According to the American Dental Association, nearly 37% of adults feel embarrassed about the appearance of their teeth and refrain from smiling. This statistic is a major indication of the importance of maintaining and restoring not just oral health but also a confident smile.
In this context, the question arises: is restorative dentistry worth it?
Restorative dentistry is a branch of dental care dedicated to diagnosing, managing, and treating oral health issues. It mainly involves repairing or replacing damaged teeth to restore their functionality and aesthetics.
But is restorative dentistry worth it? Let’s take a closer look at this field and examine its different aspects and benefits.
What is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry involves repairing damaged teeth to restore their function and enhance the appearance of a person’s smile. It includes a range of procedures to address problems like tooth decay, trauma, or missing teeth.
Restorative dentistry procedures pave the way for further treatments that aim to restore the teeth or overall smile to their former beauty.
Common Restorative Dentistry Procedures
Fillings
When you get a cavity, which is a hole in your tooth enamel caused by decay, it can be treated with a composite material filling to prevent further decay or infection. Filling cavities is the most common restorative procedure performed by dentists. At some point in their lives, most people will need to have a cavity filled and will definitely thank restorative dentistry for it.
Crowns
If a tooth is severely decayed or cracked and cannot be fixed with composite filling, a crown may be used instead. In a crown procedure, the outer part of the tooth is filed down, leaving a smaller base. An artificial crown is then cemented over this base, preserving the tooth root and restoring the function of your natural tooth.
Dentures
When you have multiple missing teeth or teeth that can’t be saved, dentures can be used to replace a full or partial set of teeth. Dentures can stay in place by suction and adhesives, by attaching to a few remaining healthy teeth, or by securing to a few dental implants.
Bridges
A bridge is made up of two crowns with an artificial tooth in between and can be used to replace a missing tooth. The adjacent teeth on either side of the gap are reduced in size so that the crowns can fit over them. These crowns act as anchors to secure the bridge in place.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a long-term solution for replacing both the tooth and its root. It involves surgically placing a titanium root into the jawbone, with a crown attached on top. The artificial root integrates with the jawbone, creating a stable and secure foundation. A dental implant completely resembles both the look and function of a natural tooth.
Why Would You Need Restorative Dentistry?
- Tooth Decay: When a tooth has been affected by decay, it can result in cavities that need to be restored to prevent further damage and infection.
- Chipped or Cracked Teeth: Damage from trauma, accidents, or biting hard objects can cause chips or cracks in teeth. Restorative dentistry procedures like crowns can repair these issues.
- Missing Teeth: If you lose a tooth due to decay, trauma, or extraction, restorative options such as bridges, implants, or dentures can replace the missing teeth and restore function.
- Wear and Tear: Teeth can be worn down by grinding or excessive use. Restorative dentistry procedures can treat these issues with procedures like crowns or dental bonding to restore functionality.
Benefits of Restorative Dentistry
Preserves Natural Teeth
Restorative procedures such as dental fillings, crowns, and root canals can help save your natural teeth, thereby avoiding the need for extractions. While there are advanced tooth replacement options, keeping your natural teeth is preferable because it supports better oral function and minimizes the risk of additional problems.
Improves Oral Health
A key benefit of restorative dentistry is the enhancement of oral health. By addressing dental problems quickly, you can halt the progression of decay and disease, resulting in a healthier mouth.
Restores Functionality
Restorative dentistry addresses both the appearance and functionality of your teeth. Missing one or more teeth can impair your ability to chew effectively and may even affect your speech. Restorative dentistry not only enhances your smile but also gives you back your ability to chew and speak properly while helping to maintain long-term oral health.
Enhances Appearance
Restorative dentistry gives you back the function of your teeth while also improving their appearance. Treatments such as crowns, bridges, and implants can rejuvenate your smile and increase your self-confidence.
Allows Long-Term Savings
Investing in restorative dentistry can prove to be more cost-effective over time. By addressing dental issues early, you can avoid more serious and expensive problems later on, allowing long-term savings. For example, a straightforward filling can prevent the need for a root canal or extraction.
Is Restorative Dentistry Worth It?
Undergoing restorative dental procedures is crucial for effectively treating various dental health issues. Problems like tooth decay and gum disease can lead to gum infections, which may spread to the bloodstream and trigger the immune system, potentially resulting in serious systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Therefore, when considering “Is restorative dentistry worth it?”, it is important to remember that it is definitely worthwhile for maintaining both dental and overall physical health.
Takeaway
Now that you know the answer to “Is restorative dentistry worth it?” you can make informed decisions for your oral problems.
Restorative dentistry is certainly worth the costs. It provides a range of benefits, including better oral health, improved functionality, a more attractive appearance, and increased self-confidence. Whether you require a straightforward filling or a more intricate treatment like implants or dentures, restorative dentistry can help you attain a healthy, radiant smile that endures.
So, consider exploring your options and begin the journey toward enhanced oral health and a brighter smile.
Schedule a consultation with Bright Smiles Family Dentistry today to learn more!
FAQs
What are the main benefits of restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry can improve your oral health by addressing decay and damage, enhancing functionality for better chewing and speaking, and an aesthetically enhanced smile.
Are there affordable options for restorative dentistry?
Yes, there are various affordable options for restorative dental treatments. Many procedures come with different pricing tiers, and dentists often offer payment plans or financing options to make treatments more accessible.
