Restorative Dentistry

If you crack a tooth or develop a cavity, restorative dentistry can prevent further damage and transform your smile. At his self-titled practice, general and family dentist Jason Ray, DDS, and the team use restorative dentistry to rehabilitate decayed and fractured teeth. To make an appointment, call the office in Santa Monica, California, or book online today.

What is restorative dentistry?

Restorative dentistry uses oral prosthetics, like crowns, bridges, and dental implants, to repair or replace damaged or missing permanent teeth.

If you chip or crack a tooth or develop a severe toothache, seek treatment immediately. The sooner you visit Dr. Ray and the team, the easier it is to repair your tooth and prevent additional damage.

What are some examples of restorative dentistry?

Dr. Ray and the team offer a wide range of restorative dentistry services, including:

Dental bridges

A dental bridge is an oral prosthesis that replaces a missing permanent tooth. Most bridges feature an artificial tooth and two crowns. Dr. Ray bonds the crowns to the healthy abutment teeth on either side of the gap in your smile. The crowns hold the bridge in position and prevent it from shifting.

CEREC® same-day crowns

A crown is a synthetic cap made of porcelain that Dr. Ray bonds on top of a damaged or decaying tooth. Getting a crown used to take two appointments, but thanks to the onsite CEREC® milling machine, Dr. Ray can manufacture and apply crowns in a single visit.

Dental fillings

A dental filling repairs damage to your tooth enamel caused by a cavity. Before applying the filling, Dr. Ray uses special tools to remove the decay. Then, he cleans your tooth and “fills” the area with a tooth-colored resin. After the resin dries, it restores your biting and chewing abilities.

Dental implants

If you’ve lost permanent teeth due to trauma, extractions, or poor oral hygiene, Dr. Ray and the team might recommend dental implants. 

Dr. Ray doesn’t place dental implants himself, but he can refer you to a nearby oral surgeon who does. After the implants finish fusing with your jaw, Dr. Ray can design and manufacture implant restorations, like crowns, bridges, or implant-retained dentures.

Dentures

If you don’t have enough jaw bone to support dental implants but want to replace missing permanent teeth, Dr. Ray might recommend dentures. Dentures are removable oral prosthetics. Partial dentures replace a few of your teeth, while full dentures replace an entire row of your teeth.

How do I care for dental restorations?

After you get a dental restoration, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene. Dr. Ray and the team recommend:

• Brushing your teeth twice daily
• Visiting the office every six months for dental cleanings
• Avoiding bad habits like nail-biting and chewing on ice cubes
• Wearing a mouthguard if you play sports

To see if you’re a candidate for restorative dentistry, make an appointment at the practice of Jason Ray, DDS, by calling the office or booking online today.