Restorative Care

Dental restorations are designed to repair teeth that have been damaged by large areas of decay or by an injury of some sort. The ideal outcome in such a scenario is to preserve the biological tooth, as this is optimal for oral health. Although tooth replacements have advanced significantly in recent decades, a natural tooth is still the best option for a healthy smile.

Restorations, ranging from basic fillings to crowns, can be custom-made to blend in with your biological smile, so there’s no need for a casual observer to recognize that you have had “work’’ done on your teeth.

Root Canal Therapy

Additionally, root canal therapy falls under the umbrella of restorative care. In this procedure, infected pulp material is removed from the tooth and the empty pulp chamber is thoroughly cleaned in order to eliminate any lingering bacteria that could repopulate the space. Although people often perceive root canals as being painful, they actually involve no more discomfort than having a cavity filled, according to the reports of most patients. Root canals are valuable for preserving biological teeth.

Root Canal

Simple Extraction

Tooth Extraction

Unfortunately, some teeth may be too severely damaged to be salvageable. In these cases, the primary goal is to restore the smile’s appearance and functionality despite the missing teeth. Damaged teeth will need to be extracted if they are still in place. We are able to perform simple extractions in our office, but more complex cases that require surgical extraction will be referred to an oral surgeon.

Tooth Replacement Solutions

After you have lost a tooth or had it extracted, the next step in the restoration process is to get an appropriate prosthetic appliance. If you are missing just one tooth or a small number of teeth, a fixed dental bridge may fit the need. These appliances consist of pontics (prosthetic crowns) affixed to crowns that are bonded to the abutment teeth, which are the remaining biological teeth on either side of the gap. Dental implants are also prosthetics used to replace a missing tooth or teeth.  Implants offer advantages that prosthetics like bridges or dentures cannot.

Patients who are missing a large number of teeth will want to consider a full or partial denture, depending on the circumstances. Like other restorative prosthetics, these appliances can be tailored to match your existing smile or to improve on it, if you wish. The modern materials used in dentures closely mimic the appearance of natural tooth enamel, and the appliances are designed to a patient’s unique specifications for a comfortable, natural fit.

To learn more about the types of restorative dental services we offer, call our office and speak to one of our knowledgeable staff members.

Understanding Bridges vs. Dental Implants

Removable Complete Dentures

Removable Partial Dentures

Fixed Overdentures

Dental Crowns

FAQ’s

What are restorative dental services?

Restorative dental services are intended to repair damage that occurs to teeth as a result of oral diseases, such as tooth decay, or facial trauma. Sometimes it is possible to preserve a natural tooth, while in other cases, the tooth must be extracted and replaced. As such, restorative dental services may include interventions ranging from fillings and crowns to dental bridges and dentures. Root canal therapy is also considered to be a restorative dental service, as it strives to preserve a biological tooth.  

What is considered minor restorative dental work?

Minor restorative dental work addresses smaller portions of the tooth. Therefore, services such as dental fillings, dental bonding and onlays and inlays would all be considered to be minor restorative interventions. Dental fillings and bonding can be completed in a single appointment, while other minor restorative work may require multiple appointments days or even weeks apart. The dentist will take care to achieve the same good aesthetic results with minor treatments that are expected with more major interventions.  

What is a restorative dental crown?

A restorative dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is bonded on top of the biological tooth, after a thin layer of enamel has been removed to make room for the crown. Dental crowns may be made of porcelain, ceramics, porcelain-fused-to-metal or metal alone, and different materials may be appropriate for different scenarios. Dental crowns are also placed on teeth following root canal treatment, as that therapy leaves teeth more susceptible to breaking and the crown offers additional protection.  

The process of placing a dental crown involves at least two appointments with the dentist. At the first one, the tooth is prepped for crown placement and dental impressions are taken so that the crown can be designed. The patient may also be fitted with a temporary crown at this visit. Then, when the crown is ready, the patient returns to the office to be fitted with the device.  

What can I expect from the restorative dental treatment process?

The restorative dental treatment process will vary based on the unique needs of each patient. Some treatments can be completed in a single session, while others take place over a number of weeks. Some treatments require minimal adjustment, while it can take some time to get used to others. Your dentist can give you more specifics about the restorative treatment process at your initial consultation. 

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Meet our Doctors

Dr. Michael DeSanti, Jr.

Dr. Michael DeSanti, Jr. was raised in the Capital District. He attended the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2000. He then moved to Boston where he completed his post-doctoral program at Harvard University. Since 2001, Dr. DeSanti has been in private practice at his current location.

Dr. Amy Linden

Dr. Amy Linden was raised in Rome, NY. She received her dental degree from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine where she graduated Cum Laude. She completed her post-doctoral Advance Education certificate at the Western New York Veterans Hospital. Dr. Linden has been practicing at DeSanti & Linden Dentistry since 2014.

Featured Dental Services in Albany, New York

Restorative Care

Cosmetic Dentistry

Preventive Care

Schedule your next dental appointment with us!

We serve patients of all ages. Request an appointment for every member of your family today!

Schedule your next dental appointment with us!

We serve patients of all ages. Request an appointment for every member of your family today!