Restorative Dentistry in Charlotte, NC
When a tooth is damaged, decayed, or missing, it affects more than just your smile. It can make eating uncomfortable, alter the way you speak, and put surrounding teeth at risk over time. Restorative dentistry addresses these problems head-on, using proven treatments to repair your teeth and bring your mouth back to full function. Whether you are dealing with a single cracked tooth or multiple missing teeth, the right restoration can make a significant difference in your daily life.
At Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum, we take a comprehensive approach to restorative care that prioritizes both your oral health and your comfort. Dr. Ann Coambs and Dr. Shelley bring thoughtful, detail-oriented care to every treatment, ensuring each restoration fits naturally and functions reliably. Our Charlotte practice is designed to handle the full scope of restorative needs, from routine fillings to implant restorations, all under one roof.
What Is Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing or replacing damaged and missing teeth to improve oral health and function. According to the Cleveland Clinic, common dental restorations include crowns, bridges, and implants, each serving a distinct purpose depending on the nature and severity of the problem. General dentists like those at our practice are trained to provide this full range of restorative care.
The goal is always to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible while restoring what has been lost. Modern materials and techniques allow restorations to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, making it difficult to tell a treated tooth from a healthy one.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is used to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth. The bridge consists of two crowns placed on the teeth flanking the space, called abutment teeth, with a false tooth bridging the two crowns. The abutment teeth can be natural teeth or dental implants, depending on your situation.
Missing teeth do more than create cosmetic concerns. Over time, surrounding teeth can shift into the empty space, leading to bite problems and increased risk of decay. A bridge prevents this from happening while restoring your ability to chew and speak comfortably. If you have been living with a gap in your smile, our team can evaluate whether a dental bridge is the right fit for you.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Crowns are one of the most versatile restorations available. According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, crowns are used to provide a protective shield to a tooth weakened by a large filling or root canal, to support a bridge, or to cap a dental implant.
At our office, crowns are custom-made to match the color and contour of your natural teeth. Whether your tooth is cracked, severely decayed, discolored, or has an existing large filling, a crown may be the best way to protect it long-term. Our team will walk you through all your material options so you can make a confident decision about your care.
Composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, are used to treat small to mid-size cavities and minor tooth damage. Unlike traditional metal amalgam, composite resin bonds directly to the tooth surface and can be matched closely to your natural tooth color, making the restoration virtually invisible.
These fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture, handling the daily demands of chewing with ease. They work equally well on front and back teeth, making them a popular choice for patients who want a natural-looking result. If you have a cavity or older metal filling you would like replaced, our team can help you explore whether a composite filling is the right option.
Inlays and onlays are sometimes called indirect fillings because they are custom-fabricated in a lab and then bonded to the tooth, rather than being placed directly. An inlay fills the space within the cusps of a tooth, while an onlay extends over one or more of the outer cusps.
These restorations are typically recommended when a tooth has too much damage for a standard filling but does not yet require a full crown. They preserve more of the natural tooth structure than a crown while still providing strong, lasting protection. Inlays and onlays can be made from composite resin or ceramic materials, both of which blend naturally with your teeth.
Dental implants are the most comprehensive option available for replacing a missing tooth. A small titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over time and acts as a stable artificial root. Once healed, the implant is topped with a custom crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
Implant restoration refers specifically to placing the crown, bridge, or other prosthetic attachment onto a previously placed implant. Missing teeth can lead to bone loss in the jaw, difficulty chewing, and changes in your facial structure over time. Implants address all of these concerns by replicating the full structure of a natural tooth from root to crown. Our team is experienced in implant restorations and will help you determine whether you are a good candidate based on your bone density and overall oral health.
Restorative Care at Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum
Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum is a full-service dental practice in Charlotte that brings together general, cosmetic, and restorative care in one welcoming location. Dr. Coambs and Dr. Shelley are committed to staying current with the latest techniques and materials, offering treatments that are both effective and aesthetically thoughtful. Our team takes the time to listen to your concerns and explain your options clearly before recommending any treatment.
Whether you need a single filling or a more complex restoration, we are here to help you protect your smile for the long term. We welcome patients with and without insurance, and our membership plan makes quality dental care more accessible for those without traditional coverage. To get started, contact our office and schedule your appointment today.
