Restorative Dentistry in Forty Fort
The right restorative procedures at the right time can reduce the need for additional dental work in the future.
Restorative dentistry is the term referring to any procedure that restores a tooth or multiple teeth to healthy condition. Restorative dentistry includes fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, and more. Benefits to the patient include improved chewing ability, bite alignment, speech, and a healthy smile.
Dr. Todd Paczewski’s office provides comprehensive dental care, including restorative dentistry, to the Wilkes-Barre, Kingston, Forty Fort, Dallas, Scranton, and Back Mountain, PA area. Call 570-287-2500 today to schedule an appointment or request an appointment.
The Biomimetic Approach
Biomimetic Dentistry is defined as the reconstruction of teeth to emulate their natural biomechanical and esthetic form and function. Simply put, biomimetic dentistry means to copy what is life-like. With biomimetic dentistry, only the damaged and decayed part of the tooth is removed and the final restoration is bonded to the remaining healthy natural tooth structure. Biomimetic restorations include stress-reduced direct composite restorations and porcelain/composite inlays and onlays that restore the biomechanics of broken and damaged teeth.
When restoring damaged, broken, and decayed teeth, the goal is to return the tooth to its original strength, function, and esthetic. Biomimetic dentistry accomplishes all of this in a conservative approach with strong and attractive results.
Composite Fillings
Cavities can be filled with tooth-colored material (composite) that looks natural. The decay is removed and the tooth is filled with the composite, then hardened using a specialized light. The composite can be made to closely match the current tooth color so that it is basically invisible. One or a small number of composite fillings can be done in a single visit to the dentist.
Inlays and Onlays
An inlay or onlay is a partial crown restoration that can be placed when there is not sufficient tooth structure to support a filling but enough tooth structure left that a full crown is not needed. Inlays/onlays are made of porcelain or gold, and they aesthetically and functionally replace the missing tooth structure.
Crowns
A crown is like a cap that fits completely over the existing tooth. Crowns are used to protect and restore teeth that are cracked, broken, severely decayed, or worn down.
Dental crowns are usually completed in two visits. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared (shaved down) and an impression is taken. A temporary crown is placed while the permanent crown is fabricated. During the second visit, the permanent crown is carefully fitted and then cemented into place.
Dental Bridges
In the case of missing teeth, a bridge can be used to replace them. In the case of one missing tooth, the bridge (false tooth) can be placed between two teeth that are fitted with crowns. In the case of multiple missing teeth, an implant may be placed first to use as an anchor for the bridge.
Implant Restorations
Another way to replace a missing tooth is a dental implant. An implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically implanted into the jaw bone with a crown (false tooth) on top. An implant is very sturdy and will function just like a normal tooth.
It is important to replace missing teeth in order to keep teeth in proper alignment and to prevent bone loss in the jaw. It also allows you to chew properly and eat the foods you love.
Dentures
A denture is a replacement for multiple missing teeth within the same (upper or lower) arch. A denture differs from a crown or bridge in that it does not rely on an existing tooth structure, and it completely replaces the missing teeth. Denture types include:
- Full or Partial
- Removable or Fixed
- Traditional or Implant-Supported
Contact Us Today
If you require restorative or any other dentistry services, call Dr. Todd Paczewski’s office in Forty Fort, PA at 570-287-2500 or request an appointment. Dr. Todd and his staff have the expertise to completely restore your smile.