Restorative dentistry is part of medicine under dental health that is concerned with teeth functionality. It is also termed as prosthodontics. This is a medical term used to refer to the different treatments used for rehabilitation of teeth. Its primary function is to enhance the functioning of teeth while improving the overall mouth health. Most people mistake restorative dentistry for cosmetic dentistry. The two are not the same.

However, the relationship between restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry lies in the aftermath of the treatments. Both potentially improve the smiles of patients. The difference is that cosmetic dentistry focuses solely on improving the aesthetic appearance of teeth. On the contrary, restorative dentistry majors in correcting dental issues to prevent future oral problems. You can easily learn the difference from restorative dentistry in Mechanicsburg.

When is Restorative Dentistry Needed?

People require restorative dentistry services for different reasons. Most of those who require the treatment often requires a cosmetic improvement. It is for this reason that most of the restorative treatment procedures are used in cosmetic dentistry. When you visit Mechanicsburg restorative dentistry, you will learn that the treatment is offered under certain conditions as:

• Missing teeth – when you have multiple teeth missing, basic teeth functions like chewing become a problem. Some patients even experience difficulties in speech, not to mention frequent drooling. In that case, it is okay to visit restorative dentistry near you to consult a professional on the treatment options.
• Filling empty spaces – sometimes, it is not that you have any missing teeth. Your teeth can be too small for your jaw, leaving empty spaces between teeth. The spaces can cause discomfort for you. Chewing can be problematic, as well as getting food residue stuck in the spaces. Besides, the empty spaces often put pressure on other teeth. This can lead to misalignment, requiring more dental care. A dentist in Mechanicsburg can easily sort these problems with restorative dentistry.
• Dental cavities – a cavity can greatly deteriorate the health of a natural tooth. If left untreated, a patient stands to lose the tooth. Since the primary goal of restorative dentistry is to preserve natural teeth as long as possible, a dentist in Mechanicsburg will find ways to treat a cavity before it becomes severe.

Restorative Dentistry Treatment Options

Mechanicsburg dentists will be in the forefront to encourage you that all hope is not lost. Just because one or more of your natural teeth is problematic does not mean they have to remain that way. Once you notice any anomalies in your oral health, call a dentist in Mechanicsburg, PA, to schedule an appointment. From there, some of the options to expect for your treatment include:

• Dental crowns – these are commonly used to improve the strength and stability of teeth. A dentist in 17050 removes the enamel of the affected tooth to create room for a dental crown that will cap it. This will prevent further decay of the tooth.
• Dental fillings – used to fill cavities in teeth. They are usually resourceful when the cavity is not severe. Dental fillings fill up space created by the cavity. This is after the dentist near you has clean out the tooth to remove any infection and bacteria.
• Dental implants – are common procedures used to restore missing teeth. An implant is installed in the jawbone of the missing tooth. Often the treatment will use artificial teeth or dental crowns to complete the restoration process.
• Dental bridges – they are an alternative to dental implants. An artificial tooth is created to help bridge the gap of the missing tooth. A dental bridge requires support from implants, metal frameworks, or dental crowns supported on adjacent teeth.

Restorative Dentistry Aftercare

Now that your teeth have been restored, you should resume normal activities soon. The functionality of teeth should also be significantly improved as compared to before the treatment. The maintenance of the restorative dental works include:

• Regular flossing – this includes around the restorative works. You cannot afford to have any plaque buildup in the newly treated area.
• Brushing daily – you can shift to an electric toothbrush that is much better in fighting plaque.
• Quitting bad eating habits – if you chew on your nails, open cans, or eat sticky foods, you have to quit. This can sabotage the dental appliances used for your treatment.

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