Restorative Dentistry in Dumas, Texas.

Restorative dentistry, commonly known as restorative dental treatments, encompasses a variety of procedures aimed at repairing or replacing damaged teeth to restore optimal oral health.

Resin Composite Fillings

Composite resin fillings, composed of a blend of glass and plastic, are utilized to address decayed areas of the tooth. These fillings effectively treat cavities, chipped or cracked teeth, worn enamel, and gaps between teeth. Restoring the natural shape and function of the tooth, they offer an aesthetically pleasing result while necessitating less removal of healthy tooth structure compared to amalgam fillings. The material bonds directly to the tooth surface, providing strength and support. This conservative approach aids in preserving the natural tooth structure. At Dumas Dream Smiles Dental, these fillings, often referred to as “tooth-colored,” can be custom shaded to match the patient’s natural teeth, suitable for front or back teeth, and are a durable choice for repairing broken teeth, lasting up to ten years or more with proper care.

Crowns and Bridges

Crowns

Crowns are frequently employed to restore the shape, size, strength, and appearance of severely decayed, fractured, weakened, or root canal-treated teeth. At Dumas Dream Smiles Dental, custom-fit tooth coverings, known as crowns, are placed over teeth requiring extra reinforcement and protection. Designed to fit snugly over the affected tooth, a crown safeguards it, restores its shape and size, and enhances appearance and function. When tooth loss occurs, the remaining teeth may shift, affecting the bite and overall oral health. A crown can prevent this and maintain the smile’s appearance.

Types of Crowns:

• All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns: Crafted entirely from ceramic materials like zirconia or lithium disilicate, these crowns provide excellent aesthetics by closely resembling natural teeth.
• Metal Crowns: Typically made of gold alloy or base metal alloys, metal crowns offer exceptional strength and durability, making them suitable for back teeth with significant chewing forces. They are highly resistant to wear but may be less aesthetically appealing.

Bridges

A dental bridge, a non-removable restoration, replaces one or more missing teeth, “bridging” the gap and restoring the smile’s appearance and function. At Dumas Dream Smiles Dental, patients should care for their bridges as they would for natural teeth, with daily brushing and flossing. Regular checkups are crucial for assessing the health of teeth and gums.

Types of Bridges:

• Traditional Bridge: Comprising two or more dental crowns attached to an artificial tooth (pontic), this bridge closes the gap created by a missing tooth or teeth, restoring the completeness of the smile.
• Implant-Supported Bridge: Anchored by dental implants rather than natural teeth, this bridge preserves more of the surrounding teeth, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease while maintaining jawbone density.