Tooth and gum issues are common across the globe. According to The Floss, 3.5 billion people have oral diseases and dental problems. Restorative dentistry is a solution that can help people in this situation get their healthy smiles back. Here's what you should know about restorative dentistry.

The Focus of Restorative Dentistry

There are many reasons why people may have damaged or missing teeth. Gum disease — which can be the result of genetics, illness, or neglect — can cause a person to lose teeth. A person could be in an accident that causes their teeth to crack or fall out. A person may grind their teeth when they sleep and subsequently weaken them to the point that they crack. Restorative dentists assist patients in situations like these and determine the best way to repair or replace their teeth. Two of the most common dental services these dentists employ are dental crowns and dental implants.

Dental Crowns

If a patient has a cracked tooth that doesn’t need to be extracted or a cavity that would require too large of a filling, they can get a dental crown to protect that tooth. This is a two-visit procedure — the dentist puts a temporary crown on first and then makes the permanent one. They then permanently bond the crown so that it acts like a natural tooth. In our dental team's experience, crowns last around 10 to 15 years if they are properly cared for.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are often an excellent option for those who have missing teeth. When a patient receives implants, the dentist will insert a titanium screw into the jawbone so that the two fuse together. They then put an abutment over the screw and finally put a dental crown over that. The implant acts like a natural tooth and never has to be removed. It can reasonably be expected to last around 25 years if properly cared for. Patients tend to like implants since they can eat, brush and floss like normal and don’t have to take them out as they would with dentures.

Restorative dental services help give patients healthy smiles that they can take pride in. If you think you could benefit from restorative dentistry, contact Groveland Dental today. Our team looks forward to providing you with the dental care you need.