A healthy, radiant smile is more than just a confidence booster — it's an important part of your overall well-being. Those looking to improve their oral health and regain the functionality of their mouths turn to restorative dentistry. This type of dentistry includes a range of procedures designed to repair and replace damaged teeth. 

According to the CDC, more than one in four adults has untreated cavities, and approximately 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. These statistics highlight a significant public health concern, as missing or severely decayed teeth can lead to many issues, including difficulty eating, speaking, and maintaining proper nutrition — as well as a negative impact on self-esteem and social interactions. Restorative dentistry offers a variety of solutions that can not only restore the function and appearance of your teeth but also help prevent further oral health complications.

Read on to learn more about the different aspects of restorative dentistry and where to find the best restorative dentist in Central New Jersey.

When is Restorative Dentistry Necessary? 

Restorative dentistry addresses a wide range of dental issues that improve functionality, aesthetics, and oral health. Here are some key instances when restorative dentistry is essential:

  • Replacing missing teeth to restore proper chewing and speaking abilities, as well as preventing the remaining teeth from becoming worn or damaged.
  • Filling empty spaces to maintain the proper structure and alignment of the teeth.
  • Repairing cavities with dental fillings by removing tooth decay and filling the voids to protect the tooth structure and prevent further damage
  • Correcting jaw misalignment caused by missing or misaligned teeth. A misaligned jaw can cause discomfort, difficulty chewing, and even temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). 
  • Straightening misaligned teeth, which will improve bite efficiency and reduce wear on teeth that may sustain additional strain due to misalignment. 

By addressing these concerns, restorative dentistry enhances oral health, preserves your remaining teeth, and significantly improves quality of life, among other benefits. 

The Benefits of Restorative Dentistry 

Restorative dentistry offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond merely addressing dental issues. One of the primary advantages is restoring the form and function of the mouth, enabling patients to chew and speak more effectively. This can lead to clearer speech and pain-free eating, significantly enhancing daily comfort and quality of life. 

Additionally, restorative procedures greatly improve the aesthetics of a smile — boosting self-confidence and social interactions. By addressing issues such as cavities and damaged teeth, restorative dentistry also helps preserve remaining natural teeth, preventing further decay and the need for more extensive dental treatments. 

Six Most Common Restorative Dental Treatments

Restorative dentistry includes a wide range of procedures designed to repair and replace damaged or missing teeth — ensuring optimal oral health and functionality. The most common restorative dental treatments include:

1. Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are custom-made caps that cover and protect a damaged tooth. They work by restoring the shape, size, strength, and appearance of the tooth. Crowns are often used after cavity repair or root canal treatment.

2. Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are used to treat cavities by removing the decayed portion of a tooth and filling the cavity with materials such as composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain. This prevents further decay and restores the tooth's function.

3. Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made from titanium and surgically placed into the jawbone to provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth, offering a long-lasting solution for missing teeth.

4. Dental Bridges

A dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth anchored by crowns on adjacent natural teeth or implants. Bridges fill the gap created by missing teeth, restoring the function of the mouth and improving the appearance of the smile.

5. Dentures

Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two main types: complete dentures for replacing all teeth and partial dentures for replacing a few missing teeth. Dentures improve chewing ability, speech, and smile aesthetics.

6. Orthodontics

While often associated with cosmetic dentistry, orthodontic treatments like braces and clear aligners also play a crucial role in restorative dentistry. They correct misaligned teeth and jaws, improving bite function and the overall function of the mouth.

Where to Find the Best Restorative Dentist in Hillsborough 

At Smiles Family Dentistry, we pride ourselves on being leaders of restorative dentistry in Central New Jersey. Our dedication ensures every patient receives the highest standard of care using the most advanced techniques and technology available. Additionally, our strong commitment to excellence in restorative dentistry means we offer comprehensive solutions tailored to your unique needs, helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.

With an expansion to three convenient locations, we are honored to serve the Central New Jersey communities of South Brunswick Twp., Mercer County, and Hillsborough Twp. Each of our locations is staffed by our team of expert dentists and offers state-of-the-art restorative treatments, as well as cosmetic and emergency dentistry. 

Are you ready to get personalized restorative dentistry treatments in Central New Jersey that will help you smile confidently for years to come?