Restorative Dentistry in Howell, MI

Rediscover Confidence and Comfort: The Art of Restorative Dentistry

At Polasek Digital Dentistry & Schaefer Dental Group, located in the heart of Howell, MI, patients have the privilege of receiving exceptional restorative dentistry services under the care of restorative dentist Dr. S. Kyle Polasek. Whether you’re seeking to restore the function and aesthetics of damaged teeth, replace missing ones, or address other dental concerns, our practice is your trusted partner on the journey to achieving optimal oral health.

Learn more about our restorative dentistry services by calling our Howell office at 517-546-8983 or exploring our guide below.

What Is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is a branch of dentistry focused on the diagnosis and treatment of dental issues related to damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. Through a variety of dental procedures, restorative dentistry aims to bring back the health and vitality of your teeth and oral tissues, helping you combat issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss.

Benefits of Restorative Dentistry Services

• Improved Oral Function: Restorative dentistry procedures can enhance the functionality of your teeth, making it easier to eat, speak, and perform daily activities.
• Enhanced Aesthetics: These services can restore the natural appearance of your teeth, boosting your confidence and smile.
• Prevention of Further Damage: Restorative treatments address dental issues promptly, preventing them from worsening and requiring more extensive and costly procedures in the future.
• Pain Relief: Restoring damaged or decayed teeth and oral tissues can alleviate pain and discomfort, leading to a more comfortable daily life.
• Long-Term Solutions: Many restorative procedures are durable and long-lasting, providing a cost-effective investment in your oral health.
• Improved Oral Health: By repairing and replacing damaged teeth, restorative dentistry contributes to overall oral health and reduces the risk of gum disease, decay, and other dental problems.
• Customized Solutions: Restorative treatments are tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that the results are natural-looking and harmonious with your facial features.
• Enhanced Speech: Certain restorative procedures can improve speech, especially if dental issues affect pronunciation or clarity.
• Easier Maintenance: Restored teeth and gums are typically easier to care for, making it easier to maintain dental hygiene for lasting results.
• Preservation of Natural Teeth: Restorative dentistry aims to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, promoting long-term dental health.

General Restorative Dentistry Services

Same-Day Crowns

Same-day crowns offer an efficient solution to restore your tooth’s structure and appearance. Same-day crowns eliminate the need for multiple appointments and temporary crowns, providing a beautiful and resilient restoration in a single visit.

Utilizing advanced technology such as computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), our Howell dentist can create a custom crown on-site for a precise fit and natural-looking result.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges can provide a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution if you have one or more missing teeth. They consist of artificial teeth anchored by dental crowns on either side, using adjacent healthy teeth or dental implants as support. By replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge, you can enjoy the following benefits:

• Restore your functional bite
• Eliminate gaps in your smile
• Prevent other teeth from shifting into the open space
• Promote oral health
• Improve your appearance

Partial and Complete Dentures

Dentures and partials offer a removable solution for those missing multiple adjacent teeth or an entire arch of missing teeth on either the upper or lower jaw. These traditional restorations can significantly improve your oral function and appearance.

Partial dentures are designed to replace a few missing teeth, whereas complete dentures are used if the entire arch of teeth needs to be replaced. Both types of dentures are custom-made to fit your mouth comfortably and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, allowing you to regain a confident and functional smile.

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays, also known as indirect fillings and overlays, are custom restorations designed to strengthen and protect damaged teeth from further decay or damage. Crafted from durable materials that match the color of your natural teeth, inlays and onlays are an excellent solution for those looking to restore their teeth without compromising aesthetics.

Advanced Restorative Dentistry Procedures

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a procedure that can save an infected or damaged tooth and prevent further damage from occurring. During the treatment, our Howell restorative dentist will remove the infected pulp and nerves from the interior of the tooth, clean and disinfect the area, and then fill the tooth with a specialized material.

Contrary to popular belief, root canal therapy isn’t as daunting as it may seem and can provide significant relief from tooth pain and discomfort. By undergoing this procedure, you can preserve your natural tooth and restore its function and appearance.

Supplemental Procedures

Supplementary procedures may be necessary to support restorative dentistry procedures and ensure the best possible outcome. Examples of supplemental procedures include bone grafting, sinus lifts, and ridge augmentation, which can help improve the success of dental implants or other restorative treatments.

While they may sound intimidating, these procedures ultimately aim to enhance the overall health and function of your teeth and jaw, allowing you to enjoy the full benefits of your restorative dental treatments.

Implants & Implant-Supported Restorations

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a game-changer for those looking to replace missing teeth with a solution that closely mimics the function and appearance of natural teeth. Composed of a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone, a dental implant serves as a prosthetic tooth root, providing a secure foundation for replacement teeth.

Whether you need to replace a single missing tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants can provide a long-lasting and reliable restoration that will leave you smiling with confidence.

All-on-X

All-on-X is a revolutionary procedure that allows for a full arch restoration using a minimal number of implants to support a fixed denture. This treatment is ideal for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth and are looking for a more secure and comfortable alternative to non-implant restorations.

The All-on-X procedure typically involves the placement of four to six implants in the jawbone, which then securely support the arch restoration, providing enhanced stability, comfort, and aesthetics. Even better, All-on-X restorations are placed the same day as the implants, so patients can go about their lives without dealing with missing teeth any longer.

Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported bridges offer a more stable and long-lasting alternative to traditional dental bridges, as they don’t rely on adjacent teeth for support. Instead, these bridges are anchored by dental implants, allowing for a more durable and comfortable restoration. Like traditional bridges, implant-supported bridges can replace up to four teeth in a row.

By choosing implant-supported bridges, you’ll not only restore the function and appearance of your missing teeth but also preserve the health of your adjacent teeth, as no modifications are necessary.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures can provide a significant improvement in fit and function compared to traditional dentures. These dentures are securely attached to dental implants, which provide added stability and prevent slippage or discomfort.

With implant-supported dentures, you can enjoy the benefits of a comfortable and functional restoration that stays in place throughout the day, allowing you to speak, eat, and smile with confidence.

Cosmetic Dentistry and Restorative Dentistry

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding can easily address minor imperfections and irregularities in your teeth. It provides a quick and minimally invasive solution for enhancing your smile. This cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatment uses tooth-colored materials to:

• Repair chips
• Fix cracks
• Correct discoloration
• Reshape teeth
• Close gaps between them

Full-Mouth Reconstruction

Full-mouth reconstruction is a comprehensive treatment plan that combines both cosmetic and restorative dentistry procedures to completely transform your smile. By addressing multiple dental issues through a combination of treatments such as:

• Dental crowns
• Implants
• Bridges
• Tooth-colored fillings

Full-mouth reconstruction can significantly improve the overall health and appearance of your teeth. This personalized approach to dental care allows you to achieve the smile of your dreams while ensuring optimal oral health and function.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Tooth-colored fillings are a popular choice for patients who want to replace old metal fillings or treat new cavities with a more aesthetically pleasing option than traditional amalgam fillings. With tooth-colored fillings, you can maintain the beauty of your smile while effectively treating dental issues. Made from a composite resin material that closely matches the color of your natural teeth, tooth-colored fillings offer the following benefits:

• Blending seamlessly with your smile, providing a discreet and natural appearance.
• Durable and long-lasting, providing a reliable solution for cavities and decay.
• Don’t contain any metal, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or sensitivity.

Maintaining Oral Health After Restorative Procedures

• Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss Daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
• Use an ADA-Approved Toothbrush: Choose a soft-bristle toothbrush to avoid damaging restorations or natural teeth.
• Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visit Dr. Polasek for regular check-ups and dental cleanings, typically every six months.
• Maintain a Balanced Diet: Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products. Limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages, which can contribute to decay and erosion.
• Avoid Tobacco and Limit Alcohol: Smoking and tobacco use can lead to various oral health problems, including gum disease. Excessive alcohol consumption can also have adverse effects on oral health.
• Manage Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): If you grind your teeth, consider wearing a nightguard to protect your restorations and natural teeth from damage.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain oral health by keeping the mouth moist and aiding in saliva production.
• Protect Teeth During Physical Activities: Wear a mouthguard when participating in contact sports or activities that pose a risk of dental injury.
• Be Cautious with Hard or Sticky Foods: Avoid biting down on hard objects like ice or using your teeth to open packages. Be mindful of sticky foods that can dislodge restorations.
• Address Any Discomfort or Issues Promptly: If you experience pain, or sensitivity, or notice damage to your restorations, contact Dr. Polasek for an evaluation and necessary repairs.
• Maintain Good Overall Health: Many systemic health issues can impact oral health, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle can indirectly benefit your teeth and gums.

Frequently Asked Questions