Restorative dentistry focuses on reestablishing oral health and function. Decayed, damaged, or missing teeth can all be addressed with custom restorative treatments at Peabody Dental Care in Santa Cruz, CA. For the convenience of our patients, we also offer sedation dentistry options to alleviate fear and anxiety.

Reasons for Dental Damage

Numerous factors can cause your teeth to become damaged. Some of the most common include:

• Genetics: Some people have a family history of conditions that can cause weakened teeth that can lead to breaks, chips, and other damage.
• Tooth Decay: When plaque is left on the teeth, you can develop tooth decay or cavities. Plaque is a sticky film that’s full of acids and bacteria that can penetrate the deepest layers of the teeth. Over time, the tooth can develop holes, cracks, breaks, or even fall out.
• Age: As people get older, years of wear and tear – such as daily biting, chewing, and grinding – can lead to damage. The enamel can become weaker, which makes teeth more prone to breaking, chipping, and more.
• Gum disease: Untreated gum disease can erode the supporting jawbone and increase the risk for infection and tooth loss.
• Medical Conditions: Diseases like diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disorders can wreak havoc on the teeth. Additionally, some of the medications used to treat these conditions can negatively impact your teeth.

During a consultation, Dr. Peabody will determine the cause of your damaged teeth. He will thoroughly assess your mouth to get a better understanding of the proper treatment to restore your smile and oral health.

Restorative Treatments

Some of the most common restorative dental treatments include crowns, fillings, and root canals. Dr. Peabody works closely with clients to personalize a care plan to meet their needs.

Crowns

Crowns are caps that are applied to a broken, chipped, or a cracked tooth that fits into your mouth seamlessly. This treatment is customized to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth.

Crown Procedure

To prep you for a crown, Dr. Peabody first shapes your tooth so the crown will fit securely. He will take an impression of the prepped tooth and surrounding teeth. The images are sent to a lab for customization. A temporary crown is placed until the permanent restoration is completed. Once the crown is ready, you will come into the office again, and the doctor will cement the crown in place with a strong dental bond.

Types of Crowns

There are several types of crowns that are made from different materials. Dr. Peabody will determine the best type of crown to use based on the location of the damaged tooth, its condition, and the look and color of your natural teeth.

• Full Porcelain Crowns – These restorations are ideal for the front teeth since they provide a translucent, natural look.
• Gold Crown – Gold is incredibly durable and can last for decades. Since crowns are visible when you smile, most patients only have them placed on back teeth.
• Porcelain Fused To Metal (PFM) – These restorations combine strength and beauty. PFM crowns have a metal substructure and a porcelain coating.

Dental Fillings

Fillings are used to address mild to moderate areas of decay or damage. Traditionally, dentists used silver amalgam fillings. Today, we offer tooth-colored composite fillings that blend in with your smile.

Replacing Old Fillings

Old fillings might fall out or no longer do an adequate job of protecting your teeth. If you have traditional silver fillings and want to upgrade your look, you can get them removed and opt for the more natural-looking tooth-colored fillings. Dr. Peabody can replace your fillings to restore tooth strength and give you an improved look.

Root Canal Therapy

If a tooth is badly damaged, bacteria can enter the pulp and cause an abscess. The only way to effectively treat an infected tooth is with root canal therapy.

During this procedure, your dentist removes the inflamed nerves, blood vessels, and tissues and replaces them with a biocompatible filling material. In some cases, a crown is added for support.

Treatments for Missing Teeth

No matter how many missing teeth you have, Peabody Dental Care has a solution. We offer a wide range of teeth replacement options, including dental implants, bridges, and dentures.

Our experienced staff works to find the best treatment to replace your missing teeth. Any plan is designed to suit your dental needs and fit your budget. Patients who choose restorative dentistry love to show off their brand-new beautiful smile.

Please contact us today to learn more about how to achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile.