Restorative Dentistry

Restorative Dentistry Fairbanks, AK

Restorative dentistry includes cosmetic procedures to restore the functionality of your teeth and give you back a healthy smile.
When someone loses a tooth due to periodontal disease or a mouth injury, the surrounding teeth will often try to fill in for the one that is missing and may shift out of place, affecting the way you bite or chew due to the absence of that tooth. Restoring a missing tooth with a crown and bridge keeps that from happening and keeps the rest of your teeth healthy.
A crown can cover a weakened tooth or one that has been damaged by tooth decay. When a tooth becomes cracked or gets a hole from a cavity, that tooth often becomes very sensitive to heat and cold. Covering it with a crown protects it from further damage and eases the pain caused by thinning enamel.

Restorative Dentistry for Children
In addition to offering the best restorative dentistry for adults, Dr. Yamamoto also offers this service for kids. Kids who are in elementary school are beginning to get their permanent teeth and should understand how important it is to take good care of their teeth. In the event they need restorative dentistry due to an injury on the playground or while participating in sports, call our office for a consultation. The quicker we can get them assessed, the quicker we can start treatment.
Reducing pain and preventing infection are important steps to preventing further damage to the teeth or surrounding teeth. One method that works very well for cracked, chipped, or broken teeth is bonding. A tooth-colored material is used to fill and shape the tooth to restore the tooth to its full functionality. The material is hardened using a dental light, and the tooth is as good as new in just one visit. The procedure is painless, and as the child grows, the space around the tooth can be filled in as the tooth grows longer and taller.
Dental amalgam or silver fillings can also be used. Since primary or “baby” teeth will only be in the child’s mouth until the child is between the ages of six to twelve years, silver fillings can be an effective and less expensive way to maintain the health of the primary dentition when cavities are found.


Restorative Dentistry for Seniors
A number of Dr. Yamamoto’s patients are seniors who have lost a tooth but didn’t seek restoration. Many older adults get in that habit of adjusting to situations, not realizing that there are treatments available to solve the issue without having to go to dentures. Our mission is to teach our patients that saving their teeth is one of the most important things they can do for dental health.
Restoring your teeth is not just about looks. Changes that occur when you have a missing tooth can affect your mouth and jaw. Your bite is altered, and your back teeth—the teeth you use to chew—may not line up properly with the front teeth, making chewing food difficult. Infection can set in with a broken tooth, which can lead to periodontal disease and the loss of the tooth or other teeth.
Many seniors, especially women, are at risk of bone loss, depending on their diet and general health. Bone loss can lead to a loss of height (shrinking) and a change in appearance. Your face may appear sunken in and hollowed around the cheeks. The jawbone will also shrink because it is not being stimulated enough.


Emergency Restorations
Life is full of unexpected events, and an accident or injury to a tooth is a painful possibility. No matter the circumstances, we can help you by performing an immediate restoration the same day. The same procedure mentioned in the children’s restoration services applies here. The quickest solution is dental bonding. It is quick and takes very little time. This solution works well for chipped, broken, or cracked teeth and takes care of the problem right away.
While dental bonding works best for many patients, it may not be the right choice for everyone. In that case, we can also offer a veneer or a crown to correct the damaged tooth. These two options are a little more extensive and require two visits to complete.
A crown completely covers the damaged tooth to protect it and, in the case of thinning enamel, reduce tooth sensitivity. A veneer or bonded restoration, on the other hand, is a thin covering that is applied over the front of the tooth to protect it and restore the tooth’s natural appearance. Each option includes a temporary crown or covering for the tooth while the permanent cover is being made. You will need to be careful while the temporary crown is in place.


Restorative Dentistry That Produces Natural-Looking Results
Our restorative methods produce natural-looking results each and every time. There is nothing to fear when it comes to restorative dentistry with Dr. Brian Yamamoto. Dr. Yamamoto will ensure that your restoration is identical in appearance to your natural teeth, and you will leave our office with a beautiful smile. No matter what type of restoration you require, your crown or bridge will be created with natural-looking, tooth-colored materials to match the color of your other teeth. Once it is placed, you won’t be able to tell the difference between the crown and your natural teeth in appearance or function.
You will have the option of tooth-colored composite, cosmetic zirconium, or porcelain crowns. You may also opt for time-tested silver alloys or gold, which will provide durability and are generally less expensive than the cosmetic alternatives.