Restorative Dentistry in Ashland OR

Restoring Your Smile 

Broken, unhealthy, or missing teeth can not only hurt your confidence in social situations, but they can also have an adverse effect on your oral health and overall wellness. If you suffer from these types of dental problems, restorative dental treatment can help bring back your smile.  

Dr. Burneson offers restorative dentistry as a solution to missing teeth and tooth functionality issues to protect your mouth from further tooth loss, bone loss, nerve damage, gum disease, and other issues.

Restorative Dental Procedures

After a thorough examination, Dr. Burneson may recommend a restorative dental treatment to give you a healthy and confident smile. The goal of restorative dentistry is to repair any damages that tooth decay or trauma has caused to your smile. 

Untreated tooth decay and missing teeth can lead to long-term health issues including bone loss and gum disease which puts you at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s, heart disease, diabetes, and more. That’s why Today’s Dentistry offers comprehensive restorative options that give you a durable and flawless-looking smile.

three women smiling
three women smiling

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are a widely recommended treatment for cavities. Dr. Burneson will clean your teeth thoroughly and remove any tooth decay before filling the cavity with either an amalgam (silver) or composite (tooth-colored) filling. Dental fillings prevent the infection from reaching the inner parts of your teeth and causing additional damage. 

More On Cavities
More On Cavities

Your mouth has its own microbiome full of healthy bacteria that break down food, help take resources to other parts of your body, and protect you from foreign substances. When food and excess sugar is left sitting in your mouth, it can create a host of unhealthy bacteria. 

If this bacteria is left to its own devices, it will form into plaque which is a sticky, film-like substance that sticks to the surface of the teeth. Plaque can, generally speaking, be removed at home with good oral hygiene habits but it is impossible to reach all the surfaces of your teeth without a professional. However, if plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar (calculus) which can only be removed by special dental tools. 

Having plaque or tartar on your teeth allows the unhealthy bacteria to burrow away into your teeth causing small holes called cavities to develop. Untreated cavities can put you at risk for the need for root canals, tooth extractions and make you more susceptible to developing periodontal disease (gum disease)

Cavities cannot always be recognized by the untrained eye and they don’t always cause pain, so it’s important to schedule regular dental visits at our Ashland office. Dr. Burneson recommends making an appointment every six months to ensure your teeth are plaque and tartar-free so that you can stay protected from cavities.

Dental Crowns and Bridges

Dental crowns can be used when the damage from cavities has become too great for a simple filling or when your tooth has sustained damage from injury. A dental crown (or tooth cap) is a prosthetic tooth that fits securely over the top of your tooth. They are made from durable porcelain and are both stain-resistant and color-matched to your natural shade to blend flawlessly into your smile.  

Dental bridges are used to address between one and four missing teeth, generally speaking. They consist of prosthetic teeth which “fill” the gap caused by missing teeth combined with dental crowns that are attached to the surrounding healthy teeth to ensure the dental bridge stays in place. Within two appointments, you’ll have a beautifully restored natural-looking smile. 

woman at the dentist
three older women smiling

Dentures

Dentures are an affordable and easy way to address any number of missing teeth without a procedure. They are a set of prosthetic teeth that are natural-looking, removable, and are customized to fit comfortably over your teeth. Dr. Burneson may recommend a partial or full denture depending on your unique restoration needs. 

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a widely popular replacement option because they are a permanent solution to missing teeth. They are attached directly to your jawbone and function just like natural teeth. There’s no need to remove them and they can last a lifetime if maintained properly. Dental implants are the most effective way to treat missing teeth and they have the added benefit of reversing jawbone damage due to a process called osseointegration.

three older men smiling

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry?
Are restorative procedures covered by insurance?
What is the difference between general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry?

General dentistry covers a wide range of procedures and treatments aimed at maintaining your current smile. The goal is to keep your smile as healthy as possible and the procedures therein are aimed at total oral wellness. This includes treatments such as regular dental cleanings, exams, tooth extraction, and oral screening. 

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your current smile. The goal is to bring out your best smile or help you achieve a naturally beautiful smile with the overall idea of increasing your self-image. This includes treatments such as teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. 

Restorative dentistry encompasses treatments aimed at treating diseases or other problems that have affected not only the look of your smile but the function as well. The goal is to restore your smile to full function and restore health. This can include procedures such as dental fillings, dental implants, and dentures.

Are restorative procedures covered by insurance?

In general, many dental insurances cover at least a portion of the costs associated with restorative dental procedures. The amount that is covered can vary depending on your specific circumstances, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider in order to maximize your benefits.

white iphone with smile graphic

Get Your Smile Makeover with Dr. Burneson

At Today’s Dentistry, our team of experienced dental professionals aims to restore your smile so that it’s both beautiful and functional. If you’d like to learn more about our restorative dental procedures or you’re ready to make an appointment at our Ashland office, give us a call at (541) 482-7771 or fill out our contact form below. Don’t hesitate, call us today!

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