Damaged, worn or missing teeth can affect the way you eat, speak and feel about your smile. At Excellence in Dentistry, our dentists provide restorative dentistry in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to repair teeth, replace missing teeth and restore comfortable, dependable function with treatment planned around your individual needs.
Dr. Curtis Godfrey and Dr. Brock Russell both have extensive restorative experience. Dr. Godfrey has completed approximately 7,000 crown and bridge treatments throughout his career, while Dr. Russell has completed more than 2,000 fillings and restorative cases, more than 300 crowns and more than 15 bridges.
Our Restorative Dentistry Services
- All-on-4® Implants
- Dental Bridges
- Dental Crowns
- Dental Fillings
- Dental Implants
- Dentures
- Root Canal Treatment
What Is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing or replacing teeth that have been affected by decay, fractures, wear, infection or tooth loss. The goal is to restore the health and function of the mouth while preserving natural tooth structure whenever appropriate.
Treatment can range from a small dental filling to a more involved restoration such as a dental crown. Patients with missing teeth may benefit from options such as dental bridges, dentures or dental implants.
When Might You Need Restorative Dental Care?
Restorative treatment may be recommended when a tooth can no longer function comfortably or predictably without repair. Our dentists evaluate the condition of the tooth, surrounding tissues, bite and existing dental work before recommending treatment.
You may need restorative care if you have:
- A cavity or area of tooth decay
- A chipped, cracked or broken tooth
- A worn or weakened tooth
- An old restoration that is damaged or failing
- A tooth affected by infection or significant structural damage
- One or more missing teeth
- Changes in your bite or ability to chew comfortably
Not every dental problem requires the same solution. Our dentists will explain what they find and discuss the treatment options that fit the condition of your teeth and your long-term goals.
Repairing Damaged or Decayed Teeth
When enough healthy tooth structure remains, restorative treatment can often repair the damaged area and help preserve the natural tooth. Smaller areas of decay may be treated with a filling, while teeth with more extensive damage or weakening may require greater coverage and support.
For teeth affected by infection within the pulp, root canal treatment may be considered to address the infection and preserve the tooth when appropriate. A crown may then be recommended when additional protection is needed.
If a tooth cannot be predictably restored, our dentists may discuss tooth extraction and the options available for replacing the missing tooth.
Replacing Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can affect chewing, appearance and the way the remaining teeth function together. The best replacement option depends on how many teeth are missing, the health of the surrounding teeth and bone, your preferences and your broader treatment plan.
Dental bridges can replace certain missing teeth by using neighboring teeth for support. Dentures may be appropriate when several or all teeth need replacement. Dental implants provide another option by replacing the missing tooth root with an implant that can support a restoration.
Dr. Godfrey performs dental implant placement and related oral surgery, including socket grafting. He also uses CBCT imaging, digital design and guided surgical techniques when appropriate to support implant planning.
Restorative Dentistry Planned Around Your Bite
A restoration needs to do more than simply fill a space or cover a tooth. It also needs to work with the surrounding teeth and the way your bite functions.
Dr. Godfrey has advanced training in occlusion through Spear Education and considers tooth position, bite relationships and overall function when planning restorative treatment. His experience includes approximately 7,000 crown and bridge treatments, ranging from individual tooth restoration to more complex reconstruction.
Dr. Russell also has a strong restorative background, including more than 2,000 fillings and restorative cases, more than 300 crowns and more than 15 bridges. He has completed advanced continuing education in restorative dentistry and Spear’s Treating the Worn Dentition course.
Restoring More Complex Dental Problems
Some patients need treatment involving several teeth rather than a single restoration. Worn, damaged or missing teeth may need to be evaluated together so the bite, appearance and function of the entire mouth can be considered.
Dr. Godfrey has extensive experience with comprehensive and full-mouth restorative treatment. He completes more than 100 hours of continuing education annually with Spear Education, with advanced study in restorative dentistry, aesthetics, occlusion, comprehensive treatment planning and complex dental cases.
When treatment involves multiple procedures, our dentists can explain the sequence of care and how each restoration contributes to the overall plan.
Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry
Restorative treatment is primarily focused on health and function, but the appearance of a repaired tooth also matters. Tooth-colored materials and carefully planned restorations can help repaired teeth blend naturally with the surrounding smile.
For patients who also want to make aesthetic changes, restorative care may be coordinated with cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Godfrey has completed hundreds of cosmetic cases and combines restorative and aesthetic principles when appearance is an important part of the treatment plan.
Restorative Dentistry FAQs
What treatments are considered restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry can include fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants and other treatments used to repair damaged teeth or replace missing teeth. The appropriate treatment depends on the condition of your mouth and the problem being addressed.
Can a damaged tooth always be saved?
No. Our dentists will evaluate how much healthy tooth structure remains, the condition of the root and surrounding tissues and whether the tooth can be restored predictably. If saving the tooth is not appropriate, extraction and replacement options may be discussed.
How do I know whether I need a filling or a crown?
A filling may be appropriate when a smaller area of tooth structure needs repair. A crown provides more extensive coverage and may be recommended when a tooth is significantly weakened, fractured or has lost more structure. Our dentists can determine which option is appropriate after examining the tooth.
What are my options for replacing a missing tooth?
Depending on your needs, options may include a dental implant, bridge or denture. Our dentists will consider the location of the missing tooth, surrounding teeth, bone, bite and your treatment goals before recommending an option.
Can restorative dentistry improve the appearance of my smile?
Restorative treatment is designed primarily to restore health and function, but the appearance of the restoration is also considered. Crowns, fillings and other restorations can be planned to blend more naturally with the surrounding teeth when appropriate. Our dentists may also recommend a cosmetic treatment, such as veneers, teeth whitening or dental bonding to help you achieve your aesthetic smile goals.
Where can I receive restorative dentistry in Idaho Falls, Idaho?
Excellence in Dentistry provides restorative care for damaged, worn and missing teeth. Call 208-529-4321 to schedule an evaluation with our dentists and discuss your treatment options.
Restore the Health and Function of Your Smile
If damaged or missing teeth are affecting your comfort or function, restorative dentistry in Idaho Falls, ID, can help rebuild your smile. Call 208-529-4321 to schedule an evaluation at Excellence in Dentistry with our dentists and learn which restorative options may be right for you.