Restorative dentistry can become damaged by neglect or accidental injury

While many people visit the dentist to receive cosmetic dentistry such as whitening or veneers, the requirement of restorative dentistry can sneak up on us when we least expect it. Restorative dentistry includes many treatments designed to restore the function as well as aesthetic of your smile. Here at Curtis Couch D.D.S in Thousand Oaks we will work hard to create a superior smile through our restorative and reconstructive procedures.

When will I need restorative dentistry?

You may need restorative dentistry if you have been in an unfortunate accident or if you have suffered a gradually worsening dental illness or disease such as periodontitis or gingivitis. In order to avoid the sudden need for restorative dentistry procedures you will need to ensure that you follow a strict dental hygiene regime as well as partake in necessary precautions when getting involved with high-contact sports or dangerous activities. Sometimes it is impossible to see any damage coming, however in most cases these practices will ensure your protection:
  • Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice per day
  • Floss between your teeth at least once per day before bed
  • Visit Curtis Couch D.D.S at least twice a year
These three dental principles will ensure that the health and appearance of your mouth is maintained by reducing the risk of cavities, periodontitis and tooth decay.

Inlays and onlays with Curtis Couch D.D.S

In the event you do have extensive cavity decay your dentist may recommend an inlay or onlay. An inlay or onlay is applied to the tooth when more than 50% of the exterior tooth covering has been eroded or decayed by plaque or bruxing (grinding of the teeth). The procedure will involve your dentist applying a layer of composite tooth-coloured resin to the affected teeth. This will restore and even improve the strength of your teeth, allowing them to prevent the infestation of plaque into the deep crevices of the teeth. People with higher tooth-peaks will require inlays or onlays more often than people with shallow peaks because plaque and food debris is much more likely to get stuck in deeper crevices. This creates the danger of cavities which will later require a filling, inlay or onlay.

2 solutions to a missing tooth with Curtis Couch D.D.S

Curtis Couch D.D.S in Thousand Oaks is dedicated to providing a range of solutions to your dental problems. The loss of an adult tooth is a surprisingly common occurrence due to accidents or decaying of the tooth and extraction. In the event you have lost a tooth Curtis Couch D.D.S will evaluate your oral situation and either recommend a bridge or dental implant in order to fill the gap. A dental bridge is usually a group of 3 connected synthetic teeth, of which 2 will be crowns and the one in the middle will be a solid porcelain tooth. This will enable the two exterior crowns to connect to your natural teeth while supporting the middle tooth which will fill in the gap. A dental implant is a synthetic tooth which is inserted via a biocompatible titanium screw which is inserted into the jaw. When this part of the procedure has healed your dentist will place a tooth-coloured crown over the top so that your normal smile can be completely restored both functionally and cosmetically. Many patients prefer this method because it offers steadier support and peace-of-mind than a bridge or denture. If you are interested in finding out more about Curtis Couch D.D.S’ restorative dentistry please do not hesitate to visit our Thousand Oaks practice or contact us.