Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry encompasses a wide range of dental procedures aimed at repairing or replacing damaged or lost teeth. The goal is to restore both the aesthetic appearance and functionality of your teeth, ensuring that your smile is healthy and fully restored. Restorative procedures may be needed due to tooth decay, trauma, disease, or the natural aging process.

Some of the most common restorative procedures include dental fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures. Each treatment is designed to address specific dental issues, and the right solution for you will depend on your unique needs.

The Benefits of Restorative Dentistry in Louisville, KY

Restorative dentistry offers numerous benefits to patients. Whether you're dealing with a single decayed tooth or several missing teeth, the goal of restorative dental treatments is to restore both function and appearance. Here are some of the top benefits of restorative dentistry:

Improved Functionality

Restorative treatments such as crowns, bridges, and implants help restore the functionality of your teeth. This is especially important if you have lost teeth or have teeth that are severely damaged or decayed. With proper restoration, you can regain the ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. 

Aesthetics and Confidence

Restorative dentistry not only improves the functionality of your teeth but also enhances your smile's appearance. Treatments like dental implants, veneers, and bonding can provide a natural-looking, aesthetically pleasing result that boosts your self-confidence.

Pain Relief

Decayed, cracked, or broken teeth can often be painful. Restorative procedures such as root canals or crowns relieve pain by repairing the damage and protecting the tooth from further harm. By restoring your teeth, we help eliminate the discomfort caused by dental issues.

Prevent Further Damage

Many restorative treatments help prevent further damage to your teeth. For example, placing a crown on a weakened tooth can prevent it from breaking, and replacing a missing tooth with an implant can prevent neighboring teeth from shifting out of place.

Durability and Longevity

Restorative dental procedures are designed to last for many years, especially when properly cared for. Modern materials, like porcelain and zirconia, are durable, long-lasting, and designed to withstand daily wear and tear.

Types of Restorative Dentistry Services

At Aiken and Wilson Dentistry, we offer a wide range of restorative treatments to meet the needs of our patients. Each of these treatments is designed to restore damaged or missing teeth, improve function, and create a healthy, beautiful smile.

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are among the most common restorative treatments for cavities. If you have a decayed tooth, a filling can restore its shape and function by replacing the decayed portion. The material used for fillings can vary depending on your needs and preferences, with options including: 

• Composite Fillings: These tooth-colored fillings blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them an excellent choice for visible areas. 
• Amalgam Fillings: A more traditional material made from a combination of metals, amalgam fillings are durable and well-suited for back teeth.
• Gold Fillings: Gold fillings offer long-lasting durability and strength, though they are typically more noticeable than other types of fillings.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its size, shape, and strength. Crowns are typically used when a tooth is too damaged to be repaired with a filling. They can also be used to protect a tooth after a root canal or to restore a dental implant. Crowns are made from durable materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal and are designed to blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth.

At Aiken and Wilson Dentistry, we offer same-day crowns created using advanced CEREC technology to provide a quick, convenient solution for restoring damaged teeth in just one visit. 

Bridges

Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth that are anchored in place by crowns placed on the adjacent teeth. Bridges help restore your ability to chew and speak properly, and they also prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the gap left by a missing tooth. Bridges are typically made from porcelain or ceramic, ensuring a natural appearance. 

Dental Implants

Dental implants are among the most advanced solutions for replacing missing teeth. An implant consists of a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, followed by a crown that is attached to the post. Implants provide a permanent solution for tooth loss, restoring both function and appearance. Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants do not require altering surrounding teeth, making them a more conservative and long-term solution for missing teeth. 

Dentures

Dentures are a highly effective restorative option for patients who are missing several or all of their teeth. Dentures are custom-made removable appliances that replace missing teeth. Full dentures replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw, while partial dentures fill in gaps when some natural teeth remain. Dentures are designed for comfort, aesthetics, and functionality, providing a natural-looking smile and restoring the ability to eat and speak comfortably. Contact us to learn more.

Root Canals

When the inside of a tooth becomes infected, a root canal is necessary to remove the infection and save the tooth. During a root canal procedure, the damaged tissue inside the tooth is removed, and the tooth is sealed to prevent further infection. After the root canal, a crown is typically placed over the tooth to restore its strength and protect it from future damage. Root canals can prevent the need for tooth extraction and preserve your natural teeth for years to come.

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are often used for teeth that have large cavities or damage that are not so severe as to require a full crown. These restorations are custom-made and then bonded to the affected tooth. Inlays fit inside the tooth, while onlays cover the top and sides of the tooth. Both options provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for restoring damaged teeth. 

Veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite material that are bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. Veneers are often used to correct cosmetic issues such as discoloration, chips, or misalignment. While veneers are typically considered a cosmetic treatment, they also serve a restorative purpose by protecting the underlying tooth structure.

The Restorative Dentistry Process at Aiken and Wilson Dentistry

At Aiken and Wilson Dentistry, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality, patient-focused care. Here is what you can expect during your restorative dentistry journey:

Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation, our dentist in Louisville, KY, will perform a comprehensive exam to assess the condition of your teeth and determine the best restorative treatment for your needs. We will discuss your options and ensure that you fully understand each treatment's benefits, costs, and timeline.

Treatment Planning

Once we’ve determined the best restorative option for you, we will create a customized treatment plan that outlines each step of the process. Our goal is to make sure that your restorative journey is as smooth and efficient as possible.

Restoration Procedure

Depending on the treatment you need, your restorative procedure may take place over one or several visits. Our office is equipped with advanced technology to ensure that your treatment is precise, effective, and comfortable.

Follow-Up Care

After your restorative procedure, we will schedule follow-up appointments to ensure that your restoration is functioning properly and that your oral health is in optimal condition. We will provide instructions on how to care for your new restorations to ensure their longevity.

Conclusion

Restorative dentistry is essential for restoring the health, function, and aesthetics of your smile. At Aiken and Wilson Dentistry, we provide a wide range of restorative treatments designed to meet the unique needs of each patient. Whether you need a simple filling or a more complex solution like dental implants, we are here to help you regain a beautiful, functional smile.

If you’re ready to restore your smile with our restorative dental services, contact Aiken and Wilson Dentistry today to schedule your consultation. Let us help you achieve a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime.

To schedule an appointment with us today at Aiken and Wilson Dentistry, visit us at 139 Saint Matthews Ave, Louisville, KY 40207, or call (502) 895-3774. Please explore our website to learn more about our various services.