Restorative dentistry to the rescue helps rebuild damaged teeth to preserve a healthy, appealing smile
A relationship with the Harmony Smile Dental team in Sunnyvale, California, helps to protect your teeth and gums from conditions such as periodontal disease and tooth decay. However, if these and other oral problems threaten your teeth and gums, Dr. Ryan Zhuoran Zhao can quickly and comfortably relieve pain and other symptoms. He can also rebuild lost or damaged tissues with restorative dentistry. Dental restorations at our office include:
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Dental inlays
- Dental onlays
- Porcelain crowns
Restorative Dentistry Q&A
What are dental restorations?
Our team is committed to preserving your natural teeth! If teeth are weakened by fractures, decay, or other trauma, we can rebuild them with durable and aesthetic dental materials. Generally, Dr. Zhao recommends conservative treatments that can restore the affected tooth’s strength, health, and function.
Dental fillings are used mainly to repair cavities. Dental inlays represent a less conservative option for larger cavities or worn fillings. If an inlay is insufficient to strengthen a broken or badly damaged tooth, Dr. Zhao may suggest an onlay or “partial crown.” For patients with more severe decay or deep inflammation, root canal therapy can be the only way to preserve the tooth. It is often followed promptly by the placement of a full dental crown.
What happens if a tooth cannot be “saved”?
We understand that not all teeth are good candidates for root canal therapy or surgical endodontic procedures to treat the innermost pulp tissue. So, to restore your health and resolve problems such as pain and swelling, Dr. Zhao would generally recommend removing the tooth. Then, the tooth must be promptly replaced with other restorative procedures. Depending on your needs and preferences, tooth replacement can range from conventional bridges and dentures to crowns, bridges, and dentures supported by dental implants placed and “rooted” in the jawbone.
What can I expect from restorative dentistry?
The specific process varies from person to person and the type of treatment that is recommended. Keep in mind that restorative dentistry can also include those therapies administered to treat gum disease. For instance, Dr. Zhao may remove diseased gum tissue and build recessed gums with regenerative procedures such as grafting. The specific steps and techniques involved with dental restorations differ depending on whether you need a filling or a crown. Likewise, the process of rebuilding gum tissue is different than the process of rebuilding vulnerable teeth. We’ll provide clear and detailed instructions on preparation (as needed) and after-care. And we are also happy to answer any questions you may have about the procedure.
Call Harmony Smile Dental at (408) 738-1000 to schedule your appointment. With preventive dentistry, including routine dental check-ups, we can avoid the problems that ultimately lead to the need for restorative dentistry.
