A General Dentist Answers Restorative Dentistry FAQs

As a general dentist, we provide a variety of restorative services. If your tooth has a cavity or has been cracked, chipped, damaged, or fallen out – we can help you in our Lake Forest dental office. At Stunning Smiles of Lake Forest, we offer everything from a dental filling treatment to dental implants, to dentures and partial dentures. When you visit our 92630 general dentist office, we will examine you and then make recommendations based on your individual needs. To schedule an appointment, call (949) 258-7433. In the meantime, here are answers to a few questions we are asked on a regular basis.

Do I really need a dental restoration?

Yes, as a general dentist, we cannot stress the importance of this enough. If a portion of your tooth is missing due to damage or decay, leaving the tooth untreated can cause the problem to intensify. This is because once the interior portion of your tooth is exposed, it will become more susceptible to an infection – one that could eventually become painful. It is far better to simply schedule a restoration with our California dental office.

How do you restore a tooth that has a cavity?

At Stunning Smiles of Lake Forest, we will first remove the decayed portion of your tooth and thoroughly clean the area. If the cavity is small to medium in size, we will then complete a dental filling treatment, where a tooth-colored resin material is placed inside the cavity, shaped, and hardened. This requires a certain level of expertise to ensure the filling material is shaped in a way that makes it possible to bite down without discomfort.

What is the best way to fix a chipped or cracked tooth?

In our Lake Forest, CA dental office, we understand that each patient is unique and so are their teeth. This makes it difficult to determine which restoration would be best prior to you visiting our office. However, we typically recommend dental bonding for children or minor issues. Dental veneers are used when the damage is on a front tooth or you also want to improve your smile. Dental crowns are often recommended for back molars or when a large portion of the enamel is missing.

Can you replace missing teeth?

Yes, as a general dentist, we have multiple ways to replace your teeth including dental implants, dentures, and partial dentures. All these solutions are effective for replacing teeth, so which one we recommend will be based on your health, budget, and personal preference. Dentures have been used for centuries and are a fast and convenient way to replace teeth. However, they are removable and never feel fully natural, which is why so many of our patients prefer dental implants. With this solution, we surgically implant a titanium post under the gums and secure it to the jawbone. The two materials fuse together, and afterward a new tooth is attached. This solution is as durable and beautiful as a natural tooth, making it incredibly popular.

If you have more questions about dental restorations, we encourage you to visit our Lake Forest, CA general dentist office. You can schedule an appointment by calling (949) 258-7433.