NPD Blog

When your natural teeth have been damaged, are decayed or are lost you need restorative dentistry. This repair or restoration is referred to as restorative dentistry.  It is often multi-faceted care involving orthodontics (braces), endodontics (root canals), periodontics (gum treatment), implants or advanced prosthodontics (tooth replacement).

According to Dr. Ryne Johnson, prosthodontist and director of Newton Wellesley Dental Partners, most often, fillings, veneers, inlays, onlays, crowns and bridges are used in restorative dentistry.

Fillings – can be metal (amalgam) or plastic (bonding).

Veneers – generally thin, ceramic, custom-made over-lays are used to correct deficiencies in contour or color.

Inlays/Onlays – this procedure is an improvement over the conventional filling and often utilizes CAD/CAM digital impressions to create beautiful and exacting dental work.  Ceramics or gold alloys are generally the material used in this procedure.

Crown – A crown is used to cover a tooth and restore it to its normal shape and size. A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance.  It can be made of all-metal, all-ceramic or a hybrid of ceramic over a thin metal ‘thimble’.

Bridges – if you are missing one or more teeth, bridges are often used. Bridges help maintain the shape of your face and jaw, and relieve the stress in your bite by replacing missing teeth.

Dental Implants - if you are missing one or more teeth, implants can be used to provide support for a variety of dental options.

A prosthodontist has advanced clinical training and expertise. A prosthodontist is likely to offer the best perspective when evaluating your dental needs; ranging from orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, cosmetic care and traditional dentistry.
 
For additional information visit NewtonWellesleyDentalPartners.org

Full mouth reconstruction and full mouth restoration are terms to describe the process of rebuilding or simultaneously restoring all of the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws.

Full mouth reconstruction typically involves general or restorative dentists (performing procedures like crowns, bridges and veneers), and can incorporate a number of dental specialists unless you choose to use a prosthodontists whose is educated and skilled to perform all of the necessary procedures.

The need for full mouth reconstruction may result from:

• Teeth that have been lost due to decay or trauma.
• Teeth that have been injured or fractured.
• Teeth that have become severely worn as a result of long-term acid erosion (foods, beverages, acid reflux) or tooth grinding.
• Ongoing complaints of jaw, muscle and headache pain requiring adjustments to the bite.

Your prosthodontist will examine your mouth to determine the extent of the problem and your treatment options.
The condition of your teeth will determine what restorative procedures may be needed, such as porcelain veneers or full-coverage crowns, inlays or onlays, bridges or implants.

A stable bite, one in which you are not in pain when you close your mouth or chew and one that does not cause wear or destruction of your teeth, is important to your overall oral health. Occlusal changes need to be taken into consideration when your dentist plans your restorations.

The color, shape, size and proportion of your teeth, and how they appear in relation to your gums, lips, mouth, profile and face, are also important factors in full mouth reconstruction treatment.

Dr. Johnson does very sophisticated work and has performed this procedure multiple times for a whole spectrum of needs. He sees some of the most demanding, discriminating, and socially visible people in all of New England and is not intimidated by people who have set the bar very high. Contact Newton Prosthodontics to schedule an evaluation.