Restorative Dentistry

Recharge Your Confidence with a Restored Smile

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Restorative dentistry encompasses many different things. For some, it might be as simple as a filling in a tooth. Restoring in dentistry can mean replacing teeth. There are many options for restoring teeth and the advantage of restoring teeth is that you have full function. You have a beautiful smile. It supports the face. It can make you look younger and give you more confidence.

Your smile is one of the most powerful influences on your confidence and self-assurance. When your smile looks good, you feel attractive in general. On the other hand, if you have a problem with your smile, it will affect the way you interact with people at work, home, or at leisure. If your smile suffers from damaged or missing teeth, it’s time to regain your confidence. Dr. Betts can help restore your smile and have it bright and healthy again in no time.

What is restorative dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is the practice of restoring your mouth to an attractive, comfortable condition. The goal is to preserve your real teeth or to replace missing teeth as needed to restore your appearance and the function of your mouth. Dr. Betts in Decatur, AL can use a variety of different techniques to achieve this. Whatever restorative dentistry treatment will work best for you is what he will recommend.

What are my restorative dentistry options?

Your options for restorative dentistry from Dr. Betts include the following:

• Implant Restorations – Implants are often the best option to replace teeth. Dr. Betts selects a surgeon for implants and then puts natural-looking teeth on the implant to have you smiling with confidence again.
• Veneers – A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain bonded to the visible surface of your tooth. Dr. Betts uses this technique to fix problems like cracks and chips, which can easily become larger fractures over time. Veneers solve these problems and protect your tooth from further damage.
• Crowns – When you have a cracked or broken tooth that is too badly damaged for a filling or a veneer, a crown is your best option. Your tooth is protected, and your smile is back to normal.
• Bridges – This technique is another option for replacing missing teeth. A false tooth, or pontic, will be placed on the bridge to fill the place left by your previous tooth. Dr. Betts will attach the pontic to a crown on either end to keep it in place. It will look like you had never lost a tooth to begin with.
• Root Canal Therapy – If you develop an infection in the nerve of your tooth, Dr. Betts will perform a root canal. This procedure involves removing the infected nerve and the soft material, called pulp, that surrounds it. Once that has been removed, Dr. Betts will seal the tooth and place a crown or filling, if needed, to protect the tooth.
• Types of Fillings – There are two types of fillings that Dr. Betts uses: Tooth-colored fillings and amalgam (silver) fillings.

How can a tooth filling help me?

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Tooth colored fillings are one of the advantages of modern dentistry. Years ago when you went to the dentist, you got silver fillings. Now you get tooth-colored fillings that are made to match your teeth. They seal the teeth. There's less sensitivity. They give you a prettier smile when you open your mouth. You don't have a mouth full of silver. You just have a mouth full of teeth.

A tooth filling is necessary when trying to remedy any kind of mild or moderate decay or infection that may have eaten away at the structure of your tooth. Once the decay and/or infection is removed, a filling will be placed to prevent further damage that may be costly and painful.

Do root canals hurt?

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The advantage of root canal treatment is that we're able to save teeth that otherwise could not be saved and also get you out of pain. With digital X-Rays, the procedure can go a whole lot faster, so you're in the chair less time and your jaw's not as tired as it was before.

At our Decatur, AL dentist office, a root canal does not hurt any more than any other restorative dentistry procedure. Dr. Betts knows that not everyone has the same tolerance for pain, so he will be sure to adjust the level of numbing agent to reduce pain and make sure that you stay comfortable.

Call Dr. Betts in Decatur, AL today at 256-274-8680 to schedule your consultation. If you still have questions about our restorative dentistry or want to schedule an appointment, please use our online form, and one of our staff members will reach out to you as quickly as possible.