Restorative dentistry in Elmhurst, IL focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating oral health issues related to damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. Its primary goal is to restore the function, aesthetics, and integrity of the teeth and surrounding oral structures. Restorative dentistry encompasses many treatments, including dental fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, and root canal therapy. Beyond simply repairing damaged teeth, restorative dentistry plays a crucial role in preserving oral health, preventing further dental problems, and enhancing your overall quality of life. By addressing tooth decay, trauma, or loss, restorative dentistry helps patients regain confidence in their smiles, improve chewing ability, and maintain proper oral function, ultimately promoting long-term oral health and well-being.
Dental bridges are a standard restorative dentistry solution that replaces one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between natural teeth or dental implants. These prosthetic teeth are cemented onto healthy adjacent neighboring teeth, ensuring a durable and natural-looking result. Dental bridges offer a fixed, non-removable solution for tooth loss, providing stability, comfort, and improved oral function for patients with missing teeth.
The process of getting a dental bridge typically involves several steps. It begins with a comprehensive dental examination and assessment to determine the feasibility of such a prosthetic appliance. If deemed appropriate, the dentist in Elmhurst, IL, prepares the adjacent teeth, known as abutments, by removing a small amount of enamel to accommodate the bridge. Impressions or digital scans are then taken to create a custom bridge that fits seamlessly with your natural teeth and bite. Once fabricated, the bridge is cemented or bonded into place, effectively filling the gap left by the missing teeth and restoring your smile.
Dental bridges in Elmhurst, IL, offer numerous benefits beyond simply replacing missing teeth. By filling in gaps and preventing adjacent teeth from shifting out of place, bridges help maintain proper dental alignment and bite function. They also distribute chewing forces evenly across the dental arch, reducing the risk of excessive wear and tear on remaining natural teeth. Additionally, dental bridges improve speech clarity, facial aesthetics, and self-confidence, allowing patients to smile, eat, and speak comfortably. With proper care and maintenance, dental bridges can provide long-lasting results, enabling patients to enjoy the benefits of a complete and functional smile for years to come. Contact our dentist in Elmhurst, IL today!
Cracked teeth are a common dental issue that occurs when a tooth develops a fracture or breaks in its structure. These cracks can vary in severity, ranging from minor surface cracks that affect only the enamel to deep cracks that extend into the underlying layers of the tooth. Cracked teeth can result from various factors, including trauma, teeth grinding (bruxism), biting on hard objects, chronic ice-chewing, temperature changes, or simply natural wear and tear over time.
In restorative dentistry in Elmhurst, IL, treating cracked teeth prevents further damage, alleviates discomfort, and restores tooth function and appearance. The type of treatment for cracked teeth depends on the severity and location of the crack. For minor cracks that only affect the enamel, treatments such as dental bonding or placement of a dental crown may be sufficient to repair the tooth and protect it from further damage. However, for more extensive cracks that involve the inner layers of the tooth more invasive treatments, such as root canal therapy or even an extraction may be necessary.
Early detection and prompt treatment of cracked teeth are essential to prevent complications and preserve dental health. If you are experiencing symptoms such as tooth pain, sensitivity to temperature changes, or discomfort when biting or chewing, please contact us for a prompt dental evaluation to determine the cause of their symptoms and receive appropriate treatment. With advances in restorative dentistry techniques and materials, cracked teeth can often be effectively repaired, allowing you to maintain a healthy, functional smile.
Dental implants are a cornerstone of restorative dentistry. They offer a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring both function and aesthetics. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, dental implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone, providing a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The implant is typically made of titanium, a biocompatible material that integrates with the surrounding bone, creating a solid and durable foundation for a crown or bridge.
The dental implant process typically involves several steps. First, our dentist at Elmhurst Smiles will refer you to a surgical colleague, a periodontist or oral surgeon. Dr. Gotsch and the referring specialist will determine if implants are a good choice to restore your bite and smile. If approved, the specialist will place the dental implant; then over several months, the implant fuses with the bone, providing a stable anchor for the replacement tooth or teeth. Once the implant has healed and integrated with the bone, an abutment, or anchor, is attached to the implant, which connects the implant and the prosthetic tooth or crown. Finally, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is securely attached to the abutment, to restore your bite and smile.
Dental implants offer numerous advantages over traditional tooth replacement options. They provide stability and durability, allowing patients to eat, speak, and smile confidently. Unlike removable dentures, implants are fixed in place and do not require adhesives or special cleaning procedures. Dental implants help preserve bone density and prevent bone loss, which can occur when teeth are missing for an extended period. With proper care, maintenance, and regular visits to our general dentist, dental implants can potentially last a lifetime, making them a valuable investment in long-term oral health and quality of life.
Restorative dentistry is a vital component of comprehensive dental care, offering solutions to repair, replace, and preserve teeth affected by damage, decay, or loss. Visit Elmhurst Smiles at 127 E. Vallette St., Elmhurst, IL 60126, or call (630) 834-8055 to explore your options and embark on a journey towards a healthier, more beautiful smile.