General and Restorative Dentistry
General and restorative dentistry involves the diagnosis of all issues relating to the health and function of the smile, including the treatment and repair of broken, infected, or otherwise damaged teeth, gums, and tissue. General dentists serve as the primary care provider for their patients, managing their oral health care needs and coordinating treatment with specialists when necessary.
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Restorative Dentistry Procedures
The following is a brief description of dental health issues that fall under the heading of general and restorative dentistry. Click on the links for more in-depth information about each subject.
- Dental Implants – Although patients with missing teeth have a number of restorative treatment options, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as dental implants. People who have lost teeth often feel too self-conscious to smile or talk. Dental implants provide a simple remedy with proven results.
- Dentures – replacing one or more teeth is easier than ever before with the multitude of denture alternatives available to patients. Dentures are now more comfortable and affordable than ever before.
- Dental Crowns – when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, dental crowns act as a protective cover, strengthening the tooth and reinforcing the jaw.
- Dental Bridges – for one or more missing teeth, dental bridges literally "bridge the gap" between remaining teeth, stabilizing the jaw by surrounding those teeth with attractive crowns.
- Orthodontics – orthodontics involves the use of corrective appliances, including braces and retainers, to straighten crooked teeth and/or repair an irregular bite.
- TMJ Disorders – a misaligned bite, bruxism (teeth grinding), and other factors can put stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ disorders can be the source of a variety of painful symptoms, from headaches to ear and neck pain.
- Endodontics (Root Canal) – infected tissues in the tooth pulp can cause severe pain and eventually lead to tooth loss. Root canal therapy is designed to remove infected tissue with the goal of saving the tooth.
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If you are interested in general or restorative dentistry and would like to speak with a professional, find a cosmetic dentist near you using Dentistry Now’s online directory.