--- title: "Restorative Dentistry | Wildwood, MO Dental Office" description: "Restore your smile with expert restorative dentistry in Wildwood, MO. We offer crowns, bridges, implants, and more. Book your consultation today!" url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/restorative-dentistry publisher: Town Center Dental phone: +1-636-273-5866 quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment --- ![A treatment room with an intraoral scanner at Town Center Dental](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/_astro/scanner-operatory.DBMxNAgi_1SmOoK.avif) # Restorative Dentistry Restorative dentistry repairs or replaces teeth that are decayed, broken, worn or missing. It includes fillings, crowns, root canal treatment, extractions, and ways to replace teeth. Your dentist examines the tooth, explains your choices, and helps you plan the order of care so you can see the steps and your estimate before you start. [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866) ## From small to large Treatment ranges from a filling for a small cavity to crowns, root canal treatment or a full rebuild for larger problems. ## Saving the tooth comes first Dentists prefer to keep natural teeth when they can. Removal is for teeth that cannot be repaired. ## Plans can be phased Urgent problems can come first. Your dentist can set the order and the timing of the rest. ## Estimates are personal Town Center Dental gives each patient a personal estimate. Coverage depends on your plan. At Town Center Dental, our goal is to prevent dental problems before they occur. Unfortunately, this is not always possible due to poor oral hygiene, genetics, infrequent checkups, and other risk factors. This is why we also specialize in restorative dentistry. Our restorative services are designed to improve the function and aesthetics of your smile, as well as your overall oral health. ## [Dental Filling](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-fillings) [Dental fillings](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-fillings) are the best way to restore minor to moderate instances of tooth decay. Most fillings these days consist of a material known as composite resin. Composite resin is an aesthetically-pleasing material that we color-match to the existing shade of your enamel. For this reason, a composite filling is virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your tooth. ## [Dental Crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-crown) A [dental crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-crown) is a tooth-shaped cap that improves the structure and cosmetics of a damaged or decayed tooth. During the procedure, your tooth must be completely reshaped to accommodate the shape of the crown. Once the tooth is reshaped, we will permanently bond the crown to the enamel using a special adhesive. Many crowns are fabricated these days with porcelain, due to its unmatched aesthetics. ## [Dental Bridge](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-bridge) A [dental bridge](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-bridge) is a tooth replacement that typically consists of two dental crowns linked together by a pontic, or false tooth. A traditional bridge is supported by the two surrounding teeth, known as abutment teeth, that we reshape to receive the crowns. A bridge can also be supported by a series of dental implants if multiple adjacent teeth are missing. If you are missing a tooth, a bridge will prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of their proper position. ## [Dental Implant](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-implant) A [dental implant](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-implant) is a small titanium post that we surgically embedded into the jawbone. The implant serves as the root component of a prosthetic tooth. Once the implant is in place, it will fuse to the bone during the process of osseointegration. Osseointegration allows the implant to support a restoration against the strongest forces of your bite. For this reason, dental implants are widely considered to be the next best thing to your natural teeth. ## [Dentures](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentures) A [denture](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentures) is a removable appliance that is usually used to replace one or more missing teeth. A partial denture usually attaches to the surrounding teeth with metal clasps. A complete denture consists of a flesh-colored acrylic base that supports a complete arch of prosthetic teeth. We offer custom-fit dentures as a more comfortable, functional, and durable solution. ## [Tooth Extraction](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/tooth-extraction) There are two types of [tooth extractions](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/tooth-extraction): simple and surgical. We perform a simple extraction on a tooth that has already erupted above the gumline. We perform a surgical extraction on a tooth that has become impacted, or has yet to erupt, such as wisdom teeth. Extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection and other complications. ## [Root Canal](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/root-canal) A [root canal](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/root-canal) is a last-ditch effort to save a tooth from extraction. We may recommend a root canal if an infection has spread to the “pulpy” center of the tooth that contains nerve endings and other connective tissues. Once the infection has been removed, we fill the canals with a rubber-like material known as gutta-percha. A tooth that has received root canal treatment typically needs to be capped with a crown. ## Schedule an Appointment To learn more about our restorative services call [636-273-5866](tel:636-273-5866), and schedule your appointment now! Common tooth problems and the restorative options your dentist may discuss Problem Option your dentist may discuss What it does Small to mid-size cavity Filling Replaces decayed tooth with filling material Large filling, cracked or weak tooth Crown Covers the whole tooth to strengthen it and protect it Infected or badly damaged pulp Root canal treatment Removes the infected pulp so the tooth can stay Tooth that cannot be repaired Extraction Removes the tooth; replacement options follow Missing tooth or teeth Bridge, implant or denture Replaces the missing tooth or teeth Worn, broken or missing teeth across the mouth Full mouth rehabilitation Rebuilds the teeth in both jaws in planned stages ## How does my dentist choose between a filling and a crown? It depends on how much healthy tooth is left. The American Dental Association says tooth-colored fillings give good durability in small to mid-size fillings that handle moderate chewing pressure. When a tooth has a large filling and not enough tooth remains to hold it, a crown can strengthen it. Crowns can also protect a weak tooth from breaking, restore a broken one, and cover an implant. Your dentist looks at the cavity size, how much tooth is sound, where the tooth sits in your bite, and your goals. The aim is to use the smallest repair that does the job. Sometimes the dentist will not know until the decay is removed, so the plan may change during the visit. Read more on each option: [dental fillings](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-fillings), [dental crowns](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-crown) and [porcelain crowns](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/porcelain-crown). For a side-by-side look, see the [crown vs filling vs onlay guide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/crown-vs-filling-vs-onlay) and the glossary entry on [composite resin](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/composite-resin). ## When is a tooth saved, and when is it removed? Dentists try to save natural teeth. A root canal treats a tooth with a seriously damaged or infected pulp. The American Dental Association says root canals are used to repair and save your tooth instead of removing it. After the treatment, the tooth is usually restored with a filling or a crown. Some teeth cannot be saved. Cleveland Clinic says dentists usually recommend extraction when other treatments are not enough to save the natural tooth. Your dentist will talk with you about what comes after, since a gap can change how you chew and how nearby teeth move. See the [root canal](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/root-canal) and [tooth extraction](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/tooth-extraction) pages. If you will need to replace a tooth, the [tooth replacement overview](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/tooth-replacement) compares bridges, implants and dentures. For a rebuild across many teeth, see [full mouth rehabilitation](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/full-mouth-rehabilitation). ## How do we plan and pay for restorative care? Start with an exam, x-rays and a written [treatment plan](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/treatment-plan). The plan lists each tooth, the options for it, the order of care, and the visits. Ask which steps are urgent and which can wait. Town Center Dental gives each patient a personal estimate. It does not publish prices. The office can tell you what it knows about how your plan applies. A [pre-determination](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/pre-authorization-pre-determination) from your insurer, when your plan allows it, shows what the plan expects to cover before you commit. Phasing the work helps many people. You can handle urgent care first, then schedule the rest as time and budget allow. Keep in mind that waiting on an infected or broken tooth can lead to bigger problems, so ask your dentist what can wait. The [insurance and financing page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/patients/insurance-and-financing) lists what to bring. To begin, [request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment) or call (636) 273-5866. ## Restorative Dentistry at Town Center Dental - [Dental Fillings](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-fillings) - [Dental Crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-crown) - [Porcelain Crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/porcelain-crown) - [Root Canal Treatment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/root-canal) - [Tooth Extraction](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/tooth-extraction) - [Full Mouth Rehabilitation](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/full-mouth-rehabilitation) ## Questions about restorative dentistry [Read the guideCrown, filling or onlay: which does your tooth need?](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/crown-vs-filling-vs-onlay) ### What is restorative dentistry? It is care that repairs or replaces damaged, decayed or missing teeth. It includes fillings, crowns, root canal treatment, extractions, bridges, implants and dentures. Your dentist chooses options based on how much of the tooth is healthy and what you need. ### Do I need a filling or a crown? It depends on the tooth. Small to mid-size cavities often get fillings. A crown can strengthen a tooth with a large filling or a weak tooth. Your dentist examines the tooth and may use x-rays before recommending one. ### Is a root canal better than pulling the tooth? Dentists prefer to keep a natural tooth when it can be repaired. A root canal treats the inside of the tooth so it can stay. If the tooth is too damaged, removal may be the better choice. Your dentist explains both choices and what follows. ### Can my restorative work be done in phases? Often yes. Your dentist can put urgent problems first and plan the rest in order. A written plan shows each phase. Ask how long you can wait between phases without risking the teeth involved. ### Does insurance cover restorative care? Many plans cover part of fillings, crowns and root canals, with limits that differ by plan. Check your plan's deductible, yearly maximum and waiting periods. Town Center Dental gives each patient a personal estimate before treatment. ### What if I am nervous about treatment? Tell your dentist and the team. The American Dental Association suggests sharing your worries and agreeing on a hand signal for breaks. Nitrous oxide is one comfort option described on our sedation page. Ask what applies to your visit. ## Related services - [Dental Fillings](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-fillings) - [Dental Crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-crown) - [Root Canal Treatment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/root-canal) - [Tooth Extraction](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/tooth-extraction) - [Full Mouth Rehabilitation](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/full-mouth-rehabilitation) ## Sources - [ADA MouthHealthy: Fillings: tooth-colored](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/fillings-tooth-colored) - [ADA MouthHealthy: Crowns](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/crowns) - [ADA MouthHealthy: Root canals](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/root-canals) - [Cleveland Clinic: Tooth Extraction](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22120-tooth-extraction) - [ADA MouthHealthy: Anxiety](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/anxiety) ## Ready when you are [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)