Restorative Dentistry: Options for Restoring Your Smile

Most dentists emphasize preventative dental care designed to stop oral health problems before they start. While prevention is always the best healthcare strategy, it is not always 100% successful. When teeth become damaged as a result of injury, disease, decay, or age, treatments are needed to stop the problem from worsening while restoring the form and function of the damaged teeth.

At Dr. Jay H. Samuels, we're committed to providing our patients with comprehensive dental care under one roof, and that's why we offer a complete menu of restorative smile services that can be used to address minor concerns in addition to resolving more complex oral health cases. 

What Is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is a branch of dental medicine that focuses on restoring oral health by treating disease, repairing damaged teeth, and replacing missing teeth. By restoring the smile's function and eliminating oral pain, restorative dentistry also improves general health and quality of life. Patients can chew and eat a balanced diet, enjoy all of their favorite foods, speak naturally, and maintain their oral health with a complete smile. 

While the primary goal of restorative dentistry is to improve oral health and the function of the teeth, it also often improves the aesthetic appearance of the smile since many restorative treatments also offer cosmetic benefits. 

How Does Restorative Dentistry Differ From Cosmetic Dentistry?

Although restorative dental treatments are often used for their cosmetic benefits, improving the aesthetic appearance of the smile is not the primary goal of restorative dentistry, which focuses primarily on function.

Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, is primarily concerned with the aesthetic appearance of the smile, and cosmetic dental treatments are recommended for the purpose of improving the appearance of the teeth, gums, maxillofacial bone structure, and smile. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the balance and symmetry of a smile in addition to the shape, size, and color of the teeth. 

Dental Problems Addressed With Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry can help to treat, repair, and address a variety of oral health concerns, such as:

• Tooth decay and cavities
• Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
• Excessively worn teeth
• Old amalgam, loose, or otherwise compromised dental fillings
• Missing teeth

If your teeth have been damaged as a result of injury, decay, disease, age, or as a result of medication side effects, then restorative dentistry can help you smile freely again by returning your smile to its complete form and full function. 

Why Choose Restorative Dental Care?

Restorative dental care offers a comprehensive approach to improving your overall oral health and addressing a wide range of dental issues.

• Improve and support your oral health
• Eliminate oral pain and discomfort
• Restore your ability to chew
• Restore your ability to speak naturally
• Stop oral health problems from worsening
• Reduce the risk of future oral health problems
• Enhance the appearance of your smile

By choosing a restorative approach, you not only enhance the appearance of your smile but also ensure long-term oral health and comfort.

Dental Solutions: Our Bethesda Restorative Services and Treatments

We provide our patients with comprehensive restorative dental treatments, services, and solutions. Some of the most common treatments include:

• Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings - Unaddressed tooth decay eventually leads to the formation of dental caries (cavities). We use tooth-colored fillings to prevent further tooth decay and restore the surface of the tooth. 
• Root Canal Therapy - When the interior pulp of a tooth becomes infected as a result of exposure to harmful bacteria through an advanced cavity, broken tooth, or compromised dental filling, a root canal is necessary to prevent a more serious infection and save the natural tooth from extraction. 
• Inlays and Onlays - Inlays and onlays are large tooth restorations that are usually made of tooth-colored porcelain. They are used in place of dental fillings when more extensive damage or decay is present. They completely cover and seal the chewing surface of the tooth either within the cusps (inlay) or beyond the cusps (onlay) of the tooth. 
• Dental Crowns - A dental crown is most commonly used after a root canal treatment to seal, cover, and support the natural tooth. 
• Dental Bonding - Dental bonding is a versatile restorative treatment that offers myriad applications. It is made of tooth-colored composite resin and can be used to fill cavities, restore chipped teeth, address sensitivity, and more. 
• Dental Bridges - A dental bridge can replace one or more consecutive missing teeth. There are a variety of different styles of dental bridges, set apart by the way they are anchored inside the mouth. Our dentist can help you determine which is best for you. 
• Dental Implants - Dental implants are the most popular and beneficial tooth-replacement option. They look, feel, and work just like natural teeth. Plus, they help support the health of remaining natural teeth while preserving your bone structure. They can be used to replace individual teeth on a one-for-one basis or multiple teeth by supporting a dental bridge or denture.
• Bone Grafting - When the jawbone has deteriorated as a result of missing teeth, age, or periodontal disease, a bone grafting procedure can help to restore the jawbones and arches that support the teeth. 
• Dentures - Modern dentures are 100% custom designed and made, meaning they offer a superior fit, comfort, and secure feeling. Additionally, patients have a variety of options in materials and dental implant support systems when desired. Whether you're missing all or most of your teeth, full or partial dentures are the most efficient way to restore your smile. 

Pairing Restorative Treatments With Cosmetic Dental Care

Used together, restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry are a powerful duo. Restorative dental treatments are commonly paired with cosmetic dental services to help patients achieve optimal oral health and function while simultaneously creating beautiful smiles that enhance their overall facial features.

Cosmetic treatments such as professional teeth whitening and dental veneers are commonly provided alongside restorative therapies so that patients can enjoy complete oral health and smile function while also improving the aesthetic appearance of their smiles. 

How Much Does Smile Restoration Cost?

Depending on the patient's treatment needs and recommendations, the cost of smile restoration can vary significantly. For example, a dental filling might cost a couple hundred dollars, while a full mouth restoration can run into the range of tens of thousands of dollars. Most dental insurance policies provide coverage for restorative dental care, as most of these treatments are deemed medically necessary. 

If you are concerned about the costs associated with your restorative treatment plan, we encourage you to talk with our office staff. We can provide you with a comprehensive estimate of costs, help you navigate your insurance policy, and offer you a variety of options to help make your smile restoration more affordable. 

Explore Your Dental Restoration Options With Restorative Dentistry in Bethesda

From treating small issues like dental caries to addressing more complex cases with full mouth rehabilitation, Dr. Jay Samuels works closely with each patient to assess their oral health concerns, understand their treatment goals, and provide a completely personalized treatment plan to designed to restore the form and function of their smile while supporting optimal oral health. 

To learn more about how we can transform your smile and restore your quality of life, we welcome you to contact our dental office in Bethesda to request a smile restoration consultation today.