We are currently accepting new patients!
We are currently accepting new patients!
Ever bite into something and feel a zinger, or catch your tongue on a rough edge and think, “This can’t be right”? That's your mouth asking for help. Restorative dentistry – fillings, implants, and crowns – is how damaged or missing teeth get back to doing their job: chewing, speaking, and looking good without a fuss.
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing or replacing teeth so your bite works well and feels natural. If a tooth has a cavity, a crack, or heavy wear, the goal is simple: restore strength and function while keeping as much healthy tooth as possible. In many cases, that’s a tooth-colored filling. When damage is more extensive, a crown adds a protective “helmet.” And when a tooth is missing, a dental implant steps in as the most lifelike replacement available.
Tooth-colored fillings bond to your enamel and dentin, sealing out bacteria and restoring normal shape. They’re ideal for small to moderate cavities or chipped edges. Because modern composite resins blend with your natural shade, the repair is discreet. Most fillings can be completed in one visit, and with good home care – brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing – they can last for years.
How do you know you need one? Sensitivity to sweets, mild pain when biting, or a dark spot you can’t brush away are common clues. The earlier a cavity is treated, the less tooth structure you lose and the simpler the fix.
A crown covers the entire visible part of a tooth, restoring strength after deep decay, a large old filling, fractures, or root canal therapy. Think of it like reinforcing a cracked phone screen with a sturdy case – except this case is custom-shaped and shaded to match your smile. Crowns are made from durable materials like porcelain or zirconia and are designed to handle everyday chewing without attracting attention.
Typical steps include preparing the tooth, taking a precise scan or impression, and placing a temporary crown while a lab crafts the final one. Once seated, your crown should feel natural when you talk and bite. Routine cleanings and a nightguard (if you clench) help extend its lifespan.
When a tooth can’t be saved, a dental implant replaces the root with a small titanium post. After it bonds with your jawbone, a crown is attached on top. The result looks and functions like a real tooth – no slipping, no taking it in and out, and no trimming healthy neighbors as with a traditional bridge. Implants also help keep the jawbone from shrinking in the area where the tooth was lost, which preserves your facial shape over time.
Most healthy adults can be candidates for implants, especially nonsmokers with good gum health. A 3D scan evaluates bone support, and if needed, bone grafting can prepare the site. Many patients say eating with an implant crown feels just like a natural tooth – because it’s anchored like one.
The best option depends on the size and location of damage, your bite, and your long-term goals. Small cavity on a back tooth? Likely a filling. Large fracture on a molar? A crown for coverage. Missing tooth with healthy neighbors? An implant to avoid touching adjacent teeth. Your dentist will also consider your oral habits, such as grinding, and your commitment to maintenance.
Good daily habits make restorations last: brush with fluoride, floss, and use a fluoride rinse if your cavity risk is high. Limit frequent sipping of sugary or acidic drinks, wear a nightguard if you grind, and keep six-month checkups. At these visits, your team checks margins, bite balance, and gum health – the small details that keep everything feeling smooth and stable.
Restorative dentistry – fillings, implants, and crowns – isn’t just about fixing what’s broken. It’s about restoring confidence so eating, smiling, and speaking feel easy again. If something feels off when you chew or you’ve been putting off a repair, a calm, straightforward plan can make a huge difference.
Ready to get comfortable with your smile again? Contact Shoreline Dental Studio in Fort Walton Beach at 850-462-5050 to Schedule a Consultation and explore whether a filling, crown, or dental implant is the right next step.
