Many people struggle with damaged teeth, but there are many restoration treatments that can restore your smile and improve overall tooth health. From fillings to implants, there is a treatment plan for your oral health. If you would like to know more, keep reading.

1. Fillings

Most dentists offer fillings for cavities. Cavities develop from a combination of bacteria and sugars in the mouth. The procedure consists of drilling away damaged or dead tissue and replacing it with a filling. In some cases, patients may opt for an inlay or onlay.

Depending on the severity of the filling, your dentist may or may not numb the area. If the cavity only resides in the enamel, there should be no pain during treatment. Similarly, if the tooth has already been treated with root canal treatment, the dentist may not need to numb the area as the tooth shouldn't have any sensation. If the filling was particularly large, or you had lots of fillings installed in one tooth, the dentist may recommend a dental crown for reinforcement and durability.

2. Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment treats and prevents dental infections or abscesses. A tooth infection develops when the bacteria reach the tooth's live tissue: the pulp. It usually causes pus, pain, and sensitivity. If left untreated, you could lose the tooth or the infection could spread.

Root canal treatment is the only alternative treatment to extraction. The process consists of removing all the pulp and infection. However, this leaves the tooth with a large filling, so a dental crown is also recommended. Even if you don't have an infection,  the dentist may recommend root canal treatment after severe tooth trauma that kills the pulp.

3. Dental Crown

Dental crowns are commonly made from metal, porcelain, or a combination of both. They all are recommended for strengthening teeth that have been weakened from severe decay, trauma, and previous dental procedures.

Mental dental crowns are more durable and may be partially covered by insurance. Porcelain crowns are usually considered cosmetic and aren't covered. However, they look much like natural teeth. On back teeth, your dentist will recommend porcelain-fused-to-metal for more durability.

4. Tooth Replacement

If you're missing a tooth from infection, severe decay, or trauma, consider a dental bridge. They are often used to replace a missing tooth and are also commonly made from metal and porcelain. They use surrounding teeth for support, so you need healthy teeth and gums.

If you want a more durable option, consider a dental implant. They use the jawbone for support and help stimulate the jawbone.

Restoration dentistry is incredibly important. Treating existing complications restores your smile and prevents future complications. If you would like to know more, contact a dentist in your area today. For more information on teeth restoration, contact a professional near you.