If you are living with a combination of damaged, missing, or failing teeth, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what the process for addressing them all involves. Understanding the roadmap to smile restoration can help dispel any anxious feelings and help you move forward with confidence.
At Dental Care of Wellington, we guide patients through restorative dentistry in Royal Palm Beach. Dr. Steven Bussell uses a comprehensive approach to develop a clear path to rebuild your oral health from the foundation up.
Phase 1: The Diagnostic Discovery
Every successful smile restoration starts with understanding exactly what's happening beneath the surface.
3-D Imaging and Precision Planning
Modern restorative dentistry uses advanced technology to obtain a complete picture of your oral health. Digital scanners capture detailed impressions of your teeth without messy putty, while 3-D cone beam scans show bone structure, hidden decay, infections, and the exact positioning of teeth and roots.
This advanced imaging allows your dentist to identify issues you might not even be aware of:
- Bone loss around teeth
- Cracks below the gum line
- Old, failing dental work
- Hidden decay or infections
Addressing the Root Cause (Literally)
If you have an underlying issue, such as gum disease, tooth infections, or bone loss, it must be addressed first to provide a healthy foundation for restorations. Treating these conditions may involve:
- Root canal therapy to save infected teeth
- Periodontal treatment to restore gum health
- Treatment of active decay before placing restorations
- Bone grafting is necessary to rebuild lost jawbone structure
Phase 2: Choosing Your Restoration Path
With underlying issues resolved, the focus shifts to restoring lost or damaged teeth.
Repairing Damaged Teeth
If your teeth are cracked, broken, heavily worn, or have large fillings, they can often be saved and strengthened with the right type of restoration:
- Composite tooth fillings treat decay and allow for a virtually invisible repair while protecting healthy tooth structure.
- Dental crowns are the most common solution for damaged teeth, encasing the entire visible portion of the tooth in a protective, custom-made cap that restores both strength and appearance.
- Inlays and onlays are a conservative alternative to full crowns for teeth with extensive decay or damage.
Depending on your needs, your dentist may recommend a combination of treatments. The goal is to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible and ensure each tooth functions as it should.
Replacing Missing Teeth
Missing teeth create a series of issues beyond the gap in your smile:
- Shifting teeth
- Jawbone loss
- Unbalanced dental bite
- A sunken facial appearance
- Increased wear and stress on remaining teeth
Dental implants are the most comprehensive solution for missing teeth because they replace the tooth root and crown. A titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone fuses with the surrounding bone over several months. Once healed, your dentist attaches a custom crown to restore function and appearance.
If you’re not a candidate for implants or prefer a different approach, a dental bridge fills gaps by anchoring artificial teeth to the natural teeth on either side of the space.
A removable partial denture is another option for replacing multiple missing teeth. This solution is not as stable as a dental bridge but doesn’t involve altering healthy teeth.
Phase 3: The Functional & Aesthetic Finish
Bio-Compatible Materials: Zirconia and Porcelain
Modern dentistry does away with metal crowns and the obvious dental work of years past. Today's restorations use biocompatible materials designed to resemble a natural tooth’s translucency, color, and strength.
- Porcelain closely mimics the appearance of tooth enamel, providing a natural look that blends seamlessly with your existing teeth.
- Zirconia is an incredibly strong and durable material that’s ideal for molars that withstand heavy chewing forces.
Your dentist works with custom dental laboratories to create restorations that match your natural tooth color and shape. The result is a natural-looking, comfortable smile that you don’t hesitate to share.
Achieving a Balanced Bite (Occlusion)
A balanced dental bite— the way your upper and lower teeth come together when you chew— helps prevent future problems like tooth wear, jaw pain, or damaged restorations.
This step requires your dentist to evaluate your occlusion at each step and make precise adjustments to ensure you can eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
Life After Restoration: Longevity and Care
Once your smile restoration is complete, you’ll want to maintain the results with proper care to get the most out of the process.
Maintaining Your Investment
Restored teeth require the same daily care as natural teeth:
- Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Flossing carefully around crowns and bridges
- Avoiding habits like chewing ice, opening packages with your teeth, or biting hard objects
- Wearing a custom nightguard to protect restorations from excessive force.
Regular Checkups in Wellington
Your dentist will likely recommend visits every six months to keep your oral health on track.
During your checkup, your dentist will check your restorations for signs of wear, evaluate gum health, and catch minor issues before they become major problems.
Professional cleanings are crucial because they remove the plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to decay and gum disease and compromise the margins of crowns and bridges.
Ready to Begin Your Restoration Journey?
If you're living with damaged or missing teeth, you don't have to navigate smile restoration in Wellington alone. Dr. Steven Bussell can evaluate your needs, explain your options, and create a personalized roadmap to rebuild your smile.
Contact Dental Care of Wellington today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a naturally beautiful smile that functions comfortably.