You may need restorative care if you have a cracked, decayed, worn, painful, or missing tooth. Other signs can include sensitivity, difficulty chewing, changes in your bite, or an older filling or crown that feels loose or damaged. A dental exam and imaging can help determine the cause and the best way to restore the tooth.

A filling repairs a small to moderate area of decay or damage. An inlay or onlay is a custom-made restoration used when more of the tooth needs support but a full crown is not necessary. A crown covers and strengthens most of the visible tooth when it has significant damage, a large filling, or has undergone root canal treatment.

Preserving your natural tooth is usually the first goal, but whether it can be saved depends on the amount of healthy tooth structure remaining, the condition of the root, and the health of the surrounding bone and gums. When a tooth cannot be predictably restored, your dentist will discuss replacement options such as a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture.

The lifespan of a restoration depends on the material used, its location, your bite, oral hygiene, diet, and habits such as grinding or clenching. With good home care and regular dental visits, many restorations last for years.

Modern restorative materials are designed to blend with your smile while providing the strength needed for everyday function. Tooth-colored fillings, porcelain crowns, bridges, and implant restorations can be matched to the shape and shade of your surrounding teeth for a natural appearance.

Missing teeth may be replaced with a dental implant, bridge, implant-supported denture, full-arch implant solution, or partial or full denture solution. The right option depends on how many teeth are missing, the health of your gums and jawbone, your goals, and your budget.

Full-mouth rehabilitation is a coordinated treatment plan used when several teeth or areas of the mouth need to be restored. It may combine fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, periodontal care, or other treatments to improve comfort, function, bite stability, and appearance.

The number of appointments varies based on the treatment. A filling may be completed in one visit, while crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, or more comprehensive rehabilitation may require multiple appointments and healing time. Your care team will explain the expected timeline before treatment begins.

Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for restorative procedures such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures. Coverage for implants and more complex treatment varies. First Choice Dental can review your benefits and provide an estimate of expected costs before you begin treatment.