The objective of restorative dental treatment Louisville KY is to identify and treat missing, decayed, or damaged teeth to restore oral health, function, and appearance. These methods, which include dental implants and fillings, are intended to restore teeth, enhance chewing, and prevent other oral health problems.
Restorative Therapy Types
Fillings
A cavity is a hole in your tooth caused by bacteria that destroy your tooth enamel. Dental fillings are often used to repair smaller cavities.
Your dentist will remove the decayed portion of your tooth during restorative dental treatment Louisville KY, then fill the space with a tooth-colored composite material. This stops further decay and reduces the risk of future damage.
Crowns
Dental crowns are used to treat severe cavities or repair fractured teeth. A crown, often called a cap, covers the entire tooth.
Your dentist needs to remove some of your natural tooth enamel to place a crown. As a result, they will shape your tooth (shave part of it down) and then cover it with a crown.
Onlays and Inlays
A cavity might be too large to fill but too small to crown. In such cases, your dentist may recommend an inlay or onlay. These tailored restorative dental treatment Louisville KY fit seamlessly into your natural tooth structure, like puzzle pieces. They are permanently attached by your dentist.
Onlays and inlays are similar. An onlay covers at least one cusp, whereas an inlay fills the space between the cusps of your teeth.
Root Canal Treatment
In some cases, a cavity or crack extends far enough into your tooth to reach the pulp. If bacteria invade the pulp, a painful infection can result. Root canal treatment is required in these situations.
During this procedure, your dentist removes the infected pulp, including the microscopic blood vessels and nerves within your tooth. They will then thoroughly clean and disinfect the inner surfaces of your tooth before filling the channels with gutta percha, a rubbery dental material. After that, they will use a filling to seal the tooth and keep microorganisms from entering.
Bridges
A dental bridge can fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of artificial teeth with dental crowns on both sides. Your dentist will modify (shave down) your natural teeth on either side of the space. After that, they will connect the bridge to your natural teeth. The artificial teeth cover the space between your natural teeth, while the crowns cover your natural teeth.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a tiny, threaded post that takes the place of a missing tooth root. After your dentist places a crown on your implant, it behaves exactly like a real tooth.
Dentures
Another common method of restorative dental treatment Louisville KY is dentures. Full dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth. Partial dentures replace several missing teeth in different locations. Dentures sit on top of your gums and are supported by the jawbone beneath.