Restorative Dentistry
Creating Flawless, Healthy Smiles
Damaged teeth don’t look, feel, or function like they should. While we do our best to help dental patients keep their smiles whole and healthy, there may come a time when you need our help to repair your teeth for renewed oral health. Dr. Vidya Kini Kukkundur’s years of experience in restorative dentistry allow her to offer dentistry patients at the South Jersey Center for Dental Medicine advanced treatment options to repair damaged smiles. Call our dentistry team to find out more, or to schedule an appointment at our dental office.
Traditional Dental Crown & Bridge
Dental crowns are an advanced restorative dentistry treatment that fit completely over the top of a damaged or decayed tooth, They also restore form and function while also protecting the teeth from further wear or damage. A row of dental crowns fused together creates a fixed bridge to replace one or more consecutive teeth.
Whether you need a single crown to repair a damaged tooth or a fixed bridge to replace one or more teeth, the process is the same. We begin by preparing the tooth, removing a small amount of enamel to accommodate the additional structure. Then, we capture bite impressions that are used by our dental lab to craft the crown or bridge. Before you leave the dental office, we place a temporary to protect your prepared tooth or teeth. Once we receive the custom restoration, you’ll return to our dental office to exchange your temporary for the hand-crafted dental crown or bridge.
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Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings allow our team to repair a damaged or decayed tooth with a natural looking, long-lasting composite resin material. Traditionally, metal amalgams were used for fillings, but these materials had two main drawbacks. The fillings were immediately noticeable within the patient’s smile, and they required the removal of healthy tooth structure to create wedges that hold the filling in place. Composite resin fillings offer a wonderful alternative among restorative treatments.
Tooth-colored fillings can be shaded to perfectly match your smile — Also, because the composite resin is applied directly to the tooth, there is no need to remove healthy dental structure to support the filling. Instead, we place the putty-like resin onto the damaged tooth. Then, we use a curing light to harden the composite resin filling into position. We can also use tooth-colored composite resin to conceal or correct cosmetic flaws. This cosmetic procedure, known as direct bonding, is a great way to perfect even the most cosmetically flawed smiles.
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Tooth Extractions
We work hard to repair even the most damaged teeth, but there are some cases when extraction is the best solution. If you need a tooth removal, we’re happy to offer safe, effective extractions in our comfortable, state-of-the-art dental office.
We may need to extract one or more teeth in the following situations:
- Severe decay or damage that affects too much of the tooth for any other restorative dentistry treatment.
- In preparation for orthodontic realignment of crowded teeth.
- Prior to creating a partial or full denture.
- Wisdom teeth are the last to erupt into the smile, and in many cases, there is not adequate space within the jawline to accommodate this third set of molars. In order to avoid potential concerns caused by the crowding of teeth, we may recommend wisdom tooth extraction.
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Full Mouth Reconstruction
Some of our patients come to us with a number of different dental health concerns, some of which are quite serious. For example, they may struggle with missing teeth, broken teeth, decay, and gum disease. If that scenario sounds all too familiar, you can take heart! We offer full mouth reconstruction. This customized treatment plan aims to restore your dental function, end your oral pain, and provide you with a beautiful smile. It may involve a number of different treatments, all of which will work together to provide you with optimum results.
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Dentures
If you’re missing most or all of your teeth, dentures are often the most effective solution. They serve as a reliable restorative dentistry treatment to replace all of the teeth at once. These prosthetics, consisting of false teeth on top of a gum-colored base, allow you to regain a lot of the form and functionality of the smile that you lost. They’re also easy to clean and maintain, meaning that keeping your dentures in the best condition possible won’t take away from doing the things you enjoy.
Dental Bridges
If you’ve lost one or more teeth consecutively, a dental bridge can close the gap. These prosthetics contain the correct number of artificial teeth sandwiched between two dental crowns. They’re usually cemented to healthy abutment teeth on either side of the space in your smile but can also anchor to dental implants. They’re typically made of durable porcelain that can be customized to match the size, shape, and hue of your natural teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What options are available for missing teeth?
You can replace missing teeth with bridges, dentures, or dental implants. Each option restores chewing ability and improves your smile. For extensive tooth loss, dentures are often the preferred restorative dentistry treatment.
Can restorative dentistry improve my smile appearance?
Yes! Restorative treatments not only fix function but also enhance aesthetics. Tooth-colored fillings, crowns, and bridges are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
How do dentists decide which restorative treatment is best?
Our dentists evaluate the extent of damage, oral health, and your personal goals. They consider factors like durability, function, and appearance to recommend the most effective solution for your situation.
Are dental implants part of restorative dentistry?
Absolutely. Dental implants replace missing teeth permanently and function like natural teeth. They are a long-term, stable solution for single or multiple missing teeth, improving both chewing and speech.
Can restorative dentistry fix teeth after an injury?
Yes. Teeth damaged from accidents or trauma can often be repaired with fillings, crowns, or implants. Quick treatment helps prevent further damage and restores both function and appearance.
How long does it take to complete restorative treatments?
Treatment times vary depending on the procedure. Simple fillings may take one visit, while implants or dentures may require multiple appointments. Our team at the South Jersey Center for Dental Medicine will provide a timeline tailored to your treatment plan.
Will my restored teeth feel natural?
Most treatments are designed to mimic natural teeth in shape, color, and function. With proper care, crowns, fillings, and implants feel comfortable and allow normal chewing and speaking.
What maintenance is required for restored teeth?
Maintaining restored teeth requires regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. Avoid chewing very hard foods on treated teeth and follow your dentist’s advice to prolong the life of your restorations.
Can restorative dentistry help with jaw or bite problems?
Yes. Treatments like crowns, bridges, and implants can realign bite and improve jaw function, reducing discomfort and preventing uneven wear on teeth over time.
Will restorative dentistry treatments look natural?
Absolutely. Modern restorative materials match the color and shape of your natural teeth. Whether it’s crowns, bridges, or fillings, your smile will look seamless and healthy.
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