Beachside Smiles offers restorative dentistry services to patients of all ages in North Myrtle Beach. Restorative dentistry is the part of general dentistry concerned with the correction or replacement of compromised and missing teeth. Some examples of restorative dentistry include dental crowns, dental implants, dental bridges, as well as onlays and inlays.
If you have a cracked, missing, or otherwise compromised tooth, schedule a consultation at Beachside Smiles today!
Dental fillings are the most common type of restorative treatment offered in dentistry. In fact, the CDC estimates that roughly 90% of the US population over the age of 20 has had at least one cavity filled. Treating cavities and dental caries is essential to long-term oral health. If you delay or forego treatment, it can lead to an infection of the inner tooth (pulpitis) or even a tooth abscess, which has the potential to lead to life-threatening complications.
At Beachside Smiles, we utilize tooth-colored composite fillings. Many patients prefer this type of filling material as it does not contain mercury and can be expertly tinted to match the shade of the tooth.
When a tooth has a cavity too large for a standard filling but not quite extensive enough for a dental crown, we may recommend an inlay or onlay. These two types of restorative treatments are roughly the same, but with one important difference: onlays are used to treat at least one cuspal defect while inlays are only used to treat the areas between the cusps of the teeth.
There are a number of material options for inlays and onlays. These can include gold alloys, porcelain, or composite, although ceramic porcelain is currently the most popular option, owing to its strength and durability.
Root canal treatments are recommended when the pulp and/or root canals of the tooth have become infected, usually resulting from unmanaged decay or dental trauma. Saving the tooth requires intervention as infections that lead to pulpitis rarely resolve on their own.
Once the root canal treatment is performed, we will most likely recommend a dental crown be placed to give the tooth added strength and to protect it from future infection.
If you have a tooth that has become weakened or compromised due to a root canal therapy procedure, dental trauma, or extensive tooth decay, Dr. Riesenberg may recommend a dental crown be placed.
A dental crown is a type of restoration that surrounds the entire tooth above the gum line. In some cases, dental crowns may be used for cosmetic purposes, although they are largely used to give the tooth added strength and to shield the inner tooth from infection.
At Beachside Smiles, we typically recommend zirconia and E-max dental crowns, a type of monolithic material crafted from lithium disilicate. Both materials have excellent survival rates, whether they are added to a natural tooth or as an implant-supported restoration.
Dental bridges are an economical way to replace missing teeth and can be used to replace one or several missing teeth in a series. In addition to enhancing the appearance of your smile, dental bridges help keep the remaining teeth from drifting out of place while also restoring proper chewing and speaking functions.
For a dental bridge to be placed, the two teeth next to the gap are prepped and fitted with dental crowns, which are attached to a pontic (the prosthesis used to replace the missing tooth).
Dental bridges can last anywhere from five to 15 years, depending on the materials chosen as well as the chewing and oral hygiene habits of the patient.
Beachside Smiles also offers implant-supported bridge referrals with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for semi- and full-arch cases such as the All-on-4® treatment concept.
