What is Restorative Dentistry? Simply, restorative dentistry restores a persons oral health. Oral Health involves not only teeth but the bone surrounding the lower third of the face, the ten different muscles that help these teeth work and the TMJ. When people have lost teeth or have worn down teeth there are major consequences for their muscles, bone and joints. Just removing a tooth can have some drastic effects to a persons bite, and over time it will effect many other systems in there head and neck. This is why here at our office we focus on the patients whole head and neck. Teeth are not just stuck into our jaw without thought. They are part a perfect machine that we are still learing how to help it function at optimal levels!
Restorative dentistry is only done well with a plan. Do we build houses without a plan? Having all the information in front of us is the only way we can formulate a treatment plan specific for you and your smile. Every person has different bone and muscle structure that are attached to these teeth. We all have different habits with how we use our teeth. No one smile will ever look the same, so why should we try and make them that way? They must function well for each individual, and when they function well they will always look great!
We always start with simple dentistry before restorative dentistry is begun. Get rid of infection, ie cavities, gum disease, bacterial infections, muscle and joint issues stabilized. After the basics are completed it is time to take models and get some pictures of the teeth. Then it is time for me to process all the data we have learned about you up to that point. Where were the cavites, how did the gums respond to initial treatment, how are the muscles and joint responding to splint therapy, what do the pictures and models of the teeth tell us about you. With all this data I can sit down and define a restorative treatment plan. Last, you and I sit down and go over all the information. At that time we can work together to find the best treatment for you at that given time in your life. When you see all the information it makes it much easier for you to make informed decisions.