What Restorative Dentistry Actually Means
Restorative dentistry encompasses any treatment that repairs or replaces damaged teeth. You might need restorative work because of decay, injury, wear from grinding, or old dental work that’s finally given out. The goal remains the same regardless of the cause—getting your teeth back to full health and function.
Some people confuse restorative work with cosmetic dentistry, and there’s definitely some overlap. A crown, for example, restores a broken tooth while improving its appearance. The key difference? Restorative treatments focus on fixing problems affecting oral health, not just aesthetics.
We start every restorative treatment with a thorough examination. Dr. Gagnon-Saleeby explains what’s happening with your teeth, why it matters, and which treatment options make the most sense for your situation. No one likes surprises regarding dental work, so we ensure you understand everything before we begin.
Common Restorative Treatments We Provide
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Dental Fillings
Cavities happen—even to people who brush and floss religiously. Modern fillings use tooth-colored composite materials that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. We remove the decayed portion of your tooth, clean the area thoroughly, and fill it with composite resin that hardens under a special light. The process takes less than an hour, and you’ll leave with a tooth that looks and feels natural.
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Crowns and Bridges
When a tooth suffers more extensive damage, a filling won’t fix it. Crowns cover the entire visible portion of your tooth, protecting what’s left while restoring its shape and strength. We design each crown to match your other teeth perfectly in color and contour.
Bridges solve the problem of missing teeth by literally bridging the gap. The restoration attaches to the teeth on either side of the space, creating a permanent replacement that functions just like your natural teeth. You’ll eat normally, speak clearly, and never worry about your bridge shifting or falling out.
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Implant Restorations
If you’ve already had dental implants placed by a specialist, we provide the crowns or bridges that attach to those implants. This process requires precision and attention to detail—the restoration needs to fit the implant perfectly while matching your other teeth. Our team works closely with implant surgeons to ensure your final result looks beautiful and lasts for years.
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Root Canals
Nobody gets excited about hearing they need a root canal, but this treatment often saves teeth that would otherwise require extraction. When infection or deep decay reaches the inner pulp of your tooth, a root canal removes the damaged tissue, cleans the interior thoroughly, and seals everything to prevent future problems. We then place a crown over the treated tooth to protect it and restore full function.
Why Restorative Dentistry Dearborn Patients Choose Our Practice
Dr. Gagnon-Saleeby and our entire staff treat every patient like family. We’ve built our practice on relationships that last for years—even decades. You’re not just another appointment on the schedule when you come here. We remember your name, concerns, and goals for your smile.
Restorative dentistry Dearborn residents trust us to provide requires skill and genuine compassion. Dental problems often come with anxiety, discomfort, and worry about costs. We address all these concerns openly and honestly. If you’re nervous about a procedure, we’ll explain exactly what to expect and ensure you feel comfortable before we start.
Our comprehensive services mean you can receive most dental care under one roof. You won’t bounce between multiple offices trying to coordinate different specialists. We handle everything from routine cleanings to complex restorative work, making dental care simpler and more convenient.
The Connection Between Restoration and Prevention
Here’s something important to understand: restorative dentistry works best as part of a complete approach to oral health. We fix existing problems and help you prevent new ones from developing. After we restore your teeth, regular checkups and cleanings protect that investment.
When we ignore small problems, they turn into big problems. That tiny cavity grows deeper until it affects the nerve. That slightly chipped tooth can break further and require more extensive treatment. Meeting with our doctors for regular exams catches issues early, when they’re easiest and least expensive.
What to Expect During Your Restorative Treatment
Every treatment plan starts with understanding your specific needs. During your initial consultation, we’ll examine your teeth, take any necessary X-rays, and discuss your symptoms or concerns. Some patients come in knowing exactly what’s wrong—they broke a tooth or lost a filling—while others just know something doesn’t feel right.
We’ll explain which restorative options suit your situation and help you choose the best path forward. Treatment timing varies depending on the procedure. Simple fillings happen in a single visit, while crowns typically require two appointments. We’ll outline the entire timeline upfront so you can plan accordingly.
Most restorative procedures involve local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. You might feel pressure or vibration during the treatment but shouldn’t experience pain. Afterward, some tenderness or sensitivity is normal and usually fades within a few days.
Taking Care of Your Restored Teeth
Proper care can make restorative work last for many years. Brush twice daily, floss once daily, and keep up with regular dental visits. Avoid using your teeth as tools—no opening packages or cracking nuts with your teeth, no matter how convenient it seems.
We recommend a nightguard to protect your restorations if you grind your teeth at night. Grinding puts tremendous force on your teeth and can damage even the strongest dental work. A custom nightguard prevents this wear and protects your natural teeth and restorations.
Hard or sticky foods require extra caution, especially after getting new dental work. Your restored teeth are strong, but they’re not indestructible. A little mindfulness about what you eat goes a long way toward making your restorations last.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
Living with damaged or missing teeth affects every part of your life—from what you eat to how you feel in social situations. Restorative dentistry in Dearborn at Renewal Family Dental can change all that. We’ll rebuild your smile’s health, function, and appearance with treatments designed specifically for your needs.
Don’t wait for minor problems to become major ones. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, more comfortable smile. Dr. Gagnon-Saleeby and our entire team look forward to helping you achieve your desired results.