Dana Keith DDS Silver Spring & Cloverly, MD

What is Restorative Dentistry?

In a nutshell, restorative dentistry translates to the management of oral health problems and the process of getting oral health back to functioning properly while also looking good. The goal is to keep the natural mouth as healthy as possible. This means preserving natural teeth and restoring them back to their best possible health whether that is through a bridge, crown, dental implants, or another service. Not only is it important to restore the functionality of the teeth but to provide a smile that you can be confident about.

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Dana Keith DDS Silver Spring & Cloverly, MD
Dana Keith DDS Silver Spring & Cloverly, MD
Dana Keith DDS Silver Spring & Cloverly, MD
Dana Keith DDS Silver Spring & Cloverly, MD

Resorative Dentistry Services

Bridges

Bridges are used to replace missing teeth, help maintain the shape of your face, or alleviate stress on your jaw. As the name implies, a bridge will “bridge” the gap between teeth with artificial teeth. Bridges can be made out of gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. They are bonded to the surrounding teeth for support.

Dentures

Dentures are natural-looking, removable replacement teeth. There are two types of dentures: full and partial. Full dentures are created for patients when there are no remaining natural teeth. Partial dentures are connected to the remaining natural teeth and are used to fill in the spaces where natural teeth have been removed.

Implant Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures allow patients to experience more stability with their dentures. They are used for people who do not have any teeth in the jaw, but do have enough bone to support a mini implant. The denture will have special attachments that allow it to snap onto the mini dental implants.

Most people with dentures for the lower jaw prefer implant-supported dentures because the lower jaw tends to provide less support and stability. If you choose, you can receive an implant-supported denture in either the upper or lower jaw.

Have a question about Dental Implants? Check out our FAQ’s!

Crowns

When a patient requires a filling where there is insufficient tooth strength to hold one, the typical procedure involves placing a crown on the tooth. The crown will then act as the new outer layer of the tooth. The crown is created in a lab using impressions made from your teeth to ensure that the fit is perfect and unnoticeable. The preferred material for making crowns is porcelain, because it most accurately replicates a tooth’s appearance and strength.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is a synthetic tooth, both root and crown, that can be securely grafted into the place of a missing tooth. Usually the root is made from a titanium screw. Once affixed, human bone will naturally grow around and graft to the metal of the screw, anchoring it in place. Once the screw is secure it is topped with a permanent or removable crown that will blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile.

Dental implants by Dr. Kwakye are versatile. If you are missing one tooth, or several teeth, dental implants can restore the entirety of your smile. With just one tooth, a single dental implant can be used to fill the space. If you are missing several teeth in a row, dental implants can be used to anchor bridges to increase stability. Implants look, function, and feel like your natural teeth. If maintained correctly, they can last a lifetime!

Have a question about Dental Implants? Check out our FAQ’s!

Root Canal Therapy

If you have a diseased nerve, you don’t need to have your whole tooth removed. In modern dentistry, there is a root canal procedure that allows you to keep your natural tooth. During this procedure, the dentist removes damaged tissue, then cleans and seals the interior of the tooth. Finally, the dentist fills the tooth with a dental composite. It is important not to let diseased tissue remain in teeth, as this can allow bacteria to enter the pulp tissue and result in painful infections. If left untreated, an abscess may form. This can not only injure your jawbone, but it is also detrimental to your overall health.

Mini Implants

A mini implant is made from miniature-sized titanium implants that act like the root of your tooth. The top of the implant has a retaining fixture that snaps into a corresponding fixture on your denture. Mini implants are about half the size of a traditional implant. They are roughly the diameter of a toothpick and can be very favorable for patients who have experienced a significant amount of bone loss. A mini implant provides a more comfortable, stable denture that enables you to enjoy your life without the constant concern regarding your teeth.