Restorative dentistry is the study, diagnosis and integrated management of diseases of the teeth and their supporting structures and the rehabilitation of the dentition to functional and aesthetic requirements of the individual. Restorative dentistry encompasses the dental specialties of endodontics, periodontics and prosthodontics and its foundation is based upon how these interact in cases requiring multifaceted care.
Tooth structure is a complex biological material. It has been difficult to develop materials that restore teeth well. Gold and silver were the best we had until reliable “bonding” was developed. Bonding is a process that enables us to restore teeth with materials that stick to the tooth structure. Current bonding agents and composite filling materials are strong and esthetic.
If your teeth are damaged by disease, then successful tooth restoration will first require eliminating the infection and ensuring good oral health. If disease isn’t present, then the damage may be the result of an underlying dental condition, such as malocclusion (misaligned teeth and/or jaws), which must first be corrected. If a crooked bite is causing excessive wear on your teeth, then it can also cause damage to your tooth’s restoration if not treated beforehand.
When one or more teeth are damaged severely enough that they can no longer function properly (or at all), your entire oral health can suffer. A straight and full smile is more than aesthetically pleasing; you need all of your teeth present and correctly oriented for your mouth to evenly distribute the pressure of your bite. Replacing lost/useless teeth, then, becomes a matter of vital importance to preserve the integrity of your smile. Your ideal dental prosthetic (i.e., dental crown, partial, or full denture) will depend on the amount of teeth that require replacement. However, securing your replacement to the appropriate number of dental implants can allow you restore your entire tooth’s structure, including the roots.
With equal parts function and beauty, your restorative dental procedure may include one or more cosmetic dental procedures to make your smile as beautiful as it is healthy. Teeth-whitening, dental bonding, and porcelain veneers are but a few of the cosmetic dental options that Dr. Karim Nanji and his associates may use to put the finishing touches on your brand new, fully-functioning smile.