both arches. We can also discuss dental implants, we can replace an individual missing tooth or even support a bridge or denture for a longer-lasting tooth replacement option.

If you have any questions about our approach to restorative dentistry, or if you would like to schedule a visit soon, then contact our team today to learn more. A visit now is a good chance to use your 2024 dental insurance benefits and health savings account funds before they expire at the end of the year. You can also greet the holiday season with a brighter and healthier smile!

Schedule An Appointment to Smile With Confidence

Our dental restorations can help you enjoy a stunning and healthy smile, so don’t ignore discomfort, instead talk to our team about possible treatment options so you can enjoy your best smile. To schedule an appointment with the team at Delightful Dental Care in Kansas City, MO, call our office today at 816-942-7669.