Restorative Dental Care in Columbus, IN
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing and rebuilding damaged or missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance. Whether you have cavities, cracked teeth, or missing teeth, restorative dental treatments like fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants can help you regain a healthy, functional smile. Interested in learning more or scheduling with our team? Contact our office today!
Dental Fillings — Fillings are used to repair cavities or damage in a tooth caused by decay. The dentist removes the decayed portion and fills the space with a custom, composite resin material, restoring the tooth’s shape, function, and appearance.
Dental Crowns — Crowns are custom-made caps that cover damaged or weakened teeth, providing strength and protection while maintaining a natural look. They are typically used when a tooth is too damaged for a filling but not damaged enough to require extraction.
Dental Bridges — Bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth to the adjacent natural teeth or implants. They help restore the appearance of your smile and prevent shifting of the surrounding teeth.
Dental Implants — Dental implants are a long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. They consist of a metal post surgically placed into the jawbone, which acts like a natural tooth root and is topped with a custom-made crown to restore your smile and chewing function.
Dental Extractions — Extractions are a common dental procedure where a tooth is removed from its socket due to severe damage, decay, or overcrowding. Dentists ensure that the process is as comfortable as possible and provide aftercare instructions to promote quick healing.
Aftercare & Healing
After you have a restorative treatment taken care of, it’s very important to follow our aftercare instructions to ensure that your recovery process goes smoothly. For services like fillings, crowns, and bridges, patients can often return to work or school right away post-treatment, unless they select a sedation option that requires going straight home and resting.</p>
<p>For treatments like implants, extractions, and other surgical procedures, most patients need a few days to rest and recover. We recommend sticking to soft foods and chewing with the other side of your mouth as much as possible during the healing process. Should you have any questions or concerns for us at any time, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I brush my teeth after a restorative treatment?
Yes, you can usually brush your teeth after a restorative service unless you’re told otherwise. For treatments like fillings, crowns, or bridges, brushing is encouraged to maintain positive oral hygiene. However, you may need to be gentle around the treated area for a few days and use a soft-bristled toothbrush. We may also recommend avoiding certain foods and activities to protect the restoration during the healing process.
Do I need a crown or a bridge?
Whether you need a crown or a bridge depends on your dental condition. A crown is typically used to cover and protect a damaged or weakened tooth, such as after a root canal or severe decay. A bridge is recommended when you’re missing one or more teeth, as it “bridges” the gap with artificial teeth. Our team will assess your situation and recommend the best option based on the condition of your teeth and your oral health goals.
When are dental extractions necessary?
Dental extractions are necessary when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed beyond repair. Extractions may also be recommended for impacted wisdom teeth, overcrowded teeth before orthodontic treatment, or if a tooth is causing infection that threatens surrounding teeth or gum health. In some cases, extractions are required to prevent further dental complications or to make room for dental prosthetics or orthodontic devices like braces.
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Have another question or concern for our team? Please contact us!