Restorative dentistry
If you’re experiencing damaged or missing teeth, restorative dentistry can bring your smile back to life. Whether you have a small cavity, a broken tooth or multiple missing teeth, our restorative care can help you get your complete smile back.
At Aspen Dental, our restorative dentistry combines advanced technology with compassionate, judgment-free care. From your first exam to your final restoration, we're with you every step of the way. Schedule a visit to learn more.
What is restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry is the branch of dentistry dedicated to diagnosing, treating and repairing problems that affect your teeth and oral health. When decay, damage or tooth loss threatens your smile, this type of care restores the function of your teeth by addressing current issues to help you maintain your oral health. These treatments include:
Repairing cavities with dental fillings
Protecting damaged teeth with dental crowns
Replacing missing teeth with bridges, implants or dentures
Treating infected teeth through root canal treatment
Restoring bite function and jaw alignment
Preventing further tooth loss or damage
Why restorative dentistry matters for oral health
Damaged or missing teeth affect more than your smile. When tooth problems go untreated, surrounding teeth shift out of position. This can cause your bite to become unbalanced, jaw discomfort, difficulty or painful chewing, and an increased risk for additional decay or gum disease.
Restorative dentistry helps stop this cycle to help you maintain the look and function of your entire smile. Benefits include:
Eating your favorite foods without pain or hesitation
Improving your speech by restoring missing or damaged teeth
Supports your natural face structure
Prevent further tooth damage
Supports your long-term oral health
Boosts your self-esteem and confidence in smiling again
Types of restorative dentistry procedures
Explore our range of restorative treatments that can help you address different levels of damage or tooth loss.
Dental fillings
Fillings treat cavities (tooth decay) and minor tooth damage by removing the decay and filling the leftover space with durable material, such as composite or amalgam (silver). Both are great, durable options, with composite being popular because of its natural look.
Most fillings can be completed in a single visit, making them quick, cost-effective and straightforward.
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Dental crowns
Crowns act like protective covers for damaged, weakened or heavily restored teeth. They restore your tooth’s shape and function while protecting your natural tooth beneath.
Crowns are often recommended for teeth with large fillings, cracked or broken teeth and after getting a root canal. They’re custom-crafted to match your smile with porcelain, ceramic, metal or a combination of materials.
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Dental bridges
Bridges fill the gap of one or more missing teeth. Custom-made to you, the bridge is anchored to the natural teeth surrounding the gap in your smile. This restores your bite, prevents shifting and helps you regain the natural function and appearance of your original smile.
Types include: Traditional bridges, cantilever bridges and Maryland bridges.
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Dental implants
Considered the best option for permanent tooth replacement, dental implants are most like your real teeth. Using a titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root, a custom crown or prosthesis is securely attached for a natural look, feel and function.
With proper care and maintenance, implants can keep you smiling for years to come.
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Dentures
Traditionally used to replace missing teeth, dentures restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile again. We offer two types of dentures: full and partial. You can replace a full arch of teeth with full dentures, and one to multiple teeth with partial dentures.
Modern dentures are removable and custom to help you get the best fit and function.
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Root canal treatment
Root canals save infected teeth by removing diseased tissue from inside the tooth. This procedure includes cleaning the inner nerve of your tooth and sealing the space leftover so you can keep your natural tooth.
They’re performed under local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Once completed, a crown is usually placed to protect your tooth.
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How restorative dentistry differs from other dental care
Learn the difference between restorative, preventive and cosmetic dentistry so you know which type of care you may need.
Restorative dentistry | Repairs existing damage, treats disease and replaces missing teeth. Focuses on restoring the health and function of your smile, often improving the appearance of it in the process. |
Preventive dentistry | Stops problems before they start with routine professional cleanings, dental checkups, oral cancer screenings, fluoride treatments and sealants. Prevention is your first line of defense against decay and disease. |
Cosmetic dentistry | Enhances the appearance of your smile with treatments like teeth whitening, veneers and bonding. While these treatments improve the look of your smile, they don't address any underlying health issues. |
What to expect during restorative dental treatment
Examine
Your dentist will examine your teeth, take X-rays of your smile, review your symptoms and determine the extent of any damage or decay. This step helps us create a care plan tailored to you and your unique dental needs.
Plan
Your care team will give a clear outline of recommended care, why you need it, and what’s involved. A detailed estimate of costs and verified insurance coverage will be included before treatment starts as well.
Prep & treat
During treatment, local anesthesia keeps you comfortable while your dentist removes any decay or infected tissue, prepares your tooth for care or places your restoration using our modern techniques and leading technology.
Temporary restoration
For crowns, bridges or dentures that require lab fabrication, your care team will provide a temporary restoration to protect your teeth so you’re never without your smile while your final restoration is created.
Final placement
Once your permanent restoration is ready, your dentist will place it, check your bite to confirm it fits well and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it functions well and you’re comfortable long-term.
Follow-up care
At the end of your final placement visit, your care team will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your restoration. Any follow-up visits will then be scheduled as needed to complete any other care or maintain your smile.
Restorative dentistry materials and technology
The materials used in restorative dentistry have evolved dramatically for stronger, more natural-looking and longer-lasting solutions. Your dentist will select materials based on your tooth's location, the extent of damage and your personal preferences.
Material | Technology |
|---|---|
Composite resin | Tooth-colored material that blends naturally with your smile. Ideal for fillings and minor repairs on visible teeth because it bonds directly to your tooth structure. |
Porcelain and ceramic | Strong, stain-resistant materials used for crowns, bridges, and veneers. These materials mimic the translucency and appearance of natural teeth, making them ideal for front teeth. |
Zirconia | A newer ceramic material that combines the strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain. Extremely durable and bio-compatible, zirconia is popular for all teeth. |
Metal alloys | Gold, silver and other metal alloys offer exceptional durability for crowns and bridges on back teeth that handle heavy chewing forces. While less aesthetic, they provide great longevity. |
Amalgam | Silver-colored fillings that are durable, cost-effective and typically used for back teeth where the appearance of your filling is less important. |
Titanium | The gold-standard material for dental implants due to its biocompatibility and ability to fuse with jawbone through osseointegration. |
Aftercare and recovery for restorative treatments
Recovering from care depends on the treatment you receive. Below we breakdown what you can expect. If you have any questions, give your local Aspen Dental office a call today.
Fillings
After your procedure and numbness wears off, you can resume eating as normal. You may experience mild sensitivity to temperature for a few days but this typically resolves on its own.
Crowns or bridges
When you receive a crown or bridge, mild sensitivity is normal for the first few days. We recommend avoiding very hard or sticky foods and maintaining your restoration with good oral hygiene.
Dental implants
For single tooth implants, expect some swelling and mild discomfort for a few days following your implant placement surgery. For full-arch dental implants, this discomfort may last longer but will pass over time. When eating within the first few days of your procedure, start with soft foods and liquids. Gradually reintroduce harder foods as your dentist recommends or as you become more comfortable. If you have any questions regarding your recovery, please contact your local Aspen Dental.
Dentures
Whether you’re getting extractions and a temporary denture, or you’re receiving a new denture, your mouth will need time to adjust and adapt. You may experience some soreness or difficulty speaking and eating initially, but this improves with time, practice and healing (for those who’ve recently had extractions).
Root canals
After a root canal, most patients return to normal activities the next day. Any discomfort typically resolves within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by your provider.
Insurance and costs for restorative dentistry
We’re here to help de-stress the financial aspect of your care. Learn more about how the cost of treatment is made manageable with Aspen Dental.
Insurance coverage
For restorative care, many dental insurance plans cover at least part of your treatment. While we work with most providers to create more access to care you need, you can check how much coverage you have by reviewing your policy or contacting your provider. Before you visit, see which providers are accepted at your local office.
We do not accept Medicaid at any Aspen Dental location.
Cost factors
While how much you pay out-of-pocket for care depends in part on if you have dental insurance and your specific plan, there are a few other factors that affect your costs. The type of treatment, the location of your restoration in your mouth, the materials used and the complexity of care are all examples of what can impact the cost of care. For instance, front teeth may cost less to restore than molars because molars may require more extensive work.
Flexible financing
For patients who need treatment but face financial constraints, payment plans are available through 3rd-party financing. You can apply in office and explore options that are designed to fit your unique budget. Plus, 99% of patients are approved for financing when they apply through our 3rd-party lenders, making it easier to get the care you need.
Transparent pricing
At Aspen Dental, we believe in providing clear, personalized cost estimates to make understanding what you need simple and straightforward. You'll know exactly what to expect financially before treatment begins. If you don’t have insurance, the Aspen Dental Savings Plan is available for only $49 per year, helping you save up to 30% on dental services.¹
¹The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is NOT insurance. Please see plan terms and conditions for details.
When to schedule an appointment for restorative care
Recognizing when you need restorative care helps you address problems before they require more extensive or costly treatments.
If you’re experiencing any of the following, schedule a visit at your local Aspen Dental today.
Tooth pain or sensitivity that persists for more than a few days
Visible cracks, chips or breaks in your teeth
Dark spots or discoloration that may indicate decay
Loose or shifting teeth
Difficulty chewing or biting down without pain
Missing teeth that affect your ability to eat or speak
A loose or missing filling or crown
Bad breath or bad taste that won't go away
Restorative dentistry FAQs
How does restorative dentistry improve oral health?
By treating decay or infection, repairing damage or replacing missing teeth, restorative dentistry maintains your overall oral health by preventing the spread of infection or disease to other parts of your mouth or body. Poor long-term oral health has been linked to broader issues, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and more. By keeping your teeth in good condition, you’ll make eating easier, reduce your risk of infection and stay healthier overall.
What is the success rate of restorative dentistry procedures?
Most restorative procedures have excellent success rates when properly cared for after your procedure. For instance, dental implants have a success rate of over 98% when combined with good oral hygiene. Crowns, bridges and fillings last 5+ years or longer when maintained through regular checkups and proper at-home care.
How do I choose a restorative dentist?
Look for a dental practice with experienced providers, advanced technology, transparent pricing and a reputation for compassionate care. Consider factors like location convenience, available appointment times and whether the practice accepts your insurance.
At Aspen Dental, we meet all these standards by focusing on making quality preventative, restorative and cosmetic care accessible and affordable. We accept most insurance providers at over 1,100 locations to make getting experience, compassionate care simple and straightforward. Find a local office near you today to get started on care. We do not accept Medicaid.
Is restorative dentistry covered by insurance?
It depends. Many dental insurance plans at least partially cover restorative treatments, especially procedures like fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures. Coverage varies by plan, however, so it’s important to review your policy or contact your dental insurance provider to see what’s covered for your specific plan. When you visit an Aspen Dental office, we’ll verify your benefits and coverage before starting treatment so you understand your financial responsibility upfront. While we work with most insurance providers, check with your local office today to see if your plan is accepted.
What is the difference between dental crowns and veneers?
Crowns cover your entire tooth to protect it and restore its function after damage or decay
Veneers are cosmetic and cover the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance
While both can improve how your teeth look, crowns provide structural support and protection, while veneers are for cosmetic purposes only.
How long do restorative dental treatments last?
Longevity depends on:
Type of restoration
Materials used
Care and oral hygiene
Restoration warranty (if applicable)
Many restorations can last you for years with good oral hygiene, regular dental visits and consistent home care.
Can restorative dentistry help with tooth sensitivity?
Yes, many restorative treatments can directly address tooth sensitivity by repairing the underlying cause.
Fillings seal exposed areas caused by decay
Crowns protect worn and cracked teeth, or teeth after a root canal
Root canals remove infected tooth pulp to alleviate sensitivity and pain
Your dentist can identify what's causing sensitivity and recommend the appropriate restorative solution.
Is restorative dentistry painful?
Modern restorative dentistry is not typically considered painful but discomfort is normal. With the latest technology in dental care, many procedures are performed with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout your treatment. Depending on your procedure, you may feel pressure but shouldn't experience pain during the procedure. Some mild soreness or sensitivity afterward is normal and typically managed easily with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients report that treatment is far less uncomfortable than they expected.
Restore your smile with Aspen Dental
Call, schedule online or walk in today to get started with your local team.