Restorative Dentistry in Ballwin, MO
Restorative dentistry refers to any dental procedure that repairs or replaces a tooth. Tooth restoration aims to save diseased, damaged, or decayed teeth by restoring their natural appearance and function. Various methods, such as fillings, implants, bridges, crowns, and more, accomplish this goal.
Baxter Dental Group offers restorative dentistry in Ballwin, MO. Our expert dental team, led by Drs. Wehrmeister and G’Sell, provide superior care to every patient. As a family dental practice, we serve patients of all ages. Schedule an appointment today – we’re confident you’ll leave our office with a smile!
Why Get Restorative Dentistry?
Decayed, damaged, cracked, and chipped teeth can affect self-confidence and oral health. These dental issues can lead to sensitivity, chewing discomfort, cavities, and infections.
Replacing missing teeth and repairing gaps can prevent cavities. Restorative dentistry procedures protect empty, vulnerable spaces in the mouth, thus blocking bacteria from entering. Although there are many options for tooth restoration, they share the same goal: to return your natural smile, regain your oral health, and prevent future issues.
Restorative Dentistry Procedures
At Baxter Dental Group, our dentists aim to preserve your natural teeth and will recommend the treatment that’s right for you. The restorative dentistry procedures we offer include the following:
Fillings
Cavity fillings are the most common restorative procedure. When bacteria enter the tooth’s enamel (hard outer surface), creating a hole, cavities form. A composite filling protects the tooth’s soft pulp, which houses the nerves, from infection. Our dentists remove the damage and fill the hole with tooth-colored composite material.
Root Canals
When bacteria invade a tooth’s root and impact the soft pulp, our dentists clean the infected area through a root canal procedure. Although it can also protect a tooth following an injury, the most common reason for a root canal is to clean bacteria and prevent future problems.
During the procedure, Dr. Wehrmeister or G’Sell cleans the soft pulp and tooth root, rinses the infection, and fills the hole with a composite material. Like cavity fillings, the tooth’s roots can no longer become infected.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown can cover a damaged tooth’s entire surface when it requires more protection than a filling. A crown is a tooth-colored or metal “cap” that restores a tooth’s shape, size, strength, and normal appearance. During the crown placement procedure, our dentists shave down the existing tooth to create space for the device.
Crowns also work alongside dental bridges and dental implants. It’s important to note that although crowns look and function like natural teeth, the original roots remain.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a great option for those missing one or several teeth, whether from disease or extraction. These restorative devices “bridge” the gap between two crown-covered healthy teeth on either side of the space. Bridges can prevent other teeth from shifting toward or away from the void.
Dental Implants
Another option to replace missing teeth from damage or decay is a dental implant. Dental implants look like natural teeth as an artificial tooth and root system.
An implant has three parts:
- A titanium metal root bonding with the jaw bone
- A false tooth (crown) covering the implant
- A connector (abutment) connecting the crown to the implant
Dental implants can also serve as the foundation for bridges and dentures.
Dentures
Dentures are an excellent option for patients missing a significant number of teeth. Depending on your situation, dentures are either removable or fixed. Baxter Dental Group offers four types of dentures: partial, full, immediate, and implant.
- Partial: Artificial teeth for patients who still have natural teeth
- Full: A complete set of artificial teeth for those with no natural teeth remaining
- Immediate: An artificial set of teeth created before the remaining natural teeth are extracted
- Implant: Partial, full, or immediate dentures supported by dental implants
Tooth Bonding
Dental bonding incorporates composite resins made from glass and plastic to accomplish various goals. For instance, tooth bonding can:
- Fill cavities
- Cover the surfaces of discolored teeth
- Repair chipped or cracked teeth
- Fill small gaps between teeth
The process includes roughening the tooth’s surface, applying a glue-like gel, and inserting resin. Once our dentists apply the resin, they mold the tooth to the desired shape and harden the material with a blue light. After polishing and smoothing, your tooth will be as good as new.
Inlays & Onlays
Inlays and onlays are tooth-colored or gold restorative devices that restore smaller areas of missing or damaged tooth structures. We recommend inlays and onlays when a filling isn’t enough protection, and a crown offers too much.
- Inlays cover the chewing surface of molars to protect against infection, while
- Onlays cover the molars’ cusps and chewing surfaces to protect against disease.
Although the two vary slightly, they are less invasive than crowns and offer more protection than traditional fillings. Overall, their primary goal is to protect and restore natural teeth.
How to Care for Your Restorative Dentistry Work
Proper at-home care is vital to maintaining restorative dentistry work and ensuring your smile remains healthy and beautiful for decades to come! Follow these tips to care for your new smile:
- Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day
- Floss daily
- Use an electric toothbrush to help remove plaque
- Avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods
- Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash
- Use a mouthguard while playing contact sports or participating in high-intensity activities
- Wear a nightguard, especially if you grind your teeth while sleeping
- Continue regular dental appointments and cleanings
Receive the Best Restorative Dentistry in Ballwin, MO
Restorative dentistry offers many benefits, such as eliminating pain, increasing confidence, restoring function, improving appearance, and preventing future issues. At Baxter Dental Group, our team can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Schedule an appointment with us today to receive the best restorative dentistry in Ballwin, MO!
