Restorative dentistry can be essential for many patients to maintain a healthy, functional smile. Treatments designed to repair damaged and decayed teeth, replace missing teeth, and address bite problems enable patients to enjoy the best quality of life and feel confident in both social and professional interactions.
Dr. Brent Engelberg, a dentist in Arlington Heights, IL, has extensive experience in restorative dentistry. He may be able to help you restore your teeth to full function by implementing a personal treatment plan tailored to your individual dental health and aesthetic goals.
During a dental exam and consultation, Dr. Engelberg will thoroughly evaluate your dental health, discussing personal concerns and expected results. Restoring your smile will not only benefit your dental health but also support overall physical health and well-being. The state of your dental health affects overall health, and scientific studies have consistently shown the connection between poor oral health and an increased risk for cardiovascular and systemic diseases.
Restorative Dentistry in Arlington Heights, IL
A damaged tooth requires treatment: Without treatment, a damaged tooth, whether cracked or chipped, can expose sensitive inner tooth anatomy to bacteria. Tooth decay, and eventually infection, can form, leading to discomfort and a greater risk of tooth loss. Fortunately, we can use a restoration, such as dental bonding or a dental crown, to repair the tooth.
We can treat decay with a restoration: Cavities can form due to injury or poor oral hygiene, weakening tooth enamel. Patients often experience tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures or toothaches due to cavities. We can use a tooth-colored filling made from metal-free composite resin to address cavities.
An infection must be addressed: A dental infection forms when decay allows bacteria to reach the inner pulp, your tooth’s nerve center. Without treatment, the tooth can die, allowing the infection to spread to other teeth. We can avoid this with a root canal, an Endodontics procedure that allows us to remove infected tissue and restore the tooth.
Many of our restorations are designed to be lifelike: We mentioned our tooth-colored fillings, but we also have porcelain crowns and veneers. Porcelain looks natural and can be shaded to better blend with your smile. We want your smile to look beautiful and for no one but you and our team to know you’ve had a restorative treatment done.
Restorative Dental Procedures
Dr. Engelberg may recommend one of these restorative dental procedures to replace or repair your teeth:
Restorative Dentistry FAQs
Will insurance cover restorative dentistry treatment?
Some comprehensive insurance plans will cover a portion of restorative dental treatment. Major restorative care is often in the third tier or class for dental insurance companies. We will work with you to determine if your insurance covers part of the treatment.
What are my options to replace multiple missing teeth?
You may be a candidate for a bridge, partial denture, or complete denture if you have multiple missing teeth. However, this depends on how many teeth are missing and where they are in your mouth.
If you have multiple consecutive missing teeth, we recommend a dental bridge. A partial denture can replace multiple lost teeth but renew teeth in different parts of the smile. If you lose all teeth in the upper and lower tooth arches, you will require a complete denture.
Can you whiten restorative treatments?
No, you cannot whiten crowns, bridges, or dentures. We can replace damaged and discolored restorations. However, our porcelain or ceramic materials for these restorations do not react to whitening treatment. When we provide restorations, we color-match them to your desired shade.
Can I get restorative dental care if I have a cavity?
Yes, depending on the extent of your infection, we can provide a root canal or extraction if you have a cavity. Treating the cavity first will ensure you are healthy enough for restorative treatment.
Are dental restorations removable?
Some traditional restorations, including dentures, are removable. However, we prefer dental implants to secure bridges, single crowns, or dentures. Restorations like dental crowns use dental cement to stay in place. Fixed restorations for missing teeth that use implants function like natural teeth and last longer than removable options.
Do I need a partial or full denture?
We recommend partial dentures if you have natural teeth remaining in your mouth. A partial denture can restore many rows of lost teeth. Alternatively, a full denture restores all of the teeth in the mouth.
Schedule A Dental Exam & Consultation
The first step towards restoring your natural smile is a consultation with Dr. Engelberg at Arlington Heights Smiles. We serve many local communities, including Deerfield, Long Grove, Northbrook, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, and other Chicago areas.
A consultation lets you learn more about restorative dental treatments and what is best suited to helping you achieve your goals. Bringing back a comfortable, functional smile will provide lasting benefits for all aspects of your life. Call our office at (847) 230-9703 or request an appointment online, and we will contact you shortly.