If we lived in a perfect world, our smiles would always be healthy, beautiful, and perfectly aligned. Cavities wouldn’t exist, we’d never break a tooth, and we wouldn’t ever have to worry about dentures or implants. Here in the real world, however, these things happen from time to time. When they do, it’s important to have a reliable way to restore your teeth so you can regain a functional smile once more. Understanding how restorative dentistry can give you back your smile will give you peace of mind in case you find yourself dealing with an unfortunate oral accident.
Here at Accent Smile Center, we’re proud to offer patients in Dickson and the surrounding communities a wide variety of restorative dental services to do just that! Let’s take a closer look at what restorative dentistry is and how it can improve the appearance and function of your smile.
What is restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry refers to any dental procedure that repairs or replaces a tooth. There are generally two goals in restorative dentistry: to restore the teeth’ function and restore the appearance of the teeth. In some cases, we’ll work towards one or the other of these goals. In other cases, we’ll work towards both.
Whether it’s a crown, bridge, or implant, modern techniques and technology allow us to achieve natural-looking restorations that blend in well with your natural teeth. These restorations are fully functional and made with the highest-quality materials for superior results. Dr. Gatgens offers the following restorative procedures at our Dickson office.
Dental crowns
Dental crowns are caps designed to cover the entire tooth. They are designed for the most natural look and fit possible, and provide damaged teeth with strong support and protection. Crowns are also the final step in a dental implant or root canal procedure.
At Accent Smile Center, we use porcelain crowns that can be an excellent option for patients who have teeth that are cracked, brittle, broken, or worn down. They are generally color-tinted to match the surrounding teeth, so they blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile. Once we bond the crown to the tooth, you may even forget it’s there!
Dental bridges
If you have one or more missing teeth in the same area, a dental bridge can be a good option for teeth replacement. Dental bridges consist of two or more dental crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap and are supported by your natural teeth or implants. This treatment quite literally “bridges” the gap between your teeth, improving both form and function.
The artificial teeth, as well as the crowns, are customized in a laboratory to ensure the proper fit and appearance. By closing the spaces left by missing teeth, a dental bridge can enhance the strength of your bite, decrease the chances of the surrounding teeth shifting out of place, and improve the look of your teeth. Modern bridges that Dr. Gatgens uses also look incredibly natural next to your teeth.
Dental implants
If you are missing permanent teeth for any reason, dental implants can serve as an advanced alternative to traditional dentures. The small titanium posts are designed to replace missing teeth and mimic the function of natural tooth roots. Dental implants are inserted into the gums and anchored to the jawbone, where they fuse to the bone. Dr. Gatgens will then attach a permanent dental crown to the post where it will serve as a replacement tooth. This is the next best thing to your natural teeth! Because the implants are built to last, they can be an excellent long-term solution for tooth loss.
Root canal
There are several reasons a root canal may become necessary, including severe cavities, a cracked tooth, or serious injury. This treatment essentially removes the tooth nerves and blood supply and sterilizes the area to prevent further infection. After the canal is sterilized, the space is filled with a material to seal the root and covered with a tooth-colored build-up restoration. In some cases, Dr. Gatgens will place a post to provide additional support.
After your root canal, Dr. Gatgens will likely recommend placing a crown to protect the newly restored tooth. Refusing a crown can result in additional dental work in a short amount of time, damage to the tooth, and even the return of bacteria and decay. Our team will work with you to provide the best, most natural solution to keep your tooth protected.
Full mouth reconstruction
Extreme decay or severe trauma can result in the loss of several or all of your natural teeth. A full mouth reconstruction can give you back your smile! Our expert dental team will create a full mouth reconstruction plan based on your specific needs, schedule, and budget. We’ll always begin with the most conservative treatments available to address your issues and give you the smile you deserve.
For some people, the entire reconstruction procedure can be performed in a single appointment at our Dickson office. For others, a series of appointments will be necessary to complete the treatment plan. Dr. Gatgens will discuss the best plan for your specific needs once you have been evaluated and your treatment options have been chosen.
Depending on your unique needs and goals, a full-mouth restoration can involve several advanced treatment options. These may include all or some of the following procedures:
- dental implants
- porcelain veneers
- dental crowns
- teeth whitening
- cosmetic dental bonding
- gum reshaping
- gum disease treatment
- Invisalign® or orthodontic treatment
- TMJ disorder treatment
Trust your teeth to the experts at Accent Smile Center
Dental procedures can be overwhelming, especially if you have a complex case or one that requires a significant amount of work. At Accent Smile Center, we do our best to reduce your anxiety by providing you with a welcome office and a positive environment. Our goal is to give you a stress-free dental experience no matter the treatment!
If you’re in Dickson or the surrounding area and need help addressing serious dental issues, our restorative treatments could be exactly what you need to start smiling again! Get in touch today to schedule an appointment and take the first steps towards strong, healthy, and fully functional teeth again.