Restorative
Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry is the work of rebuilding what has broken, worn or decayed. Done properly it returns function first, and then disappears into the rest of your smile so completely that nobody can tell which tooth we treated.
On this page
What this involves
The most conservative option that works
There is usually more than one way to restore a tooth, and the options differ in how much natural tooth they require us to remove. We start from the least invasive approach that will hold.
Sometimes that is a filling or an onlay rather than a full crown. Preserving natural tooth structure is worth doing, because every restoration has a lifespan and the tooth underneath has to support the next one too.
Crowns and bridges
A crown covers a tooth that can no longer support itself, typically after a fracture, a large old filling or root canal treatment. Modern ceramics let us match the surrounding teeth closely in both colour and translucency.
A bridge spans a gap using the teeth on either side. It is a good solution in some situations, though where an implant is possible we will explain the trade-off between the two before you decide.
Worn and collapsing bites
Teeth that have worn down over decades change more than appearance. The bite closes, the jaw joint compensates, and the front teeth take load they were never designed for.
Rebuilding a worn bite is careful, sequenced work. We start by understanding why the wear happened, because a rebuild that ignores the cause tends to repeat the damage.
Replacing old dentistry
Silver fillings, dark margins and crowns from another era are common reasons people come in. Old work is not automatically bad work, and we do not replace things that are functioning well.
When a restoration is failing, leaking or visibly ageing, we will say so and show you what we are seeing. The decision to replace it stays yours.
Who it is for
Something broke
A cracked cusp or a lost filling needs a plan, not a patch that fails again in six months.
Your teeth are wearing
Flattened edges and increasing sensitivity are worth addressing before the rebuild gets larger.
Old work is showing
Dark margins and ageing crowns can be replaced with materials that read as natural tooth.
How it works
Diagnose
We identify what failed and why, using imaging and a full look at your bite.
Sequence
For larger cases we set out the order of work, the cost and the timeline in writing.
Prepare
The tooth is prepared conservatively and scanned, with a temporary where needed.
Fit
The restoration is placed, the bite is adjusted carefully and the finish is checked.
Review
We see you again to confirm comfort and function once you have used it normally.
Common questions
Restorative Dentistry
That is the standard we work to. Colour and translucency are matched to the teeth around it.
Yes, with tooth-coloured materials. We generally recommend replacing them when they are failing rather than purely for appearance.
It depends on the material, your bite and your habits. We will talk through what affects longevity in your specific case.
It comes down to how much sound tooth is left. We show you what we are seeing and explain the reasoning behind the recommendation.
Usually yes. Larger plans are often sequenced over time for clinical and financial reasons, and we will map that out with you.
Other services
We would like to meet you.
Appointments in Whitehouse Station, most weekdays from eight.
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