Restorative Dental Procedures

What Is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry at Dr. Tex Mabalon Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry includes any dental procedure that concentrates on repairing or restoring impaired oral structures. This can entail procedures such as fillings, bridges, dentures, and dental implants, among others. The goal of restorative dentistry is not just to make your smile look whole again, but also to restore proper function so you can chew, speak, and smile with confidence. 

Unlike cosmetic dentistry, which focuses on enhancing appearance with treatments such as veneers or teeth whitening, restorative care is considered essential for your oral health. By repairing or replacing damaged teeth, we can prevent further problems, protect your natural smile, and help maintain the health of your jawbone and gums.

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Why Restorative Dentistry Matters

Missing or damaged teeth affect far more than appearance. Without treatment, you may experience:

  • Shifting Teeth: Gaps in your smile can cause surrounding teeth to move out of place.
  • Bite Issues: Uneven pressure on certain teeth can lead to premature wear or jaw discomfort.
  • Bone Loss: Without tooth roots to stimulate the jaw, bone density decreases over time. 
  • Difficulty Eating: Chewing may become uncomfortable or even painful. 
  • Speech Challenges: Missing teeth can affect pronunciation and clarity.
  • Lowered Confidence: Gaps or damaged teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile.

Restorative dentistry addresses these issues by giving you stable, natural-looking teeth that improve both function and appearance.

Most Common Restorative Dentistry Procedures

There are a few restorative dentistry procedures that Dr. Tex provides. Determining whether the procedure is for cosmetic purposes or if it’s truly necessary can help you save money. Here are some of the most common treatments:

Fillings:

The most typical type of restorative dentistry is a dental filling, which comes in either amalgam (metal) or composite (white). They’re used to reinforce and stabilize a tooth that has been weakened from cavities and decay, preventing further damage. Composite fillings in particular blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them a discreet choice for visible areas.

Crowns:

When a tooth has too much decay or structural damage to support a filling, a dental crown may be necessary. Crowns act like a protective “cap” that covers the damaged tooth, restoring its shape, size, and strength. They also protect against future damage, while blending in naturally with the rest of your smile.

Bridges:

Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth in a row. A bridge consists of a replacement tooth (or teeth) anchored by crowns on the healthy teeth next to the gap. This “bridges” the empty space, restoring both appearance and function. Bridges are a great solution when implants are not possible or desired.

Implants:

When tooth loss is more extensive, dental implants provide one of the most durable and lifelike solutions available. Implants replace both the visible tooth and its root. A small titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone, and after healing, it supports a crown, bridge, or denture. Implants restore chewing ability, prevent jawbone loss, and provide the most natural-looking results.

Single Dental Implants

For patients missing just one tooth, a single dental implant is often the best option. Unlike a bridge, which relies on surrounding teeth for support, an implant stands on its own, preserving the integrity of neighboring teeth.

Benefits of Single Implants

  • Jaw Pain: This is often the most noticeable symptom. You might feel a persistent ache, especially around your jaw joint, or a sharp pain when you chew, yawn, or speak. 
  • Headaches: TMJ issues often lead to frequent headaches. These headaches can range in severity, but mainly feel like chronic headaches. 
  • Jaw Clicking or Popping: Do you hear a distinct clicking, popping, or grinding sound when you move your mouth? This could be a sign of TMJ dysfunction. 

At our office, we both place and restore simple implants, making your treatment convenient and comprehensive.

Implant-Retained Overdentures

If you’re missing several teeth, or even an entire arch, traditional dentures may not provide the comfort and stability you need. That’s where implant-retained overdentures come in. By anchoring your dentures to dental implants, you get improved support, stability, and function compared to conventional removable dentures. 

We offer two options:

Snap-On Overdentures

These dentures “snap” securely onto implants and can be removed for cleaning. They won’t slip out of place, and they allow you to eat and speak with more confidence. 

Permanent Implant-Retained Overdentures

Permanent overdentures are fixed in place and can only be removed by your dentist. They function much like natural teeth and allow you to enjoy more foods without worry.

All-on-X Implant Restorations

All-on-X is a revolutionary treatment that uses four or more implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth. This treatment offers life-changing results for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth. 

It’s important to note: We do not place All-on-X implants, but we do restore them. If you’ve already had implants placed by an oral surgeon or specialist, we can create and fit the prosthetic teeth that complete your smile.

What to Expect from the Restorative Process

Every treatment plan is personalized, but most restorative cases follow these steps:

  • Consultation and Exam: We assess your oral health, take digital scans, and discuss your goals. 
  • Treatment Planning: Together, we decide on the best restorative options for your situation. 
  • Preparation and Placement: Depending on your treatment, this may involve implant placement, crown preparation, or denture fitting. 
  • Final Restoration: Your new restoration is placed, adjusted, and polished for comfort and appearance.
  • Ongoing Care: We provide maintenance tips and schedule follow-ups to ensure long-lasting results.

Caring for Your Restorations

To maximize the lifespan of your restorations, follow these tips:

  • Brush and floss daily
  • Use specialized cleaning tools if recommended
  • Avoid chewing on ice, pens, or hard candies
  • Visit us regularly for checkups and cleanings

Why Choose Dr. Tex Mabalon for Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is not one-size-fits-all. Every patient comes in with unique needs, goals, and challenges. That’s why choosing the right dentist is just as important as choosing the right treatment. At our office, we pride ourselves on delivering care that is advanced, comfortable, and tailored to you.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Experience and Expertise: Dr. Tex has extensive training in restorative and implant dentistry, ensuring you receive precise and predictable results. 
  • Comprehensive Options: From single fillings to full-arch restorations, we offer a complete range of restorative solutions under one roof. 
  • Patient Comfort: Your comfort is our priority. We offer gentle care, sedation options when needed, and a supportive team that puts you at ease.

Choosing Dr. Tex means choosing a dental team that truly cares about restoring your health, function, and confidence.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Restorative Dentistry

With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, implants can last decades—even a lifetime. The restoration on top may need replacement due to normal wear.

Yes, because they’re supported by dental implants, they will feel just like natural teeth. Overdentures are more stable and comfortable than traditional dentures.

Overdentures can be removable (snap-on) or fixed, while All-on-X is always a fixed, full-arch restoration. Both are supported by implants but serve slightly different needs.

Absolutely. Our crowns and bridges are custom-made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth.

Visit Our Sacramento Restorative Dentist

Your smile deserves the very best care. Whether you need a single filling or a full-arch restoration, Dr. Tex and our experienced team are here to help. We’ll restore not only your teeth, but also your confidence. Call us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, stronger smile.

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