Our teeth are constantly under attack. Whether it is from cavity-causing bacteria colonizing to form plaque and acid or bad habits like bruxism (clenching and grinding teeth), our teeth certainly take some abuse. When teeth become permanently damaged, tooth loss can occur if professional treatment is not received. This is why restorative dentistry is a necessity. A restoration provides protection from cavity-causing bacteria, debris, and harmful compounds like acids. It will also restore the tooth to the correct shape and size. Common restorations include fillings, dental crowns, inlays, and onlays.
Fillings
A filling is used to treat minor damage to teeth – normally small cavities or chips. Fillings protect a tooth from developing deeper and wider caries. It will also reinforce the structure of a tooth, which can prevent further breakage during oral function in the future. While many people associate fillings with unsightly metal dental work, it is important to know that most fillings today are made from a non-metal, tooth-colored material called composite resin. With composite resin as a restoration material, patients do not have to worry about noticable dental work affecting their appearance. Placing fillings is minimally invasive and typically just requires local anesthetics to maintain a person’s comfort.
Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns are another common type of restoration. Crowns are used to protect badly damaged teeth. When a crown is needed, it is normally due to damage from untreated cavities, tooth wear, and broken teeth. Unlike a filling, which only protects a small amount of tooth structure – a crown is far more extensive. It covers the biting surfaces as well as all sides of a tooth. Some people refer to crowns as “caps” because these tooth-shaped restorations are used to cover all visible tooth structure.
Crowns can prevent a tooth from developing further damage. While metal crowns are still popular, especially for back teeth, these restorations can be made from natural looking materials. Porcelain crowns make for excellent, undetectable dental work.
A bridge is a prosthetic made from dental crowns. Bridges can replace one or more missing teeth. Each side of the bridge connects to natural teeth, and then connected crowns of the bridge replacing missing tooth structure above the gums. Bridges are beneficial for maintaining efficient oral function and for supporting neighboring biological teeth.
Implant Restoration
Dr. Link works closely with our oral surgeons to treatment plan and position placement of dental implants for our patients. After placement, Dr. Link handles all aspects of the implant restoration whether it involves single crowns, bridges, implant retained dentures or partial dentures. Implant retained dentistry can make your smile as close to a natural smile as possible.
Revive A Smile
We work with our oral surgeon and our outstanding lab to offer implant retained fixed dentures. This means that you can have extractions, implant placement, and a screw retained denture typically in the same day. The fees for Revive A Smile are all inclusive—meaning what you need to achieve the result you want is what we will do to make it happen.
Restorative Dentistry FAQs
What are restorative dental services?
Restorative dental services are treatments used to prepare teeth for restorations as well as the placement of restorations over teeth. A restoration is used to protect damaged and diseased teeth. Common types of restorations include fillings, inlays, onlays, and crowns. Technology and images are useful tools when it comes to creating restorations. X-rays, impressions, and photographs are useful in the treatment planning process when it comes to more advanced restorations like onlays and dental crowns.
What is considered minor restorative dental work?
Minor restorative dental work is not overly invasive and typically doesn’t require custom restorations from a laboratory. An example of minor restorative work would be a filling. A filling is a small restoration used to address tooth decay. These restorations are placed in-office from a tooth-colored compound called composite resin. A local anesthetic is usually all that is needed to ensure comfort. Fillings do not have to be made off-site in a laboratory like a dental crown does.
What is a restorative dental crown?
A restorative dental crown is a tooth-shaped restoration that fits over the top of a tooth and all its sides like a cap. It is permanently bonded to biological tooth structure. A crown is beneficial for protecting teeth damaged by disease and injury. Dental crowns reinforce weakened tooth structure so that a biological tooth can be saved instead of extracted.
What can I expect from the restorative dental treatment process?
Pain-free, beautiful and functional results!
Interested in scheduling a dental appointment?
We see all patients on an appointment basis and ask that you contact us in advance so that we may reserve a time tor you. We value your time! We do our best to stay on schedule and will advise you if we are behind.
Featured Dental Services in Morganton, North Carolina
Sleep Well Western North Carolina
Sleep Well Western North Carolina is part of Dr. Link’s practice that involves screening, treatment and monitoring of sleep related breathing disorders.
Working closely with your physician and sleep study results we can fabricate a custom appliance that will help move your lower jaw forward which can reposition the tongue and result in a more open airway.
General Dentistry
As dedicated dental professionals, the health and well-being of our patients is a top priority. We provide general dentistry services such as cleanings and checkups, preventive care, and treatment for dental emergencies.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Our team understands that living with a flawed smile is difficult. Fortunately, our practice offers beautiful and effective cosmetic treatments such as professional teeth whitening and porcelain veneers.
Restorative Dentistry
A restoration provides protection from cavity-causing bacteria, debris, and harmful compounds like acids. Common restorations include fillings, dental crowns, inlays, and onlays.
Sedation Dentistry
Our team understands that negative associations with dental treatment, dental phobia, and low pain thresholds greatly impact the experiences of patients in oral healthcare settings. Sedation dentistry is beneficial for fearful patients or those receiving more invasive treatments.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Obstructed airways contribute to snoring and can cause sleep apnea. Treating sleep apnea does not have to be invasive or uncomfortable. Our practice offers oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea treatment.
Testimonials
Dr. Link and his entire staff are the best. I’ve gone to this dental office for many years and have always been treated with courtesy…If you’re looking for a dentist, you can’t go wrong calling Dr. Link. The staff is always so friendly and attentive to your needs.
Brenda Hemphill
Google Review
William T Link and his staff are very friendly and professional and provide a superior service. If you or someone you know is looking for quality dental care, I highly recommend Dr Link and his staff!
Mike Albright
Facebook Review
Love this dentist office. Years ago when my daughter broke her tooth in half, my current dentist wouldn’t see her because she was three. I called Dr. Link’s office, and he had me bring her right in. We’ve been patients ever since, and she is now 25 with a gorgeous set of teeth!
Emily Church
Google Review
I love the people in this office. Their bedside manner is outstanding. They have managed to make me look forward to a dental appt. Thanks to Dr. Link and his outstanding staff, I now have a healthy mouth and beautiful teeth.
Sue Bunch
Facebook Review
