Restorative Dentistry in Yakima, WA
Do You Believe Your Smile Needs Some Attention?
Restorative dentistry combines various services to repair or replace damaged or missing teeth. The main goal is to restore teeth function and appearance – while making sure you smile with confidence once again.
No matter how complicated your case might seem to be, our team at Lakeside Dentistry will find the proper treatment for you. We have vast experience, and our office is equipped with cutting-edge technology to ensure top-quality restorative dental care.
Restorative dentistry includes the following dental treatments:
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Crowns
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Dental Bridges
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Fillings
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Implants
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Veneers
We can solve anything from minor problems like small cavities to big complications such as multiple teeth loss. However, we always encourage our patients to visit the office at least every six months to catch dental issues on time and solve them with simpler and equally effective procedures.
Restorative Dentistry Benefits
How Restorative Dentistry Works
Restorative dentistry aims to recover your smile’s beauty and function. Every case is unique and requires different procedures. After your mouth and teeth have been examined and a diagnosis reached the dentist will talk to you about your treatment alternatives. Some patients only need a simple filling, but if your case is more complex, our dentist will explain all the options that you have, and together we will find the one that suits you best.
Most treatments require local anesthesia, and at Lakeside Dentistry, we understand how anxious some patients can feel about injections (and restorative treatments in general). That’s why we do our best to create a relaxing atmosphere. We use numbing gel before all injections and we add a buffer to the local anesthetic to help take the sting out of the experience. We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and/or conscious sedation to those patients who are particularly nervous or worried about dental procedures. We strive to make the appointment pain-free and comfortable for every patient.
Your teeth deserve a second chance. Book an appointment with our skillful dentist in Yakima, WA and discover how we can transform your smile.
Restorative Dentistry FAQs
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Should I have my tooth extracted instead of trying to save it?
Unless strictly needed, no dentist would advise a patient to have a tooth extracted when there is still a chance to save it. Before doing any extraction, our dentist will first evaluate if there are any other viable options, like fillings. Dentists can restore severely damaged teeth using materials and techniques that no one could have dreamed of only a few decades ago.
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How can I replace a missing tooth?
There are multiple options available to patients, but the gold standard in tooth replacement is dental implants. No other restoration achieves the same results in terms of functionality and aesthetics. However, we also offer alternatives that may be more suitable to your specific case such as full or partial dentures or dental bridges.
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How long does a crown last?
It is hard to determine the exact lifespan of a crown, as it depends on multiple factors. But, with proper care, a patient can expect a dental crown to last up to 20 years.
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Do I need a crown or a filling?
That depends on how much structure the affected tooth has lost. We try to preserve as much dental tissue as possible, so a filling will always be our first choice. But when the damage is too extensive, or if the tooth has been root-filled, our dentist will place a dental crown.
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What is the most popular material for fillings?
Nowadays, the most frequently used restorative material is composite resin. Composite resin is a tooth-colored material that closely mimics natural enamel’s texture, transparency, and shade. Composite restorations are durable and highly esthetic and usually are the restorative dentist’s top choice.
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What is tooth wear?
Tooth wear is the loss of layers of enamel and/or dentin of the tooth. There are many possible causes of tooth wear including: acids in our diet, grinding, clenching, and brushing too hard. Using our teeth as tools is also a cause of tooth wear such as using them to open packages or bottles, holding sewing needles or bobby pins or for cutting fishing line. Medical conditions, such as sleep apnea and side effects of some antidepressant and antianxiety medications can cause grinding which causes loss of tooth structure as well as a traumatic bite. Our doctors rebuild the affected teeth using composite resin or crowns and can fabricate a custom made nightguard in house to help prevent further damage.