Regain Confidence with Restorative Dentistry in Joondalup

Restorative dentistry focuses on restoring and replacing damaged or missing teeth. The primary objective is to improve chewing function, appearance, and overall oral health. It’s indicated for individuals with tooth decay, chips, cracks, or gaps due to missing teeth. Common signs that indicate the need for tooth restorations include:

• Persistent tooth pain
• Difficulty chewing
• Visible cavities
• Minor or severely damaged teeth
• Gaps from missing teeth

At Joondalup City Dental, dentists evaluate signs and symptoms to diagnose issues and recommend appropriate restorative treatments.

At Joondalup City Dental, we offer a wide range of restorative dentistry procedures to improve your dental health and restore your smile.

• Dental Crowns
  Dental crowns are like caps that dentists place over a tooth that is decayed or damaged to restore its shape, size, and strength. Unlike fillings that only replace the decayed part of a tooth, a crown covers the entire tooth and is usually made from more durable materials like porcelain, which can closely match the natural tooth colour. Dental crowns protect teeth from further damage and improve their appearance and function.
• Dental Bridges
  Dental bridges replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth or implants. They help improve chewing and speaking abilities and restore the natural contour of one’s smile. Bridges are custom-made to fit seamlessly with your remaining teeth, providing a natural look and feel.
• Dentures
  Dentures are removable dental prosthetics designed to sit over the gums to replace multiple missing teeth. They come in two types: complete dentures for replacing all teeth and partial dentures for replacing a few teeth. Dentures improve chewing, speech, and facial aesthetics, offering a functional and aesthetic treatment for tooth loss. They are custom-fitted for comfort and stability.

Crowns, bridges and dentures are restorative treatments available at Joondalup City Dental. They are designed to enhance your health and restore a confident smile. If you have further questions about how each option can help your dental problems, our friendly team is ready to help.

Restorative dentistry offers numerous benefits that significantly improve your oral health and quality of life.

• Enhanced tooth functionality:
  Losing teeth, either one, a few, or all, can affect proper oral function, particularly eating. Fortunately, restorative dental treatments replace missing teeth, which restores your ability to chew and bite comfortably, preventing further oral issues.
• Improved speaking abilities:
  Dental restorations like dentures and bridges fill the gaps caused by tooth loss. This can aid in improving the pronunciation of specific words and sounds, leading to clearer speech.
• Improve your smile:
  Replacing missing or damaged teeth with restorative dentistry treatments enhances your smile’s appearance, creating a natural, uniform look. This can have a positive impact on your confidence by making your smile more attractive.
• Preventing further damage:
  Dental procedures like fillings and crowns protect against further decay and structural damage to your teeth.
• Better oral health:
  Restoring missing or damaged teeth helps maintain proper alignment and spacing of other teeth. Such treatments also facilitate easier cleaning and reduce the risk of decay and gum disease, supporting overall oral hygiene and long-term dental health.
• Comfort and ease:
  A missing tooth can leave a gap in which food debris can get stuck, causing pain or tooth decay. Additionally, missing or damaged teeth can make speaking difficult and cause pain. Fortunately, replacing these teeth can alleviate such issues. For instance, well-fitted dentures, crowns, and bridges can prevent food from getting trapped, reduce discomfort, and restore your ability to eat and speak comfortably.
• Durability:
  High-quality materials used in restorations provide long-lasting results, reducing the need for frequent dental visits.

Each of these benefits contributes to an aesthetically pleasing and healthy smile. Our team at Joondalup City Dental will discuss the benefits of your restorative treatment so you can make decisions for your oral health.

Several factors can indicate you are a candidate for restorative dentistry:

• Missing teeth:
  If you have one or more missing teeth, you may be indicated for restorative treatments like bridges, implants, or dentures.
• Damaged teeth:
  Check if your teeth are broken, chipped, or cracked. Damaged teeth often require dental restorations like crowns to restore their function and appearance.
• Tooth decay:
  Teeth with extensive decay or cavities that cannot be restored with a dental filling may need dental crowns or other restorative treatments.
• Difficulty chewing:
  If you often experience difficulty chewing, restorative treatments can help improve your bite and overall oral function.
• Worn-down teeth:
  Teeth worn down from grinding or other issues can be restored to their former shape and function.
• Cosmetic concerns:
  If you have the desire to enhance the appearance of your teeth, restorative dentistry treatments can improve the appearance of your smile.

Consulting with an experienced dentist at Joondalup City Dental can help determine the appropriate restorative options for your specific needs.

The duration of restorative dentistry treatments varies based on the procedure:

• Dental crowns:
  The procedure for getting crowns usually takes at least two visits. The first visit is for tooth preparation and impression-taking, lasting about an hour. The second appointment involves fitting and cementing the crown, which takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
• Dental bridges:
  Dental bridges commonly require at least two appointments. The initial visit for tooth preparation and impression taking can last about 1-2 hours, and the second visit, dedicated to fitting and cementation, can take at least an hour.
• Dentures:
  The process can take several weeks and multiple visits to complete. Initial impressions, fittings, and adjustments can require several appointments, each of which usually takes about an hour.

Each patient’s needs and circumstances are unique, and the different types of dental services included in your treatment plan have varying durations. Hence, the specific time frame of your restorative treatment may vary. We highly recommend discussing your situation with your dentist at Joondalup City Dental to get a more accurate estimate.

Dental professionals take the necessary steps to make restorative treatments as comfortable as possible. Local anaesthesia is used to numb the teeth that will be reshaped in preparation for the restorations as well as the surrounding area. Additionally, dental sedatives are sometimes used to produce effects that keep the patient in a relaxed state.

During the procedure, it is normal to experience slight pressure or mild discomfort. However, note that it is usually not painful. Furthermore, once the anaesthesia wears off, there may be some sensitivity or soreness, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. It is important to inform your dentist of any discomfort experienced during your treatment.

At Joondalup City Dental, your comfort is always our priority, and we will take precautions to keep you comfortable during the treatment.

During a restorative dentistry consultation, you may expect the following procedures:

• Comprehensive dental examination:
  The dentist will conduct a thorough oral examination by visually checking your teeth and gums.
• Dental X-rays or digital scans:
  The dentist may take X-rays or scans to obtain a clear image of your teeth and jawbone. Based on this information, the dentist can assess the underlying issues.
• Dental history review:
  You will have a discussion of your dental history and any current concerns.
• Treatment plan development:
  Based on the assessment and information gathered, a personalised treatment plan will be made, outlining recommended procedures to achieve the patient’s smile goals.
• Detailed discussion:
  The dentist will explain the benefits, potential risks, and costs associated with each dental treatment option.
• Question and answer:
  Patients are given the opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns about the proposed treatments at this time.

On average, the cost of restorative dentistry procedures may range between:

• Dental crowns:
  The prices of dental crowns may start at $2,870 and go up to $5,455.
• Dental bridges:
  The estimated cost can be between $2,870 and $5,455.
• Dentures:
  Generally, the cost of dentures can range from $1,400 to $2,204.

These prices can vary based on the personal circumstances of the patients. They depend on a number of factors, such as the case’s complexity, the tooth replacement option, the materials used, and the location of the dental clinic. Consult a dentist to get an accurate quote for your specific treatment needs. You may contact Joondalup City Dental, and one of our team members can provide a specific cost estimate.

Here are the aftercare tips following a restorative treatment:

• Maintain oral hygiene:
  Proper dental care is important. Diligent oral hygiene minimises the risk of developing tooth decay, cavities, gingivitis, or other dental conditions that may compromise tooth restorations.
• Avoid hard foods:
  For the first few days, avoid chewing hard foods that could damage your new restorations.
• Use a soft toothbrush:
  Replace your old toothbrush with one that has soft bristles to avoid irritating the new teeth.
• Follow-up appointments:
  Attend follow-up visits to have your dentist monitor your healing and check whether everything is progressing well.
• Report any discomfort:
  Contact your dentist if you experience unusual pain, swelling, or sensitivity.

Many health funds offer to cover a portion of the cost of restorative dentistry services, which are often covered under the major dental work plan. However, there are differences between health fund policies, such as the required waiting periods and limitations to be eligible for the benefits.

Additionally, considering that each patient’s case is unique, dental cover could also vary. That’s why it’s important to review your health fund’s terms or speak with a representative to understand what is included. Consulting with your dentist and health fund provider can help you determine what costs might be covered when it comes to restorative treatments. You may also ask our friendly staff about other alternative payment methods.