Restorative dentistry is important. Filling empty spaces left by missing teeth can cause improperly aligned teeth that can lead to gum disease and other problems. Filling those spaces keeps the mouth healthier. Replacing missing teeth makes it easier to maintain good oral care. Missing teeth not only impact oral health, but it can also impact your appearance and self-esteem.

The purpose of restorative dentistry is to restore your mouth to be closer to what it is naturally. Repairing damaged teeth to save them and replacing missing teeth to provide a look and feel that works like natural teeth is the goal.
 
Common types of restoration include:
 
– Fillings to fix holes or cavities in the tooth. These prevent pain and infection and the loss of the tooth.
 
– Crowns fit over the tooth above the gum. A crown is used to cover a tooth that is too damaged to be fixed with a filling. A crown can keep a tooth from breaking and needing to be removed.
 
– Bridges replace missing teeth. It is usually made with a replacement tooth that has a crown on each side. All three parts are cemented together and the crowns support the new tooth.
 
– Partial dentures are used to replace sections where more than one tooth is missing. The replacements are held in place with wires fastened to existing teeth. Partial dentures can be removed to clean or for other reasons.
 
Dental implants are artificial roots that are topped with crowns. A metal anchor is fastened to the jawbone and acts as the root for the tooth or crown.

Prosthodontics is the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the design, making, fitting, and replacement of teeth. Prosthodontists are specialists in the area of restorative dentistry. They can take on more complex cases of restoration than a regular dentist may be able to do.
 
The main function of a prosthodontist is to replace missing teeth. This can be done with dentures, crowns, bridges, or dental implants. They also focus on gum care and can do full mouth restorations.
 
To be a prosthodontist requires more advanced training to understand the full structures of the mouth. They learn the best practices for replacing damaged tissue and missing teeth. The American Dental Association recognizes prosthodontics as a specialty. Prosthodontists must complete three years of advanced training to be accredited.
 
Prosthodontists are trained to handle the most complex oral and facial issues. They can restore jaw and gum structures, and replace missing teeth. Most prosthodontics are able to do cosmetic dentistry as well as restorative treatments.

Dentures are considered to be restorative. Dentures can be partial, replacing a few teeth in one location, or complete, replacing all of the teeth. Dentures are removable. There are three types of dentures immediate, conventional, and overdenture. An immediate denture is removable and is used when your original teeth are removed. A conventional denture is removable and is inserted after the reaming teeth have been removed and the gums have healed. An overdenture is used in conjunction with remaining teeth. This fits over the remaining teeth or implants.
 
Friends Family Dental and Orthodontics is a great place for restorative dentistry. Dr. Elan Kaufman and the staff have the experience and training to restore your mouth to a place of health and a more natural look. To find out more about how Friends Dental can help, call us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Brooklyn NY, Manhattan NY, Bronx NY, Hoboken NJ, West New York NJ and surrounding areas.