Restorative Dentistry
Walnut Creek, CA
Have you been putting off getting much-needed dental work? Are you uncomfortable or embarrassed with how your teeth look and feel? Are you experiencing pain related to your teeth, gums, or jaw?
Dr. Amar Patel and the team at Ivory Dental Aesthetics can address these concerns with restorative dentistry in Walnut Creek, CA.
By restoring your smile to its former glory, you’ll be taking a necessary step in improving both your dental health and your confidence.
FILLINGS
Our dental fillings are made from a composite, tooth-colored material that’s used to fill cavities. Fillings can also be used to repair teeth that are cracked, broken, or have been worn down due to misuse. The dentist uses a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. They will then remove the decayed part of the tooth and then prepare the tooth for the filling by removing debris and bacteria.
PORCELAIN INLAYS/PORCELAIN ONLAYS
Rather than using dental fillings, porcelain inlays can be used to replace a small amount of tooth that is lost as a result of decay. Though inlays and onlays both fit inside the tooth, onlays extend to the chewing surface of the back teeth to replace tooth cusps. Both inlays and onlays can help improve the strength of the patient’s tooth.
CROWNS/BRIDGES
A dental crown can be used to cap a damaged or decaying tooth or be paired with an implant to replace a missing tooth. Bridges are used solely to replace one or more missing teeth and feature a crown on either end. By replacing missing teeth, your smile will look healthier and more complete than before.
PARTIALS
A partial denture can be used to replace missing teeth when multiple natural teeth remain. They are removable and are made from an exact replica of a patient’s mouth. They are less invasive and generally less expensive than other options. Partial dentures require daily cleaning through a simple process and are a good solution for when your remaining teeth are healthy.
DENTURES
Comfortable and functional, dentures are removable dental appliances that are used to replace missing teeth in order to help restore your smile. They make it easy to eat and speak better than you could without teeth and can help fill out your face to prevent sagging. They can closely resemble your natural teeth and are a cost-effective treatment option.
TECHNOLOGY
iTero scanners have their roots in restorative dentistry and are used to produce colorized, 3D images of a patient’s teeth and soft tissue structures that can be used for procedures involving crowns, veneers, bridges, onlays, and more. This allows you to see a rendering of your teeth immediately so your dentist can explain what areas need work and quickly come up with the best treatment option.
SIGNS YOU MIGHT NEED RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
There are several indicators that you may need restorative dentistry. Persistent pain or sensitivity to hot and cold foods can signal decay or infection that might require a filling or more complex treatments like crowns or root canals. Visible damage such as cracked, chipped, or severely worn teeth are clear signs that restorative work is necessary to prevent further damage and restore functionality. Additionally, gaps or missing teeth not only affect your smile’s appearance but can also lead to the shifting of remaining teeth and jawbone deterioration, making restorative solutions like bridges or implants essential for maintaining oral health and structural integrity.
