Restorative Dentistry

Most people think of a visit to the dentist in terms of maintaining their healthy smile. The most common reason people see their dentist is for their twice-yearly checkup, cleaning, and polishing. But sometimes, other procedures become necessary, especially when regular dental visits have not been a part of a patient’s oral hygiene practice. In these cases, restorative dentistry may become necessary. Dr. Kotre is a skilled dental surgeon with years of experience in treating dental problems that require restorative dentistry.

What is restorative dentistry?

Restorative dentistry covers a range of procedures which “restore” the teeth to a state in which the mouth is healthy and capable of the normal range of activities such as chewing, swallowing, and speaking. Some of the restorative dentistry procedures we offer include crowns, bridges, implants, and bonding. However, the most common type of restorative dentistry is the common filling, used when there is a simple cavity that must be filled in order to prevent more problematic dental issues such as the aforementioned crowns or bridges. What are the different types of restorative dental procedures and when are they necessary?

Dental crowns: A type of dental restoration that is necessary whenever a cavity has become so large and pervasive that it threatens the health of the tooth. A crown literally caps the tooth to prevent further damage.

Dental bridges: Also known as a fixed partial denture, a dental bridge is used to replace a missing tooth. The tooth is replaced by the bridge, which is bonded in, and then joins together adjacent teeth.

Dental bonding: Bonding is generally done to fix broken or chipped teeth. Through bonding, teeth can be reshaped, restored, and even recolored. Dental bonding can be done for either restorative or cosmetic reasons.

Dental fillings: Dental fillings are necessary whenever there is a cavity, and therefore a decayed area of the tooth. It is a simple, common procedure. The composite material Dr. Kotre uses to “fill” the tooth is the the most modern available, and 100% BPA free.

Root canals: An often misunderstood procedure, which has resulted in many people fearing the need for one. In truth, root canals are not at all uncommon, and recovery time is generally short. Root canals can become necessary for many reasons, including an abscessed tooth, trauma, or decay that has advanced through the enamel and dentin into the pulp of the tooth. Simple dental extractions: A simple extraction is the process of removing a tooth from the mouth. Another common dental procedure, dental extractions are done for a number of reasons, including severe tooth decay, infection, gum disease, fractures, overcrowding, or preparation for braces.

For more information on our restorative dental procedures, please feel free to contact us at our Ann Arbor dental office at 734-677-2156 for more information, or to schedule an appointment for a consultation.