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Restorative Dentistry services offered in Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA
Why is restorative dentistry important?
Restorative dentistry serves the important purpose of filling in gaps in your smile. You need to fill in these empty spaces to:
- Help keep your teeth properly aligned
- Make oral hygiene easier and prevent plaque buildup
- Improve your appearance and self-esteem
When you have missing teeth, the remaining natural teeth can shift and distort your smile and lead to degradation of the gums and jawbone.
What are dental restorations?
Many dental restoration options are available, depending on the degree of decay or tooth loss. These include:
Fillings
A filling involves removing any decayed portion of the tooth and filling it with porcelain, silver amalgam, tooth-colored plastic, gold, or composite resin. Much of your natural tooth and tooth root is preserved.
Crowns
Crowns are tooth-shaped caps placed securely over a damaged tooth or implant. The crown may be made from safe metals or a porcelain that matches the color and translucency of your natural teeth to blend right into your smile.
Bridges
Dental bridges consist of one or more false teeth anchored to crowns on adjacent teeth. The crowns may be placed over implants or over your existing teeth. The false teeth fill in the space where you’ve lost teeth due to decay, trauma, or disease.
Dental implants
Dental implants are metal posts surgically inserted into your jawbone. Your doctor places a crown on top of implants to restore your smile and full function. Dental implants look and feel just like your natural teeth.
How do you care for dental restorations?
You should care for dental restorations just like you do your natural teeth, with good hygiene principles and regular professional cleanings and checkups. Brush twice per day and floss around your teeth and any restorations. Avoid hard foods, such as popcorn kernels, as they can damage crowns, bridges, fillings, and implants. An antibacterial mouthwash can help you get into areas you can’t effectively reach with a brush or floss.
If you have gaps in your smile or teeth that are suffering decay, consult WPD Dental Group to learn about your restorative dentistry options. Call today or book online.