Restorative Dentistry in Durham, NC
Restorative Dentistry in Durham, NC
At Renaissance Family Dentistry, restorative care is guided by a simple principle: repair what needs repairing, and preserve what does not.
When a tooth is damaged by decay, fracture, wear, or an older restoration that is beginning to fail, our goal is to restore its health and function while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible. Just as importantly, we do not believe every imperfect tooth needs immediate treatment. When an area can be safely monitored, we will tell you that too.
A Conservative Approach to Restorative Care
Good restorative dentistry starts with an accurate diagnosis. We consider the condition of the tooth, the amount of healthy structure remaining, your bite, your symptoms, your dental history, and how the area has changed over time before recommending treatment.
We use digital X-rays, intraoral photographs, and other diagnostic tools to help evaluate areas of concern and to show you what we see. Our goal is for you to understand why treatment is being recommended, what the alternatives are, and what may happen if an area is simply monitored instead.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
For many small to moderate cavities, fractures, and worn areas, a tooth-colored composite filling can restore the damaged portion of the tooth while preserving healthy enamel and dentin.
Composite restorations are bonded directly to the tooth and can be shaped and shaded to blend naturally with the surrounding structure. We use them when they provide a predictable, conservative solution and when the remaining tooth is strong enough to support the restoration.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown may be appropriate when a tooth has lost enough structure that a filling alone is unlikely to provide reliable long-term support. This can happen after a large fracture, extensive decay, significant wear, or when an existing restoration leaves the remaining tooth vulnerable to further damage.
Crowns cover and protect the remaining tooth, helping restore strength, function, and appearance. We do not recommend a crown simply because a tooth has a large filling or because an older restoration has been present for many years. The decision is based on the actual condition and prognosis of the tooth.
When a crown is the best option, we use digital scanning rather than traditional impression material whenever appropriate to create an accurate model of your teeth and bite.
Broken, Cracked, and Worn Teeth
Not every damaged tooth presents the same way. Some fractures are obvious, while others may cause intermittent sensitivity or discomfort when chewing. Teeth can also gradually lose structure from clenching, grinding, erosion, or years of normal function.
Treatment depends on the extent and location of the damage. Some teeth may only need a small bonded restoration, while others require greater protection with a crown. In other situations, the safest approach may be to monitor the tooth and reassess it over time.
Replacing Older Dental Work
Fillings and crowns do not need to be replaced simply because they are old. Many restorations continue to function well for years, and we are comfortable leaving stable dental work alone.
When we do recommend replacing an existing restoration, it is because there is a specific clinical reason such as recurrent decay, fracture, loss of seal, structural weakness, or another finding that changes the long-term outlook of the tooth. Whenever possible, we will show you the area directly with photographs or imaging so the recommendation makes sense.
Options for Missing Teeth
When a tooth is missing, there is rarely a single solution that is right for every patient. Depending on the location, surrounding teeth, bite, and your priorities, options may include a dental bridge, dental implant restoration, removable replacement, or in some situations simply monitoring the space.
We will review the advantages and limitations of the options that apply to you and help you choose an approach that fits your long-term goals.
See What We See
We believe treatment decisions are easier when you can clearly understand what is happening. Intraoral photographs, digital X-rays, and three-dimensional scanning allow us to document your teeth carefully and, in many cases, show you the exact area we are discussing rather than asking you to take our word for it.
Our role is to explain what we find, recommend treatment when it is beneficial, and help you preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible.
