What is restorative dentistry?

Restorative dentistry covers a wide array of dental procedures that correct and prevent more dental issues. Visiting the dentist on a regular basis (every six months or as issues arise) helps Dr. Kimberly spot any irregularities in your teeth, from cavities and cracks to misalignments. Taking care of damage and/or decay as it is discovered is vitally important in avoiding deeper and more complicated problems in the future.

At Palmetto Kids Dentistry, we address all of your restorative dentistry needs, but focus primarily on fillings, baby crowns, extractions, and space maintainers. During your child’s appointment, Dr. Kimberly will discuss the extent of the tooth damage or decay with you and your child and give recommendations based on what procedure would be best. Restorative dentistry not only improves the aesthetic appeal of your child’s smile which can bolster self-esteem and confidence, but greatly improves structural flaws and avoids future oral health issues.

What are some of the benefits of restorative dentistry?

Restorative dental work plays an important role in promoting lifelong oral health. Correcting an issue when it’s found avoids having to address the negative impact of a compounded problem down the road. Beyond improving smile imperfections and asymmetry, restorative dentistry improves the structural integrity of your child’s whole mouth: teeth, gums, and jaw.

Additionally, if your child reaches a point of needing extensive restorative dental procedures, the teeth can cause a decent amount of pain. Making a visit to Dr. Kimberly as soon as a tooth becomes uncomfortable will help catch the issue at the very start and fix it quickly.

There is also much to be said about the self-consciousness that can come from broken teeth, especially in school-aged children. Office visits to Palmetto Kids Dentistry will not only protect your tooth but will boost your child’s personal confidence!

What are some of the most common restorative dental procedures?

Fillings

Fillings are one of the most common restorative options. Dr. Kimberly will remove the decay and fill the hole to prevent a larger cavity from forming. Filling materials used to treat a cavity are most commonly a composite resin or tooth-colored plastic, but can be from gold, porcelain, or silver amalgam.

Root Canals

For cavities that have been ignored or have grown too large, or if a tooth has experienced injury or trauma, a root canal may be needed. The soft pulp inside the tooth that has become infected will be removed and then the tooth will be filled, similar to a cavity filling. The original tooth root and the healthy tooth enamel on the outside are kept intact, and the tooth is now reinforced from the inside.

Extractions

As they grow, children’s mouths can become very crowded as permanent teeth begin to push baby teeth out. Sometimes, it’s necessary to perform a tooth extraction so those permanent, adult teeth have room and space to come in properly. Broken teeth from an accident or injury may also call for a tooth extraction which can be performed in house at PKD. Don’t worry, with the various options for sedation dentistry available, your kiddo shouldn’t feel a thing!

Space Maintainers

If your child loses a tooth prematurely or is missing teeth, they will need a space maintainer to keep the other teeth properly aligned and from moving out of place toward the empty spaces. Space maintainers allow each tooth to stay in place as the adult teeth come in with time, avoiding the need to overcorrect crowding and crooked teeth later on.

What is basic restorative dental?

Other basic restorative dental procedures include dental sealants, crowns, and veneers. These simple procedures can be performed at PKD to correct and improve surface issues that affect the outside appearance of the teeth.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a protective covering over the teeth that act as a barrier from harmful bacteria settling in teeth grooves and ridges that could then turn into cavities. They act as an extra layer of protection for the tooth’s natural enamel.

Crowns

Crowns, or caps, are used to encase a whole tooth when the tooth structure has been damaged in some way, often due to a crack or chip. Dr. Kimberly will shave down the remaining tooth slightly and then bond a dental crown over it so it looks like and feels like the other natural teeth.

Veneers

For slight chips or cracks, a partial tooth covering, or veneer, can be used to strengthen the integrity of the tooth and correct the overall appearance of your child’s natural smile. Veneers are typically made of porcelain, which has the “natural tooth” look and is stain resistant.

What options are considered major restorative dental?

Implants

Dental implants are the best and most complete option when you need to replace missing or damaged teeth. We only offer implants when a child has finished growing. If your child does need an implant, and the oral surgeon has given the “ok”, they will insert a metal anchor in the jawbone and then Dr. Kimberly will place the artificial tooth, or crown, on top. Not only are implants the most secure and permanent restoration option of replacing teeth, they also help maintain good bone density because they have a new “root” to hold on to.

Bridges

A dental bridge is another treatment option for replacing missing teeth but does not include a root system. Dental bridges are anchored to dental implants or crowns on either side and hold an artificial tooth in the empty space. Bridges can hold a single false tooth or multiple.

Proper oral care is the best prevention for any of the above scenarios. Make sure your child thoroughly brushes their teeth at least twice a day to prevent plaque build-up which can lead to infections and cavities in the teeth or other issues. Use an antibacterial mouthwash after brushing to take care of any lingering bacteria that can hide between teeth and gums. And don’t forget the floss!!

Do you accept insurance?

We do! PKD files with most major insurance companies. These include Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, MetLife, Assurant, Cigna, and Ameritas. Please make an appointment today to see what all services are covered under your plan! Be sure to bring your insurance card(s) and a photo ID to your appointment.