Dental Restorations
in Albuquerque, NM

It’s great news that the incidence of tooth decay has significantly diminished over the years due to the use of fluorides and an increase in patient awareness. However, teeth are still susceptible to decay, infection, and breakage and sometimes need to be restored back to health. Through improved techniques and modern technology, we are now able to offer more options for restoring a tooth back to its normal shape, appearance and function.

Should your teeth ever require a restorative treatment, you can rest assured knowing we will always discuss with you the available options, and recommend what we believe to be the most comfortable and least invasive treatment. Providing you with excellent care is our number one priority when creating your beautiful smile.

Reasons for Restorative Dentistry:

  • Enhance your smile.
  • Fill in unattractive spaces between teeth.
  • Improve or correct an improper bite.
  • Prevent the loss of a tooth.
  • Relieve dental pain.
  • Repair damaged and decayed teeth.
  • Replace missing teeth.
  • Replace old, unattractive dental treatments.
  • Restore normal eating and chewing.

Remember to give your teeth the attention they need today!

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What Is Restorative Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry involves keeping your teeth from developing decay and other problems that could endanger their long-term health. Exams, cleanings, applying sealants, checking for oral cancer — that’s all preventive.

But what happens when Dr. Holbrook finds teeth that need restoring to full health. This becomes restorative dentistry. Restorative dentistry involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral diseases. It involves a plan to restore teeth to full health, whether they have decay, are chipped or cracked, discolored, or even if teeth are missing.

It’s easy to confuse restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, but the difference involves the basic health of the teeth. Restorative dentistry addresses teeth that have problems with their basic health. Cosmetic dentistry only deals with the aesthetics of the smile, and it addresses teeth that are generally healthy. There is some overlap, such as the possible use of crowns or composite fillings, but that is the difference between cosmetic and restorative dentistry.

Am I a Candidate for Restorative Dentistry?

If your teeth have basic health issues, such as decay, chips or cracks, or deep discoloration (from reactions to drugs such as tetracycline or trauma), they will need restoration. Also, if you are missing a tooth or teeth, restorative dentistry with Dr. Holbrook will replace those teeth.

When you come in for a consultation, Dr. Holbrook will examine your teeth and overall bite and smile. He’ll discuss the issues that need to be addressed. They may be simple, such as replacing a failing silver amalgam filling with composite resin; or complex, such as dental implant-supported partial dentures.

Is There an Age Restriction for Restorative Dentistry Candidates?

There isn’t any age limitation or requirement. Obviously, if a restoration would be needed for a deciduous (baby) tooth, the expected duration of the tooth before it would naturally fall out for replacement by a permanent tooth would be considered. Otherwise, anyone of any age deserves to have great looking teeth, restoring any damage.

Are Restorative Dentistry Procedures Painful?

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Thanks to modern anesthesia, patients don’t feel a thing with any of the restorations Dr. Holbrook performs. If he is placing a dental implant, there is some gum soreness following placement of the implant base and the subsequent post, but these don’t involve acute pain and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Is Anesthesia Required for Restorative Dentistry Procedures?

Dr. Holbrook typically uses local anesthesia for most of his restorations. This isn’t necessary at all stages of the procedures. For instance, placing a crown onto the prepared tooth doesn’t require even local anesthesia.

How Long Does It Take to Recover After These Restorations?

There is rarely any recovery necessary with these restorative treatments. As mentioned above, there is some slight recovery after two Holbrook places an implant base. But this isn’t overly involved. If a root canal is needed, the patient may have some soreness for a day or so due to the tooth calming down after the procedure, but this isn’t acute pain, and it shouldn’t keep the patient from their normal activities.

Restorative Dentistry Before & After Photos

Are Restorative Dentistry Procedures Covered by Insurance?

These treatments are usually deemed necessary for the oral health of the patient. This is different from cosmetic dentistry procedures that are typically elective. Dental insurance plans cover most of these treatments and procedures. At Dr. Holbrook’s we work with your insurance provider to attain the highest level of coverage.

How Long Will the Results of My Restorations Last?

That varies depending on what Dr. Holbrook did. Dental implants can last the remainder of the patient’s life. Composite fillings typically last about a decade but can last far longer. Crowns can last for decades. Bridges usually last from 10-15 years. Dentures need to be refitted after 5 to 10 years.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in restorative dentistry and would like to see if you are a good candidate, call 505-881-1159 to schedule a consultation at our office in Albuquerque, NM.

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Mon, Tue & Thu: 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
Wed & Fri: 7:30 am – 12:00 pm

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