Restorative Dentistry Services in Calgary

Have damaged or missing teeth? Incredible innovations in the dental industry have made it possible for patients to have artificial teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Gone are the days of uncomfortable dentures with metal brackets and false teeth that look like… well, false teeth.

Restorative dentistry aims to restore damaged or missing teeth with crowns, bridges, dental implants, or dentures. Artificial teeth help preserve bone structure and bite, prevent tooth decay, and maintain overall oral health.

Dental crowns and bridges

Dental crowns and bridges can replace one or more missing teeth and are recommended for patients who have healthy existing teeth.

• A dental crown is made of composite material, porcelain, metal, or porcelain fused to metal. A crown is a hollow artificial tooth placed over your existing tooth to protect it from further damage. It can also be used on miscoloured teeth and misshapen teeth for cosmetic purposes. Crowns can last for a very long time if taken care of properly.

• Bridges replace missing teeth in between existing healthy teeth or dental implants. They are recommended when patients have more than one missing teeth but otherwise have healthy surrounding teeth and gums. Dental bridges are cemented in place and prevent existing teeth from shifting to accommodate for the empty space.

Dental implants

Implants are the most secure, long-lasting tooth restoration procedures but are also the most costly and invasive. However, the result is a natural-looking tooth that functions like real teeth and can last a lifetime.

Implants are typically made of titanium and are surgically fused into the jaw bone to form the anchor for an artificial tooth. Once the gums have healed over the titanium root, an attachment called an abutment may be placed to secure the artificial tooth in place. The realistic-looking crown is then placed on top to create a secure, lifetime solution for missing teeth.

Some of the benefits of dental implants include:

• A natural-looking smile
• A more secure alternative to dentures
• Prevents further bone loss in the jaw
• Feels and functions like natural teeth

To be a good candidate for implants, patients must have a healthy bone structure and good oral health.

Dentures

Depending on how many teeth need to be replaced, dentures are available in partial or full sets. Each pair of dentures are customized and carefully constructed to fit. Modern technology has made it possible for dentures to feel comfortable and look incredibly natural.

The different types of dentures include:

• Conventional - Conventional dentures are placed after existing teeth have been removed, and the gums have healed. This process can take several months.

• Immediate - These dentures can be worn the same day after teeth have been extracted and are safe to use during the healing stage. They are typically used until permanent dentures are completed and can be placed over healed gums.

• Overdentures - Fitted over your natural teeth or implants. Unlike a bridge, overdentures can be removed.

An important part of restorative dental care is the follow-up appointments to make sure artificial teeth are functioning as they should, the gums and any remaining teeth are healthy, and there are no signs of infection. Restorative dentistry can help patients get their confidence back and improve their quality of life.