A damaged, decayed, or missing tooth can affect more than how your smile looks. It can change how you chew, make certain foods uncomfortable, or leave you wondering whether the tooth can still be repaired.
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing weakened teeth and replacing teeth that have been lost. At White Maple Dental in Lancaster, NY, treatment may include tooth-colored fillings, dental crowns, dental bridges, or implant restorations depending on what has happened to the tooth and how much healthy structure remains.
You do not need to know which treatment you need before scheduling. Dr. Nathan Riexinger and our team will examine the area, explain what we find, and walk you through the options that fit your situation.
Restorative dentistry repairs or replaces teeth affected by decay, damage, or tooth loss.
Sometimes treatment is relatively straightforward. A small area of decay may be repaired with a filling. A tooth with more extensive damage may need the additional protection of a crown. If a tooth is missing, a bridge or implant-supported restoration may be considered instead.
The goal is to restore strength and function while keeping the finished restoration natural-looking.
When decay or minor damage can be repaired without covering the entire tooth, a filling may be appropriate.
White Maple Dental uses tooth-colored composite material rather than metal-colored fillings. The material repairs the damaged portion of the tooth and is selected to blend with the surrounding tooth structure.
Some teeth need more support than a filling can provide.
A dental crown covers and strengthens a tooth that has been significantly weakened or damaged. Crowns may also be recommended after root canal therapy when a tooth needs additional protection.
Whether a filling or crown makes more sense depends on the condition of the tooth and how much healthy structure remains.
A missing tooth can leave a visible space and make everyday chewing more difficult.
A dental bridge is one option for replacing a missing tooth or teeth. Whether a bridge is appropriate will depend on the location of the missing tooth and your individual dental needs.
Dental implants provide a stable foundation for replacing missing teeth. Depending on the situation, an implant can support a crown, bridge, or denture.
If you are considering dental implants, we can evaluate your oral health and discuss whether an implant-supported restoration fits your treatment needs.
The type of restoration depends on what has happened to the tooth.
A filling may be appropriate when the damaged or decayed area can be repaired while leaving most of the tooth intact.
When a tooth has more extensive damage or needs additional support, a crown may be recommended instead.
The decision is based on the condition of the tooth rather than choosing one treatment automatically.
White Maple Dental offers dental bridges and implant-supported restorations as options for replacing missing teeth.
An implant may support a single crown, bridge, or denture depending on how many teeth need to be replaced and your individual treatment needs.
If you are weighing your options, the first step is finding out which approaches are appropriate for your smile.
Depending on the treatment you need, restorative dentistry can help:
The specific benefits will depend on the type of restoration and the condition being treated.
There can be more than one way to address a damaged or missing tooth, and understanding the recommendation matters.
Appointments at White Maple Dental are designed to give you time to ask questions and understand your treatment options before moving forward. Dr. Riexinger and our team will explain what we see, why a particular restoration may be recommended, and what you can expect from treatment.
We use gentle techniques and local anesthesia when appropriate to help keep you comfortable during restorative treatment. If you are concerned about discomfort, let us know so we can explain what to expect before treatment begins.
With proper care, many crowns and fillings can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Their lifespan varies depending on the restoration, the tooth, and how it is cared for over time.
We use tooth-colored composite materials for fillings. They repair the damaged portion of the tooth while maintaining a more natural appearance.
It depends on the extent of the damage and how much healthy tooth structure remains. A filling may work for a smaller repair, while a weakened tooth may need the additional support of a crown.
Yes. White Maple Dental offers dental bridges and implant-supported restorations for replacing missing teeth.
Yes. Dental implants can support a single crown, bridge, or denture depending on how many teeth are missing and your individual treatment needs.
A damaged or missing tooth does not automatically tell you which treatment comes next.
If something feels different when you bite, you have a damaged or decayed tooth, or you are considering options for replacing a missing tooth, we can examine the area and explain what can be done.
