Restorative Dentist and Prosthetic Dentistry: Natural-Looking Methods to Repair and Complete Your Smile

By Dr. Michael J. Wei, DDS – Manhattan New York City Cosmetic Dentist

If you have a broken smile, imperfect teeth, or pain while chewing, restorative and prosthetic dentistry can change your life. Wanting to look good and be confident in your smile is a big reason patients pursue restorative dentistry. However, there is nothing wrong with the simple desire to have a good foundation of oral health and teeth that are secure, strong, and permanent. Dr. Michael J. Wei is a Manhattan restorative dentist and prosthetic dentist who can improve your oral health and remake your smile into a healthy, stunning element of your appearance.

Types of Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry Procedures

Restoring your teeth to their original condition or replacing teeth with customized prosthetics are important solutions for oral health problems. While it may seem like a tooth that is missing from your smile is hardly cause for concern, the reality is that absent teeth can compromise the teeth nearby. Without proper support from their neighbors, other teeth can begin to deteriorate, creating even greater oral health problems.

The following restorative and prosthetic dentistry procedures make it possible for Manhattan dental patients to achieve a stunning and problem-free smile:

• Dental Implants: Dental implants have changed smile makeovers forever. This solution for missing teeth not only acts as a permanent placeholder in a compromised smile, it stimulates the jawbone. For aging patients, this perk is especially critical. When you are missing teeth, bone deterioration can occur and lead to sagging skin and sunken cheeks. No matter what age you are, missing teeth can age you. Dental implants are surgically placed in the jaw, taking the place of the natural tooth root. Once healed, a prosthetic, natural-looking tooth is attached to the implant. Your smile will be secure and complete so you can eat and behave normally without worrying about the security of your teeth.
• Dentures: Dentures have come a long way from the dentures of your grandparents. Innovations in denture construction have made them easier to care for and wear. Plus, modern dentures look like natural teeth and are much more comfortable that their predecessors. In some cases, dentures can be combined with dental implants for an incredibly secure smile makeover. To be a candidate for dentures, typically most or all teeth must be missing from a top or bottom jaw.
• Fixed Dental Bridges: When you have several missing teeth in one space, a dental bridge literally bridges the gap and completes your smile. A fixed dental bridge is secured in place by dental crowns which are situated on either end of the bridge and serve as anchors. The bridge is easy to care for and customized to blend in with your natural teeth so no one ever needs to know about your restorative dentistry solution.
• Dental Crowns: While dental crowns are an essential part of a dental bridge, they also work independently for many patients. A broken, jagged, or cracked tooth that needs to be covered is often repaired with a dental crown. The crown is prepared especially for each patient’s needs, appearing natural in color, size, and shape. After the tooth in question is prepped for the crown, this prosthetic tooth is permanently bonded in place. You can eat, speak, and chew without interruption or concern about the stability of your once-problem tooth.
• Root Canal Therapy: No patient ever wants to hear the term “root canal.” This procedure brings with it visions of unpleasantness. The reality, however, is that root canal therapy can protect your oral health in many ways. If a tooth requires a root canal, then the tooth is compromised in some way, whether by serious decay or abscess. The damaged nerve is replaced in the tooth canal, eliminating pain. A root canal makes it possible for a patient to keep their natural tooth, which means your smile is not compromised and remains comfortable and functional. A dental crown is typically placed on a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy.
• Tooth-Colored Fillings: When you have a cavity, getting it repaired by your Midtown Manhattan restorative dentist means you will receive a composite filling. Tooth-colored fillings are not only aesthetically pleasing, they are the safest way to fill a tooth. In the past, amalgam silver fillings were the obvious go-to method for taking care of tooth decay. Now, tooth-colored fillings are matched to your natural tooth color so no one needs to know that you’ve had a filling.

Don’t be ashamed of your smile. If you are suffering with pain in your mouth or oral health problems, visit your Manhattan restorative dentist and prosthetic dentist. There are solutions for your concerns, but you must seek out help to get the smile makeover you deserve. Contact the dental office of Dr. Michael J. Wei to schedule a consultation – find out what restorative dental procedures are right for your teeth.