Restorative Dentistry vs. Preventive Care: What’s the Difference?

Oral health is a crucial component of your overall well-being. Dealing with oral diseases often leads to persistent mouth pain, which can be difficult to endure. The condition of your teeth also impacts your ability to eat comfortably and maintain confidence.

Dentistry from dentists near you plays a vital role in maintaining oral health, with preventive and restorative treatments being key to preserving and restoring your smile.

But what is preventive and restorative dentistry?

Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry in Gardner MA, and globally focuses on repairing and restoring damaged or decaying teeth. Its primary aim is to restore the natural function and appearance of teeth affected by trauma, decay, or other factors.

Common Restorative Services

Fillings

When a tooth rots, dentists remove the affected area and fill the cavity with suitable materials, such as composite resin, porcelain, or amalgam.

Dental Crowns

Another restorative dentistry procedure that dentists in Gardner offer is dental crowns. Typically, dental crowns are tooth-shaped coverings that restore the strength, shape, and appearance of damaged teeth.

Dental crowns are commonly applied when a tooth is severely decayed or weakened.

Bridges and Implants

These procedures are designed to replace missing teeth. Dental bridges consist of artificial teeth attached to the natural teeth. On the other hand, dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, providing a strong foundation for artificial teeth.

Dentures

Dentures are removable devices designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They are made to fit securely and help restore chewing and speaking functions.

Preventive Dentistry

As the name suggests, preventive dentistry emphasizes proactive measures to prevent oral health issues before they arise. It stresses the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and scheduling regular dental check-ups to identify and address problems in their early stages. By opting for preventive dentistry from Gardner Smiles, you can significantly reduce the risk of dental problems and maintain a healthy smile.

What is Included in Preventive Dentistry?

Dental Cleanings

Professional teeth cleanings eliminate plaque, tartar, and stains that regular brushing and flossing cannot remove. This helps reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Regular Dental Examinations

Regular dental exams enable dentists to identify potential issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, or oral cancer at an early stage.

Early detection allows for more effective treatment and improved outcomes.

In conclusion, restorative dentistry focuses on repairing damaged teeth, while preventive dentistry aims to avoid oral health issues. Both are crucial for maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being. So, if you are looking for dentists offering both restorative and preventive dentistry, Gardner Smiles is the perfect place.