Restorative Dentistry

Restorative Dentistry encompasses everything from basic fillings to complex reconstructions

Welcome to Iroquois Dentistry, where our excellent dentists, Dr. K.B. Parkes, Dr. Tyler Smith, Dr. Jody Glover, and Dr. Megan Allred, provide the exceptional care your smile deserves! Our dentists strive to help each patient who comes to us for dental care in the Nashville, Tennessee, area. With various procedures from general dentistry to restorative dentistry, you can get the necessary care your teeth and gums need here in Nashville, Tennessee! 

Restorative dentistry is an essential facet of oral healthcare. It encompasses everything from basic fillings to complex reconstructions, returning form, function, and health to compromised teeth. For dental patients, understanding restorative procedures alleviates anxieties and helps them make informed decisions for their dental health. 

Restorative Dentistry. ID. Dental Implants, Porcelain Veneers, ClearCorrect, Teeth Whitening in Nashville, TN 37205 Call:615-268-6522 cosmetic dental bonding dental bonding

Restorative dentistry procedures target damaged, decayed, or missing teeth

What is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is studying, diagnosing, and managing teeth diseases and their supporting structures. It involves the rehabilitation of the dentition to the functional and aesthetic requirements of the individual. The procedures can range from simple fillings to multi-step restorations.

Restorative Dental Procedures at Iroquois Dentistry

Restorative dentistry procedures target damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. They aim to restore the aesthetics of your smile and the proper bite and oral function. Procedures we provide at our office include: 

 

Traditional Dental Crowns

Traditional dental crowns, also known simply as dental crowns or caps, are restorative devices designed to cover and encase a damaged or compromised tooth. These crowns are customized to match the natural teeth’ shape, size, and color, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits. 

 

Same-Day Dental Crowns

Same-day dental crowns, also known as “chairside” or “one-visit” crowns, refer to a dental restoration process that allows patients to receive a crown in a single appointment, typically within a few hours. Same-day crowns utilize advanced technology such as computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) to create the crown in the dental office while the patient waits.

 

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure involving the application of a tooth-colored composite resin material to repair or enhance the appearance of a tooth. The process typically begins with the dentist roughening the tooth surface and applying a conditioning liquid to help the bonding material adhere. We will sculpt the pliable resin, shape it, and mold it to the desired form before hardening it with a special light. Dental bonding can fix chipped or cracked teeth, close gaps, reshape misaligned teeth, and cover discolorations. It is a relatively quick and non-invasive option, making it a popular choice for minor cosmetic improvements.

 

Dental Implants and Support Structures

Dental implants are now the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They act as an artificial tooth root, on top of which various support structures can be placed:

  • Implant-Supported Bridges: We use implant-supported bridges when multiple adjacent teeth are missing. Instead of relying on natural teeth for support, the bridge is anchored to implants, enhancing stability and avoiding altering adjacent healthy teeth.
  • Implant-Supported Crowns: An implant-supported crown involves attaching a single artificial tooth to a single implant, providing a natural-looking and functional replacement for a missing tooth.
  • Implant-supported Dentures: Implant-supported dentures are a secure and long-term solution for edentulous (toothless) individuals. Typically, we will strategically place several implants in the jaw, and a custom-made denture is attached to the implants, offering improved stability and preventing issues like slippage associated with traditional dentures.

 

Dental Bridges

A traditional dental bridge is a standard tooth replacement option that consists of artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by dental crowns (abutments) attached to adjacent natural teeth. We will prepare the adjacent teeth by removing some enamel to accommodate the crowns, providing a stable and aesthetic solution for individuals with one or more missing teeth.

 

Dentures

Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They come in two main types: complete dentures, which replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw, and partial dentures, which replace only a few missing teeth and will anchor to remaining natural teeth. Complete dentures adhere to the gums through suction or dental adhesives, while partial dentures use metal or plastic frameworks and clasps for support. 

 

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are dental restorations that repair and restore damaged or decayed teeth. They are more conservative alternatives to full dental crowns and provide a middle ground between simple fillings and crowns.

  1. Inlays: Inlays are custom-made restorations that fit into the prepared cavity within the tooth. When the damage or decay is within the cusp tips of the tooth and does not extend over them, inlays are an excellent choice. Inlays are created outside the mouth and cemented into place, offering a precise and durable solution.
  2. Onlays: Onlays, sometimes called partial crowns, are similar to inlays but cover one or more cusps (the pointed parts of the tooth). When the damage or decay extends to or over the cusp tips, onlays are an excellent option for your smile. Onlays are fabricated outside the mouth and then cemented onto the tooth, providing more extensive coverage than inlays.

 

Full-Mouth Reconstruction

Full-mouth reconstruction, also known as full-mouth rehabilitation or reconstruction, is a comprehensive dental treatment plan that involves restoring or replacing a patient’s teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. This extensive process addresses various dental issues, including severe decay, gum disease, tooth loss, bite problems, and aesthetic concerns. Full-mouth reconstruction often combines multiple dental procedures, such as dental implants, crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, onlays, and periodontal treatments, tailored to the specific needs of the individual. The goal is to achieve optimal oral health, function, and aesthetics, addressing both functional and cosmetic aspects. 

Benefits of Restorative Dentistry

The advantages of restorative procedures are numerous:

  1. Improved Oral Health: One of the primary benefits of restorative dentistry is enhancing oral health. Procedures such as dental fillings, crowns, and root canal treatments aim to repair and preserve damaged or decayed teeth, preventing the progression of oral diseases. By addressing issues promptly, restorative dentistry helps maintain the overall health of the teeth and gums, reducing the risk of more severe dental problems.
  2. Functional Restoration: Restorative dentistry procedures contribute to the restoration of proper dental function. Missing teeth can be replaced with bridges, dentures, or implants, allowing individuals to chew, speak, and bite effectively. This improves daily activities, helps maintain proper jaw alignment, and prevents additional strain on surrounding teeth.
  3. Enhanced Aesthetics: Restorative dentistry is crucial in improving the smile’s aesthetics. Procedures like dental crowns, veneers, and teeth whitening can improve the appearance of damaged, discolored, or misaligned teeth. This contributes to a more attractive smile, boosting self-confidence and overall well-being.
  4. Prevention of Further Damage: Restorative dentistry interventions repair existing dental issues and help prevent further damage. Timely treatments for problems such as cavities or cracked teeth can avoid complications that may lead to more extensive and expensive dental procedures.
  5. Preservation of Natural Teeth: Restorative dentistry focuses on preserving natural teeth whenever possible. Procedures like fillings and inlays/onlays aim to repair and strengthen existing teeth rather than extractions. Keeping natural teeth is essential for maintaining proper oral function and preventing issues related to tooth loss, such as bone resorption.
Restorative Dentistry. ID. Dental Implants, Porcelain Veneers, ClearCorrect, Teeth Whitening in Nashville, TN 37205 Call:615-268-6522 cosmetic dental bonding dental bonding

With restorative dentistry, you can enjoy many benefits, including realistic results and an increase in confidence.

Restorative Dentistry in Nashville, TN

At Iroquois Dentistry, you can get the necessary care for your smile with our several procedures. With restorative dentistry, if you suffer from oral concerns like chipped, broken, or missing teeth, we proudly provide several methods to help restore your smile. With our dentists, Dr. K.B. Parkes, Dr. Tyler Smith, Dr. Jody Glover, and Dr. Megan Allred, you can come into our office for a consultation and figure out the best plan for you and your goals for your smile. 

Remember, oral health is a journey, and a confident, fully functional smile is within reach with modern restorative techniques. Please schedule a consultation with our team today and begin your journey to restoring and maintaining the natural beauty of your smile.