Your Top 10 Restorative Dentistry FAQs Answered!

We heard you loud and clear! You have restorative dentistry questions, and Renew Dental Loft is here to answer them.

Our dentists were really excited to give you the facts because we believe in putting your needs first.

No more misinformation or half-truths that leave you searching for more answers!

We’ll start with the basics so you understand what restorative dentistry is and go from there.

Let’s get started:

FAQ #1: What is restorative dentistry, and how is it different from general dentistry?

General dentistry refers to the maintenance and care you need for continuous, optimal smile health.

Restorative dentistry focuses on restoring functionality and aesthetics to damaged smiles.

Here’s an example:

While a hygiene appointment (cleaning) prevents plaque and tartar from causing damage, a dental implant replaces missing teeth damaged by gum disease restoring your ability to speak and eat normally.

Additionally, restorative dentistry can range from a simple, single procedure to multiple procedures to treat your smile problems for lasting results.

Here’s a list of standard restorative dental procedures:

• Fillings
• Crowns & Bridges
• Full Mouth Rehabilitation
• Dental Implants
• Dentures
• TMJ Treatment
• Sleep Apnea Treatment

FAQ #2: What are dental crowns made of?

Despite sounding delicate, porcelain is the most common material used for crowns, as it’s tooth-colored and highly durable.

However:

Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials. The most common are metals, porcelain, resin, and ceramics.

When you get a dental crown, the material used depends on which tooth is being protected and the dentist placing it.

FAQ #3: What are the signs of TMJ disorders?

Problems with your jaw joining and the muscles in your face that control it are known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD). But you may hear it wrongly called TMJ, which actually refers to the joint itself.

The list of TMD symptoms is extensive, so the best way to find out if TMD is the cause of your symptoms is to consult a dentist like Dr. Nicholas Hoepfner, who specializes in diagnosing and correcting TMJ problems.

Here are a few of the most common TMD symptoms:

• Pain or tenderness in your face and jaw joint area when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide
• Problems when you try to open your mouth wide
• Jaws that get “stuck” or “lock” in the open- or closed-mouth position
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint
• A tired feeling in your face
• Trouble chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite
• Swelling on the side of your face

In addition to the above, you may also have generalized toothaches, headaches, neck aches, dizziness, earaches, hearing problems, upper shoulder pain, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

FAQ #4: Can mouthguards treat TMJ?

Wearing a mouthguard for TMJ is one of the quickest ways to reduce the effects of your TMD symptoms. They help your jaw stay in position and alleviate tooth grinding or clenching while being a simple but effective treatment for TMJ problems.

And: 

Since your bite, jaw size and placement, and other mouth features are unique to you, the device needs to be professionally fitted to your mouth.

FAQ #5: What can be done about my missing teeth?

The number one solution to replacing your missing teeth is with a dental implant. Their top benefit is they act like your natural teeth restoring function and preserving your facial bone structures.

FAQ #6: What are the main benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth.

And:

They’re designed to fuse with bone, so they become permanent. This means you get:

• A natural-looking appearance
• Improved speech and chewing
• Long-lasting comfort
• Easier eating
• Durability and convenience
• Improved oral health.

It’s important to use dental consultations to understand whether to pull your tooth or save it.

FAQ #7: Can a restorative dentist repair a broken tooth?

Yes! Your fractured tooth will be evaluated to determine the necessary treatment course.

Some common options for repairing a broken tooth include fillings, dental bonding, or placing a crown over the damaged tooth.

FAQ #8: Can a chipped tooth be fixed with restorative dentistry?

Depending on the chip, your dentist can repair small chips with fillings or dental bonding.

However:

A tooth with a large chip or crack may require more care since it could compromise the health of a tooth.

FAQ #9: Should I have my teeth extracted instead of trying to save them?

Here’s the simple truth:

It is always preferable to save a tooth.

Because:

1 – Natural teeth are stronger, function better than artificial ones, and are easier to care for.

2 – Pulling your tooth creates a gap in your smile, allowing the surrounding teeth to shift and cause problems with chewing, bite alignment, and jaw bone density.

3 – The resulting gap can harm your self-confidence if the pulled tooth is visible when you smile. We often see patients who have lost their joy because they are embarrassed about their lack of teeth.

4 – You’ll have to consider a dental device to eliminate the problem of shifting teeth. This means more dental visits, more expense, and sometimes more pain.

So:

While you may think that pulling a tooth is cheaper than fixing it, the truth is that replacing an extracted tooth costs more time and money.

And:

Choosing not to replace it will have physical and emotional costs.

Ultimately, you need to discuss options with your dentist to customize the answers to your oral health needs.

FAQ #10: Can I finance my restorative dentistry treatments?

Trips to the dentist can be scary—and that’s before you have to worry about paying for the bill.

But:

Restorative dentists understand how costly different procedures can be and offer flexible financing options to get the dental care you need.

From financing options and payment plans to maximizing your dental benefits, your dental team will help you figure out your budget and financial options. They’re the A-team you need to get the smile of your dreams – it’s what they do every day.

Are you looking for a restorative dentist in Schaumburg, IL?

As you’ve read, an experienced and skilled restorative dentist can take your damaged smile and restore it to the picture of health and beauty.

It’s easy to get lost in the world of dentistry, trying to figure out how your smile can be repaired, which is why we offer complimentary consultations at Renew Dental Loft.

Book your appointment below and get ready for the ultimate patient experience.

Or contact us by:

• Phone: 847-310-9090
• Email: info@renewdentalloft.com

Our dental office is located in Schaumburg, IL… This text opens a new tab to our office on Google Maps… and serves surrounding communities, including Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Palatine, and Roselle.