Restorative Dentistry

Saving your natural teeth keeps your bite even, your jawbone strong and your smile your own, so we always start with the most conservative treatment that will last.

Which treatment is right for you?

The right restoration depends on how much healthy tooth remains:

• Small to moderate cavities are usually repaired with a filling, placed in a single visit. Tooth-colored composite blends in on front and back teeth.
• Larger damage, cracks or heavy wear need the extra strength of a crown or a partial crown (onlay), which covers and protects the tooth.
• Infection inside the tooth is treated with a root canal, which saves the tooth instead of removing it. A crown often follows to protect it.

We will never recommend a treatment you do not need, and we will always explain your options. Rather than dictate a certain approach, we work with you on a plan that is comfortable, efficient, and gives the best results.

Signs a tooth needs attention

• Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweets that lingers
• Pain when you bite or chew
• A chipped, cracked or broken tooth
• A filling or crown that feels loose or has fallen out
• A dark spot, hole or rough edge you can feel with your tongue

Many problems cause no symptoms until they are advanced. That is why regular exams are the best way to catch decay while a small filling can still fix it.

What to expect

Most restorative treatment is done with a local anesthetic, so you feel pressure rather than pain. Fillings are usually finished in one visit; crowns take two, with a temporary crown in between. We check your bite carefully so the restored tooth meets its neighbors evenly.

Protecting your restorations

Fillings and crowns last longest with good daily brushing and flossing, regular checkups, and a nightguard if you grind your teeth. Restorative care is usually partly covered by dental insurance; see our financial information page.

If a tooth cannot be saved, see our tooth replacement options. Have a tooth that is bothering you? Request an appointment, or call us if you are in pain.