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The goals of restorative dentistry are to repair damaged teeth and replace missing teeth to improve the health and aesthetics of a person’s smile. Thanks to new technology, state-of-the-art materials, and skilled dental professionals, there’s never been a better time to receive the care your smile needs.
Whether you have a chipped tooth, a large cavity, are missing several teeth, or have intrinsic dental stains, there is a restorative dental procedure for you.
Our Austin Laser Dentist offers the following restorative dentistry procedures:
Fillings
Dental fillings are most often used to treat cavities. This restorative material is made from composite resin that matches the natural tooth color and doesn’t contain mercury. While white fillings can be used for the back teeth, most dentists recommend silver fillings because of their durability.
Composite resin filling is also used to repair teeth that have been chipped or cracked. This option is much less expensive than dental veneers and looks just as natural!
Dental Crowns
Have a damaged tooth? A dental crown can fix that. Need to conceal a cosmetic blemish? Ask about a dental crown! Loose tooth? Dental crown.
By now, you get the point, right? Dentists use dental crowns for lots of reasons because they are effective, long-lasting, and relatively affordable.
Metal crowns and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are two materials that dental crowns are made from. Each option has its own set of pros and cons, so you’ll need the help and expertise of a dentist to make the best decision for your smile.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are used for replacing one, two, or three missing teeth in a row. There are several different types of bridges, but the most common one is the traditional dental bridge. With two crowns on either side of the prosthetic tooth (pontic), the bridge utilizes a patient’s natural teeth to stabilize the pontics that rest on the gums.
A traditional dental bridge is strong, durable, and able to keep the rest of your teeth from shifting out of place.
Dentures
For patients with an entire arch of missing teeth or several missing teeth in a row, dentures are an affordable option. Modern dental techniques help patients who require dentures achieve a realistic-looking, durable smile.
With dentures, patients can eat more foods, speak normally, and avoid dental drifting.
The key to achieving these results is choosing an experienced dentist like Dr. Helen Ragsdale. Her careful measurements and eye-for-detail ensures your dentures fit like a glove so the possibilities of slipping and clicking are rare.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the newer and most effective ways of replacing one or all of a patient’s teeth. Crowns, bridges, and dentures can be attached to these small titanium rods that act like natural tooth roots.
Replacing the tooth root is especially beneficial for several reasons, such as:
- The dental implant merges with the jawbone through a natural process called osseointegration which prevents jawbone atrophy, or disintegration.
- Reproduction of the jawbone means patients can avoid early signs of aging due to facial sagging.
- A strengthened jawbone enables the prosthetic tooth to endure chewing every type of food so patients don’t have to worry about diet restrictions.
Additionally, dental implants will likely never need to be replaced. We can’t say the same about other dental restorations!
Restorative Dentistry in Austin
Do you have a chipped, cracked, or missing tooth? Do you live in the Austin area? We have good news! Our Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Ragsdale, is one of the most esteemed dentists in the area. She and her team are prepared to help you achieve a fully restored, beautiful smile!
Call our office today at (512) 346-4690 to schedule your initial consultation.