Do you have a missing or damaged tooth? Or several missing or damaged teeth? You need restorative dentistry. Restorative procedures replace and repair teeth so you can have a beautiful, healthy smile again. 

At our Grant Park dental practice, Dr. Abbey J. Lee offers several restorative dentistry treatments, including dental implants, dentures, crowns, fillings, and dental bridges. Our team ensures you are comfortable throughout the treatment process by offering compassionate care, modern amenities, and gentle treatments. 

Continue reading to learn more about these treatments or call us today to schedule an appointment. 

1. Dental Implants

Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that replaces the root of the tooth. These are small titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. Then, a dental crown, bridge, or denture is placed on top of the implant to complete the restoration. 

Compared to traditional crowns, bridges, and dentures, implant-supported restorations offer several benefits: 

• Functions like a natural tooth
• High success rate
• Easier eating
• Stops jawbone deterioration
• Comfort
• Durability

Candidates for dental implants should have good oral and overall health and be committed to the dental implant process. 

2. Dentures

Dentures are another replacement option for missing teeth. Full dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth while partial dentures only replace some missing teeth. These are removable and are attached to the gums with suction or adhesives. 

Many patients choose dentures because they are affordable, and they look realistic. However, there are several downsides. Dentures often need to be relined or replaced as your mouth shape changes. They can become uncomfortable, slip around in your mouth, and make a clicking sound when they don’t fit properly. 

3. Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped, custom-made caps that cover a weak or damaged tooth. These can be made from silver, gold, porcelain, or a blend of materials. 

You may need a dental crown if you have a: 

• Cracked tooth
• Decayed tooth
• Discolored tooth
• Tooth with a large filling
• Chipped tooth
• Root canaled tooth

Dental crowns are custom-made to match your natural tooth color and reinforce the structure of your tooth. 

4. Fillings

The most common restorative treatment, fillings fill a hole in a tooth caused by dental decay, also known as a cavity. Fillings treat minor to moderate tooth decay. Our office uses tooth-colored composite resin which is much safer and more aesthetically pleasing than silver amalgam fillings. 

When traditional fillings aren’t sufficient, we may recommend an inlay or onlay to repair the tooth. 

5. Dental Bridge

Dental bridges are a suitable tooth replacement option for patients with one to three missing teeth in a row. A bridge is made up of one, two, or three pontics (false teeth) with two crowns on both sides. Every bridge at our Grant Park dental office is made from a single block of porcelain and cemented to the neighboring teeth or dental implants. 

A dental bridge looks and feels natural, but if it isn’t secured by implants, it could damage your natural teeth and leave you susceptible to jawbone deterioration. We recommend using dental implants when possible. 

Restorative Dentistry in Grant Park

Ready to restore your smile’s appearance, function, and health? Our team is prepared to help! Contact us today at (404) 328-7177 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lee.