Restorative Dentistry in Belgrade

What is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing or replacing missing or damaged teeth. Its goal is to improve oral health and function through procedures such as dentures, implants, and crowns. Often, restoring tooth function also improves your smile’s appearance.

At River Rock Dental Group in Belgrade, MT, we offer professional restorative dentistry treatment for patients of all ages. Our dental team, led by Dr. Timothy R. Lund, provides the highest standard of care for every individual that visits our office. Schedule your appointment for restorative dentistry in Belgrade today!

Who is a Good Candidate for Restorative Dentistry?

Patients of every age can significantly benefit from restorative dentistry. Those experiencing the following are prime candidates for restorative procedures:

• Minor cavities
• Severe tooth decay
• Broken or damaged teeth
• Missing teeth

Restorative Dentistry Procedures

Restorative dentistry procedures address specific issues. Dr. Lund will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your present problems. The restorative procedures we offer at River Rock Dental Group include the following:

• Fillings
• Dentures
• Dental bridges
• Dental crowns
• Dental implants
• Inlays and onlays
• Rehabilitation treatment
• Root canals

Fillings

When bacteria eat away at your tooth’s enamel (the hard outer surface), holes develop and form cavities. Dental fillings can repair minor cavities.

During a cavity-filling procedure, your dentist removes the decayed portion and fills the hole with a tooth-colored composite material. Doing so keeps tooth decay from worsening and reduces the risk of further damage in the future.

Dentures

Dentures are a traditional and effective restorative option. Those without enough healthy teeth to function properly are strong candidates for dentures. Complete dentures replace an entire arch of teeth, while partial dentures replace several missing teeth in various areas.

Dentures rest on top of your gums and receive support from the jawbone. Fixed dentures are permanent and removable dentures that can slip in and out via suction or adhesive.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth suspended between two crowns. Sometimes, bridges consist of multiple teeth in a row. They’re an excellent option for those with missing teeth since they “bridge” the gap.

Crowns either cover existing teeth to strengthen them or cover implants. The bridge also contains artificial teeth not anchored within the gums.

Dental Crowns

Crowns reinforce decayed or cracked teeth. In a dental crown placement, your dentist shapes your tooth to ensure a proper fit. Sometimes, they have to shave some enamel, but in other cases, they build up the tooth. Crowns look and function like natural teeth, making them popular for restorative dentistry.

Dental Implants

Implants are a viable replacement option when teeth are missing or need extraction due to severe damage or decay. They consist of an entire tooth and root system. The titanium root bonds with your jawbone to create a solid hold, and the crown resembles a natural tooth.

Your dentist surgically places the artificial root into your jaw and attaches a crown above. Not only do dental implants look and function like natural teeth – they also function as durable anchors for bridges.

Inlays and Onlays

Dr. Lund may recommend inlays or onlays if a cavity is too big for a filling but too small for a crown. These restorations fit into your natural teeth seamlessly like puzzle pieces. Once the dentist places the inlay or onlay, they cement it.

Although they perform similar functions, inlays and onlays fulfill different purposes. Inlays fill the area between your tooth’s cusps, while onlays cover more significant portions of teeth.

Rehabilitation Treatment

Rehabilitation treatment includes redesigning and rebuilding your smile when multiple oral health issues are present. In a full-mouth restoration treatment, Dr. Lund performs several procedures to improve appearance and function.

Root Canals

Sometimes, cavities or cracks go deep enough into your tooth that they reach the pulp. Since the tooth’s pulp houses essential nerves and blood supply, any decay or injury can cause an infection and severe pain. Root canal therapy cleans and disinfects your tooth’s pulp, restoring function and easing pain.

During a root canal, your dentist removes the diseased pulp, including the nerves and blood vessels within your tooth. Next, they thoroughly clean the area and fill the canals with a rubbery material. Finally, they place a filling to seal the tooth and prevent bacteria from entering again.

Benefits of Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry offers numerous benefits to patients, such as:

• Eliminating pain. Those with deep cavities or injuries requiring root canal treatment often experience severe pain. Restorative procedures eliminate the pain by addressing the problem or removing the infection.
• Restoring function. Those with missing, broken, or damaged teeth have difficulty eating and speaking properly. When they receive restorative treatment, they can eat and talk with relative ease again.
• Preventing further issues. Correcting a dental problem as soon as it’s detected prevents it from worsening or requiring more extensive treatment in the future. For instance, treating a minor cavity prevents the need for a root canal.
• Improving appearance. Many restorative procedures, such as dental implants and crowns, look and function like natural teeth. Additionally, cavity fillings are frequently the same color as natural teeth. Several procedures cover both functionality and appearance.
• Preserving jawbone density. Replacing a missing tooth with an implant strengthens your jawbone. If a space stays empty for too long, your bone begins to deteriorate, and you may require a bone graft to eliminate the “sunken” facial appearance.

Contact Us for Premier Restorative Dentistry in Belgrade

At River Rock Dental Group, we provide expert care to all Belgrade, MT, patients. When you visit our office, you’ll receive a customized treatment plan unique to your needs. Don’t hesitate to seek restorative dentistry in Belgrade – reap the benefits today by scheduling your appointment!