Do you have damaged or missing teeth? Are you looking for a way to renew your smile completely? Restorative dental care can improve the appearance and function of the teeth and gums. Restorative dental treatments can address missing teeth, dental injuries, gum disease, and bite disorders.
Restoring the function of your teeth, gums, and jaw joints will support your long-term oral health and your best quality of life. Dr. Rita Tempel offers comprehensive restorative dentistry in Gettysburg and helps patients renew or rebuild their smiles with a personalized treatment plan. She incorporates digital technology, advanced treatment options, and a skilled eye for the aesthetic when restoring your smile.
Restorative Dentistry in Gettysburg, PA
Our dental care team is dedicated to helping patients improve their smiles. Restorative dental treatment options can help you renew the form and function of your smile. These treatments can treat damaged and missing teeth, gum disease, and bite problems. Dr. Tempel will work with you to find the best treatment to help you bite, chew, and speak comfortably.
Dental Bridges
A bridge is a dental prosthetic that can restore one or more multiple missing teeth. Dental bridges can use crown-capped natural teeth or dental implants for support. Natural teeth on either side of a tooth gap are capped by crowns to support traditional dental bridges.
We also recommend small implants to secure a bridge easily. Implants are a great option if you have natural healthy teeth and don’t want to cover them with crowns.
Dental Crowns
Tooth crowns cover damaged, worn, and crooked teeth. We can also cover weakened teeth with crowns after a root canal or use crowns to cover implants. Crowns are made of ceramic caps that we color-match to the shade of other natural teeth. We work with local dental labs to create custom crowns that fit you exactly.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a small titanium prosthesis that an oral surgeon places in the jaw bone. Over time, the implant integrates to become a new tooth root. Implants can secure dental crowns, bridges, and dentures to create a more stable bite. We recommend implants for patients who want replacement teeth that last longer than traditional and removable restorations.
Periodontal Disease Treatment
Gum disease is an all too common dental problem. Patients who develop gum disease encounter bleeding, irritated, and swollen gums. Over time, as gum disease progresses, many patients can experience gum recession and even tooth loss. We offer thorough dental cleanings for patients with early gum disease signs. These cleanings can remove harmful bacteria from the smile.
TMD Treatment
TMJ disorders occur when the temporomandibular joints, which connect the jaw to the skull, are under stress. Patients who develop TMD can experience headaches, jaw pain, and teeth clenching and grinding. Night guards are one of the best options for TMD patients because they prevent tooth wear. Wearing a night guard also alleviates jaw pressure and can prevent morning headaches.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know more about this type of dental care? We can help. Read answers to these common questions about restorative dentistry in Gettysburg, PA.
Why should you replace missing teeth?
Even a single missing tooth can cause problems for patients. The remaining teeth shift to fill the gap left by one or more lost permanent teeth. As the teeth shift, they can overcrowd.
Harmful bacteria can also build up in the tooth gap or between overcrowded teeth. Missing teeth also create an unbalanced bite, which means more pressure on some teeth than others. Replacing missing teeth creates a healthier and more functional smile.
How do I know if I have bruxism?
Bruxism, or teeth clenching and grinding, is a common TMD symptom. Many patients also grind their teeth unconsciously during sleep or in the daytime. Tooth wear, morning headaches, and tooth sensitivity are some of the most common symptoms of bruxism.
Do I have gum disease if I have bleeding gums?
Not every patient who has bleeding gums has gum disease. Sometimes, patients may brush their teeth too aggressively. Patients may also have bleeding gums due to gum inflammation or gingivitis.
Gingivitis is not periodontitis or gum disease. But patients can get gum disease if gum inflammation progresses. We recommend that you brush and floss daily to reverse bleeding gums. If your symptoms persist, you can make an appointment with Dr. Tempel. She’ll see if you need a professional cleaning or more thorough treatment.
Do restorative dental procedures hurt?
We perform most restorative procedures with local anesthesia to numb the area and minimize pain. For more extensive procedures, sedation options are available to keep you comfortable. After the procedure, some mild soreness or sensitivity is normal, but it often subsides in a few days. Our dentist will guide you in managing any discomfort after your treatment.
How long do restorative dental treatments last?
The longevity of restorative treatments depends on the type of procedure and materials used and how well you care for your teeth. For example, fillings can last 5-15 years. Crowns, bridges, and implants can last 10 to 20 years with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. Our dentist can provide specific guidance based on your treatment.
How do I know if I need restorative dental work?
Signs that you may need restorative dental work include tooth pain, sensitivity, visible decay or damage, missing teeth, and difficulty chewing. Regular dental exams are the best way to detect issues early. Our dentist can identify problems before they worsen and need more complex treatment.
Before and after full mouth rehabilitation at Gettysburg Smiles.
Restore Your Teeth and Gums Today
Do you need to treat your injured or missing teeth? Are you looking for a way to reverse bleeding gums? Feel free to request a dental appointment with Dr. Tempel on our website. You can also call (717) 853-1552 for restorative dental care in our Gettysburg dentist office.
If you have any current dental concerns or have questions, let us know at your next dental visit. We’ll be happy to assist you.