Everything You Need to Know About Restorative Dentistry

Your smile is one of your most important assets, which is why it’s essential to take good care of it. At Brentwood Dental Arts, our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality care to help restore the health and beauty of your teeth. Whether you’re dealing with a chipped tooth, missing teeth, or other dental concerns, we have a variety of treatments to get you smiling again. 

In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about restorative dentistry—the process, materials, and procedures that can help repair and replace damaged or missing teeth. Read on to learn more about the various treatments available, how they work, and how they can benefit your oral health and confidence.

What is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is a specialized field of dentistry aimed at repairing or replacing damaged or missing teeth to restore both functionality and aesthetics. It helps address issues that could lead to further complications like tooth decay, gum disease, or even tooth loss.

This branch of dentistry includes a variety of procedures that restore the structure and appearance of your teeth, allowing you to smile confidently, eat comfortably, and speak clearly. Restorative dentistry encompasses everything from filling cavities and crowns to more complex treatments like bridges, dentures, and dental implants.

The goal of restorative dentistry is to return a patient’s mouth to full function, as well as to correct any damage to the teeth or gums. Unlike cosmetic dentistry, which focuses mainly on aesthetics, restorative dentistry also places a heavy emphasis on functionality and health. 

Our Restorative Dentistry Services in Brentwood, West Los Angeles

At Brentwood Dental Arts, we believe that everyone deserves a healthy smile, which is why we offer a comprehensive range of restorative dental services at affordable prices:

Dental Fillings

Fillings are one of the most common ways to restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay. We use high-quality composite resins that match the natural color of your teeth, ensuring a seamless and durable restoration. Our fillings are designed to blend in perfectly with your smile and provide long-lasting protection.

Crowns and Bridges

Dental crowns are custom-made caps that fit over damaged or weakened teeth, restoring their strength and appearance. Bridges, on the other hand, are used to replace missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to the natural ones surrounding the gap. Both treatments help improve your bite, prevent shifting teeth, and restore confidence in your smile.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a revolutionary solution for replacing missing teeth. By placing a titanium post into the jawbone, implants mimic the natural root of the tooth, providing a strong, stable foundation for replacement teeth. Implants offer the most natural and permanent solution to tooth loss, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

Root Canal Therapy

When the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected, root canal therapy can save the tooth. This procedure removes the infection, cleans the canal, and seals it to prevent further issues. Root canal therapy helps preserve your natural tooth and avoid the need for extraction.

Full Mouth Reconstruction

For those with extensive dental damage, we offer full mouth reconstruction. This comprehensive approach combines multiple restorative procedures to restore the health, function, and appearance of your entire smile. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses all of your dental needs.

The Materials We Use

At Brentwood Dental Arts, we are committed to using only the highest quality materials for all of our restorative treatments. Our team carefully selects materials that provide excellent performance while ensuring a natural-looking result. Some of the materials we use include:

  1. Composite Resins: Perfect for fillings, composite resins are a popular choice because they bond directly to your teeth, providing a strong and durable restoration. These materials are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural tooth color, making them virtually invisible and ideal for fillings in visible areas. 
  2. Porcelain and Ceramics: Porcelain and ceramic materials are frequently used for crowns, bridges, and veneers due to their exceptional strength and ability to mimic the natural translucency of your teeth. These materials offer both durability and an incredibly lifelike appearance that blends seamlessly with your smile. Porcelain is highly resistant to staining, ensuring your restorations remain vibrant for years.
  3. Metal Alloys: For teeth that endure more pressure, such as molars, metal alloys are often the best choice. These materials provide superior strength and resistance to wear, making them ideal for back teeth crowns. Metal alloys, such as gold or silver-based metals, are highly durable and can withstand the forces of chewing while offering a reliable, long-term solution. 

The Restorative Process

At Brentwood Dental Arts, we follow a clear and efficient process to restore your smile. Here’s an overview:

1. Consultation and Examination

We begin with a thorough examination, including X-rays, to assess the damage or decay and determine the best treatment options.

2. Treatment Plan

Based on your needs, we create a personalized plan that outlines the most suitable restorative procedures for your smile.

3. Tooth Preparation

For procedures like fillings or crowns, we prepare the tooth by removing damaged material or reshaping it to fit the restoration.

4. Creating the Restoration

Impressions are taken to design custom restorations like crowns, bridges, or dentures using high-quality materials for a natural look and feel.

5. Placement and Adjustment

We place the restoration, ensuring it fits comfortably, and adjusts it to ensure a perfect bite and appearance.

6. Aftercare

Once your restoration is in place, we provide aftercare instructions to help maintain its longevity.

FAQs about Restorative Dentistry

How long do restorative treatments last?
The longevity of your restorative treatment depends on the procedure and materials used. Fillings can last for several years, while dental implants and crowns can last a lifetime with proper care.

Is restorative dentistry covered by insurance?
We accept most PPO insurances, including Denti-Cal. Our team can assist with verifying your coverage to ensure that you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.

Is the restorative process painful?
We strive to ensure your comfort throughout the restorative process. Most procedures are done under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort, and we provide options for sedation if needed.

How do I know which restorative treatment is right for me?
During your consultation, we will evaluate your oral health and discuss your goals. Based on this information, we will recommend the most suitable treatment options for your needs.

Why Choose Brentwood Dental Arts for Restorative Dentistry?

With over 25 years of experience, we’ve built a reputation for delivering exceptional care to our patients in Brentwood and surrounding areas. We understand that each patient is unique, which is why we take the time to listen to your concerns and develop a treatment plan that suits your specific needs. Our compassionate and caring team is dedicated to making every visit a positive experience.

Additionally, we are proud to accept most PPO insurances, including Denti-Cal, making our restorative treatments even more accessible to a wider range of patients.

Take the First Step Toward a Restored Smile

If you’re ready to restore your smile and regain confidence in your dental health, schedule an appointment at Brentwood Dental Arts today. Our friendly team is here to help you with all your restorative dentistry needs, offering personalized care in a comfortable and welcoming environment.