When Does Your Tooth Need A Restoration?

We offer our Gary, IN, patients an array of restorative treatments, which help improve the health and function of the smile. But when do you need a restoration? How do you know when to contact your dentist? In today’s blog, we’re going to talk about restorations and when we prescribe them for our patients.

Decay and Infection

A cavity forms when the protective layer of outer tooth enamel becomes compromised, enabling harmful bacteria to reach the more sensitive inner layers of dentin. The enamel could become damaged when a tooth becomes cracked or chipped, or could erode as a result of poor oral hygiene. A cavity will require treatment, because otherwise the decay grows more severe until the tooth develops an infection.

An infection occurs when harmful bacteria reach the inner pulp, a bundle of living tissues within the tooth. Without treatment, the infection could lead to the loss of a tooth, as well as serious discomfort.

If you have an aching tooth, or pain when you eat, then let us know. For a cavity, we may treat the issue in one visit with a metal-free composite resin filling, which looks natural and prevents the onset of an infection. For an infected tooth, we may provide a root canal procedure to open the tooth and remove the tissue from within. We then fill the tooth and cap it with a custom-made dental crown, which looks natural and protects the tooth from further decay or damage.

Cracks or Chips

When a tooth becomes cracked or chipped, even if the damage appears minor, treatment is necessary to avoid the onset of tooth decay and infection. We often repair a tooth with a dental crown. The restoration covers the entire visible portion of your tooth, and protects it against further injury. We may create them using lifelike materials, such as ceramic, to ensure it blends with the smile seamlessly.

Missing Teeth

If you lose one or more of your natural teeth, then your overall oral health, as well as your appearance, may suffer. To fill the gaps in your smile, we may recommend a bridge or even a full or partial denture. Dental implants can also be used to provide secure and long-lasting solutions to missing teeth. If you have any questions about our custom-made restorations and prosthetics, then contact our team today.

Do You Have a Chipped or Cracked Tooth?

Restorative dentistry offers our patients a lifelike and durable solution for damage or decay. To schedule an appointment to discuss our approach to restorative dental care, contact Healthy Smiles in Gary, IN, by calling 219-938-2637, or by emailing our office at info@healthysmilesnwi.com. We also proudly serve the residents of Gary, Miller, Miller Beach, and all surrounding communities.