Our Services / Restorative Dentistry

What is restorative dentistry?

Restorative dentistry uses oral prosthetics, like crowns, bridges, inlays, or onlays, to repair teeth that are damaged, decaying, or weak. By taking steps to strengthen and support your teeth, it’s possible to prevent more serious oral health problems and preserve your smile.

What services does restorative dentistry provide?

At Thrive Dental, the team offers various restorative dental services, including:

Inlays

An inlay is a type of restoration that repairs damage or decay on top of a tooth. Inlays are smaller than crowns and protect the damaged or decaying portion of enamel between the cusps (or ridges) of your tooth.

Onlays

Onlays are very similar to inlays. The difference is that they cover the cusps of your tooth. Onlays are larger than inlays and provide your tooth with additional support.  

Crowns

If you have a deep cavity or a severely damaged tooth, the team might recommend a crown. A crown is a synthetic cap bonded on top of a molar or premolar. It restores your tooth to its near-original size, making it easier to bite and chew confidently.

Bridges

A bridge is a restoration that closes a gap in your smile. By replacing one (or multiple) missing teeth with a bridge, you can prevent your remaining healthy teeth from moving out of position.

Amalgam removal

Many older crowns and fillings used metal amalgam. If you want a more natural-looking restoration, ask your provider about amalgam removal. 

Fillings

Dental fillings repair decaying tooth enamel with composite resin. The composite resin looks very similar to your natural tooth enamel, ensuring the dental work blends in with your smile.

Implants

Dental implants can replace some or all of your permanent teeth. They’re screw-like posts inserted into your jaw that provide a base for crowns, bridges, or implant-retained dentures.

Dentures

Dentures are oral prosthetics that replace your permanent teeth and gum tissue. The team at Thrive Dental offers several types of dentures, including partial, complete, and implant-retained dentures.

What does a restorative dentistry appointment involve?

At Thrive Dental, a restorative dental appointment begins with an oral exam, oral X-rays, and a discussion of your goals for treatment. After determining the extent of the damage or decay, your provider develops a custom treatment plan that aligns with your budget and needs.

Ultimately, the goal of restorative dentistry is to enhance your oral health and make daily activities like biting, chewing, and speaking easier. 

To see if you can benefit from restorative dentistry, make an appointment at Thrive Dental by calling the office today, or click the online scheduling feature.