Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry is essential in maintaining and restoring the function, health, and appearance of teeth damaged due to decay, trauma, or other dental issues. From simple fillings to advanced restorative procedures, restorative dentistry in Sterling, IL, provides patients with a wide range of treatment options to restore their smile's aesthetic and functional aspects. Whether dealing with minor cavities or more complex dental problems, the goal is to bring your teeth back to optimal condition. Contact us to learn more.

Our trusted dentist in Sterling, IL, offers advanced techniques and materials to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. This article highlights the key aspects of restorative dentistry, including composite and amalgam restorations, rotary endodontics, molar root canals, post and core build-ups, crown and bridgework, and direct and indirect veneers.

Composite and Amalgam Restorations

One of the most common procedures in restorative dentistry in Sterling, IL, is dental fillings. When a tooth is affected by decay, the decayed portion is removed, and the space is filled with a restorative material. There are two main types of fillings: composite (tooth-colored) and amalgam (silver).

Composite restorations are made from a durable resin that blends in seamlessly with the natural color of your teeth. These fillings are often preferred for their aesthetic appeal and ability to bond directly to the tooth structure, providing strength and a natural appearance. They are ideal for small to medium-sized cavities in visible areas of the mouth.

On the other hand, amalgam restorations are made from a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, tin, and copper. While not as aesthetically pleasing as composite fillings, amalgam is known for its durability and is often used for back teeth where the forces of chewing are greatest. Amalgam fillings are highly resistant to wear and can last for many years with proper care.

Our dentist in Sterling, IL, will recommend the best type of filling based on the location of the cavity, your bite, and your aesthetic preferences

Rotary Endodontics and Molar Root Canals

Root canal therapy becomes necessary for patients with severe tooth decay or infection that has reached the tooth's pulp. In addition to procedures like root planing and scaling for addressing gum disease, rotary endodontics is an advanced technique used in restorative dentistry in Sterling, IL, to perform root canals more efficiently and accurately.

Traditional root canals involve manually removing the infected pulp and shaping the canals. However, rotary endodontics uses an electrically powered handpiece with flexible nickel-titanium instruments, allowing for a more precise and faster procedure. This method significantly reduces discomfort during the procedure and improves the overall success rate of the treatment.

Molar teeth, with their complex root structures, often require specialized care. Molar root canals can be more challenging due to the number of canals and difficulty accessing them. Rotary endodontics is particularly beneficial for treating molars, as it allows our dentist in Sterling, IL, to navigate the intricate root system easily, ensuring a thorough cleaning and preparation of the canals. Combining this approach with other periodontal treatments like root planing and scaling can further improve the patient's oral health, especially in cases where gum disease is present.

Post and Core Build-Ups

In cases where a tooth has been extensively damaged, such as after a root canal, there may not be enough tooth structure to support a crown. Post and core build-ups are common restorative procedures used to provide structural support to a tooth before placing a crown.

A post is placed within the root canal to stabilize the tooth, and the core is a filling material that builds up the tooth structure to provide a stable foundation for the crown. This procedure ensures that the crown has sufficient support, preventing it from loosening or failing over time.

In restorative dentistry in Sterling, IL, post and core build-ups are reliable solutions for heavily damaged teeth, particularly after root canal therapy.

Crown and Bridgework

Crown and bridgework are integral parts of restorative dentistry in Sterling, IL, offering solutions for restoring damaged teeth and replacing missing teeth.

Crowns: Also known as caps, crowns are placed over damaged or decayed teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are custom-made from materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal and are designed to match the color of your natural teeth.
Bridges: Used to replace one or more missing teeth, bridges consist of two crowns placed on the adjacent teeth (abutments) and a false tooth (pontic) that fills the gap. Bridges are permanently fixed in place and offer a durable and aesthetic solution for tooth loss.

Our dentist in Sterling, IL, will evaluate your oral health and recommend crowns or bridges to restore your smile and improve your ability to chew and speak depending on your needs.

Direct and Indirect Veneers

Veneers are a popular option for patients looking to improve the appearance of their teeth while also addressing minor restorative needs. Direct and indirect veneers are thin layers of material applied to the front surface of the teeth, correcting imperfections such as discoloration, chips, or minor misalignment.

Direct Veneers: Made from a composite resin and applied directly to the tooth in a single visit, direct veneers involve layering the resin onto the tooth and sculpting it to achieve the desired shape and size. Once hardened, the veneer is polished to create a natural-looking finish.
Indirect Veneers: Made from porcelain and custom-crafted in a dental laboratory, indirect veneers typically require two visits: one to take impressions of the teeth and prepare them for the veneers, and another to bond the porcelain veneers to the teeth. Porcelain veneers are highly durable and offer a more natural and translucent appearance than composite veneers.

Whether you choose direct or indirect veneers, our dentist in Sterling, IL, will work closely with you to create a smile that meets your functional and aesthetic goals.

Conclusion

Restorative dentistry in Sterling, IL, offers a wide array of treatments designed to restore the health, function, and appearance of your teeth. From simple fillings to advanced procedures like rotary endodontics, molar root canals, post and core build-ups, crown and bridgework, and veneers, each treatment is tailored to meet the patient's unique needs. By choosing our skilled and experienced dentist in Sterling, IL, you can rest assured that your smile will be restored with precision, care, and a focus on long-term oral health.

Restorative dentistry repairs damaged teeth and helps patients regain their confidence, ensuring they can eat, speak, and smile comfortably and confidently. Whether you need a small filling or a full smile restoration, restorative dentistry provides the solutions for a healthy and beautiful smile.

To schedule an appointment at Dental Care of Sterling, located at 2000 Locust St., Ste. B, Sterling IL 61081, call (815) 625-6842. You can also visit our official website to learn about the various services we provide.

Restorative Dentistry