Everybody knows that in order to look after the teeth and keep them strong, healthy, and white, you need to brush twice daily, floss, use mouthwash, watch your diet, see your dentist regularly, and maybe even have genetics on your side as well.

Needless to say, looking after the teeth is tough, and consequently restorative dentistry Perth services are currently more highly sought after than ever before.

Our dentists at Nedlands Dental Perth are highly trained, qualified, and experienced in all areas of restorative dentistry procedures. From a simple filling to a dental implant, and everything in between, we can provide all types of restorative dental procedures, all for very affordable prices.

What is restorative dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is, as the name implies, a form of dentistry which is carried out in order to restore the teeth and mouth and make them functional, and also aesthetically pleasing once again.

Put very simply, restorative dentistry is the art of restoring parts of the teeth which have been broken, damaged, or lost due to decay, trauma, or anything else for that matter. Chances are you, or somebody you know will have undergone some form of restorative dental treatment over the years, likely in the form of fillings, which are the most common example of restorative dental treatment.

Restorative dentistry is not just about having the teeth look healthy, it’s also about filling gaps in the mouth in order to ensure that the teeth are properly aligned and to persevere natural teeth whenever possible.

Different types of restorative dentistry

While restorative dentistry may be a bit of a general term, given the nature of the procedures involved, you will find that some of the more common types of restorative dentistry include the following:

White fillings

Fillings are the most common example of a restorative dental procedure as they are so commonly required, so inexpensive, and so simple for a dentist to do.

Here a dentist will remove any decay in a tooth and fill a cavity using a white material, usually porcelain, composite resin, or tooth-coloured plastic so that it doesn’t stand out and that it looks natural.

Inlays/Onlays

Inlays/onlays are similar to fillings, in that they’re designed to protect the teeth. The main difference, however, is that inlays/onlays are made in a laboratory and are custom-made and are then cemented into place.

An inlay is placed within a cavity, whereas an onlay replaces the tip of the tooth.

Dental crowns

Dental crowns are basically protective crowns/caps which are designed to fit over the top of damaged/broken teeth in order to protect them and also to keep them looking healthy and aesthetically pleasing as well.

Dentures

Dentures, also known as false teeth, are removable false teeth which fit firmly over the gums and are designed to replace missing teeth and eliminate any potential problems which may be caused due to gaps.

Bridges

A dental bridge is designed to basically bridge a gap in the mouth caused by missing teeth.

The procedure basically involves a missing tooth being replaced with a false tooth that is then bonded onto natural teeth located on either side of the gap.

Dental implants

Sometimes the teeth are so badly damaged/decayed that they cannot be saved and they will need to be removed. To replace them, dental implants can be used.

Dental implants are basically titanium screws which is screwed into the gums and jawbone, where they are then left to fuse with the bone. Once they’re anchored in place, a false tooth is then screwed onto the screw to serve as a replacement tooth.

Root canal therapy

Finally, root canal therapy is another very common example of restorative dentistry.

With root canal therapy, the goal is for your dentist to extract any bacteria or signs of infection from the pulp located within the tooth. Here, your dentist will access the interior of the tooth via a drill and then locate the soft tissue (pulp) inside the tooth. If it is infected, it will then be extracted cleaned, and filled.

Finally, the temporary filling within the tooth will be removed on a second visit, and the root canal filling will be inserted to seal the tooth and protect the interior from bacteria.

How much does it cost to restore your teeth in Perth?

We can’t give you an exact figure because it depends on what kind of treatment you require, and the complexity of your case. A person requiring just one filling for example, is going to spend considerably less than a person requiring multiple fillings, or dental implants.

In terms of price however, on one end of the scale we have fillings, which cost around $115 - $285 per filling. On the other end we have dental implants and bridges, which can cost between $3,000 and $5,500 per tooth/bridge.

Somewhere in the middle we have dental crowns, which will cost around $900 - $1800 for two crowns.

How long does tooth restoration last?

Again, it depends on what you have done in the first place.

Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with good oral hygiene habits, whereas a resin crown will last around 5 – 7 years on average.

Most restorative dental products/procedures however, last between 5 and 15 years.