The short answer
Restorative dentistry repairs or replaces damaged and missing teeth. That includes fillings, crowns (CEREC crowns can be made in a single visit), bridges, root canals, implants and dentures. The right option depends on how much healthy tooth and bone is left, and we explain the trade-offs before you choose.
Restorative Dentistry
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. A small titanium post is surgically placed into your jawbone, where it fuses with the bone to create a permanent, rock-solid foundation. A custom crown is then attached, giving you a tooth that looks, feels, and functions exactly like a natural one — no slipping, no adhesives, no dietary restrictions.
- Permanent solution — implants can last a lifetime with proper care
- Preserves jawbone density and prevents facial collapse
- Looks and feels indistinguishable from natural teeth
- No impact on adjacent healthy teeth (unlike bridges)
- Restores full chewing power — eat whatever you love
Restorative Dentistry
Dental Crowns & Bridges
Crowns are premier treatments for cracked, severely worn, or decayed teeth, as well as for those who have undergone root canal therapy. These restorations completely cover and protect compromised teeth, providing sturdy, full-coverage reinforcement that greatly reduces the risk of fractures and further deterioration from regular biting or chewing forces. Bridges fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth. These prosthetic solutions are securely anchored to neighboring natural teeth, known as abutment teeth, or supported by dental implants. By restoring both the aesthetics and function of your smile, a dental bridge enables you to chew, speak, and preserve ideal oral health with confidence.
- Restores function and protects weakened teeth from further damage
- All-ceramic options — no dark metal line at the gum
- Same-day crowns available with CEREC technology
- Bridges prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of position
- Natural-looking results matched to your exact tooth shade
Restorative Dentistry
Root Canal Therapy
When this sensitive tissue becomes infected, most commonly from advanced decay, trauma, or cracks, it can result in severe discomfort and jeopardize the tooth's longevity. Root canal therapy, also called endodontic treatment, is a specialized procedure designed to eradicate infection or damage within the pulp chamber, with the goal of protecting the natural tooth and relieving pain.
- Saves your natural tooth — the best outcome for your oral health
- Eliminates infection at its source and relieves tooth pain
- Modern techniques mean minimal discomfort during and after
- Prevents the need for extraction and more expensive replacements
- Most root canals are completed in one visit
Restorative Dentistry
Periodontal Care
Periodontal therapy is utilized to address infection at its origin, remove harmful bacteria, and restore optimal gum health. Treatment modalities span from conservative measures such as scaling and root planing to localized antibiotic application for persistent infections and, when necessary, advanced operative procedures to repair or regenerate compromised gum and bone tissue. By intervening early and delivering targeted care, periodontal therapy plays a vital role in safeguarding oral health and lessening the likelihood of tooth loss.
- Treats bleeding gums, bad breath, and gum recession
- Laser therapy — less discomfort and faster healing
- Prevents bone loss and tooth loss caused by untreated gum disease
- Links to whole-body health — gum health affects heart health
- Custom maintenance plans to keep gum disease from returning
Restorative Dentistry
Dentures & Partials
By occupying spaces left by tooth loss, dentures greatly improve both chewing efficiency and the visual attractiveness of your smile. These skillfully fabricated artificial teeth support facial structure, improve speech clarity, and restore functional bite dynamics. Dentures provide a reliable way to regain comfort, confidence, and oral health, making them an ideal solution for those who need to replace an arch of teeth.
- Custom-fit for maximum comfort and natural appearance
- Implant-supported options for superior stability
- Restores full chewing function and clear speech
- Supports facial muscles to prevent a sunken appearance
- Digital design process for faster turnaround and better fit
Restorative Dentistry
Tooth Extractions & Fillings
Simple extractions are categorized as the removal of fully erupted teeth, typically without affecting the adjacent bone. In contrast, surgical extractions address impacted or broken teeth, often requiring a gum incision, bone removal, or tooth sectioning to ensure safe removal. Performed by skilled dentists or oral surgeons under local anesthesia, these procedures are routine and generally followed by a recovery period of about two weeks. Expertly made from biocompatible, non-toxic materials, including zirconia, porcelain-based ceramics, glass, resin, and lithium disilicate, our tooth-colored restorations are carefully designed to replicate the natural shade and translucency of your teeth.
- Gentle extraction techniques with sedation options available
- Tooth-colored composite fillings that match your natural shade
- Wisdom tooth evaluation and removal when necessary
- BPA-free, metal-free materials for your health and peace of mind
- Bone grafting available at time of extraction for future implants
Common Questions
Restorative Dentistry FAQs
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care and regular dental check-ups, dental implants can last a lifetime. The crown attached to the implant may need replacement after 15–20 years due to normal wear. The success rate for dental implants is over 95%, making them the most reliable tooth replacement option available.
Does a root canal hurt?
Modern root canal therapy is performed under local anesthesia and is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a standard filling. Most patients report feeling immediate relief from the pain caused by the infection. Any post-procedure soreness is usually mild and managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
A filling repairs a small area of decay by filling the cavity with composite material. A crown covers the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line and is used when a tooth is too damaged or weakened for a filling alone — for example, after a root canal, large cavity, or crack.
Are tooth-colored fillings as strong as silver amalgam?
Modern composite resin fillings bond directly to your tooth structure, actually strengthening the tooth. They are highly durable for small to medium-sized cavities. Plus, they look completely natural and contain no mercury — a win for both aesthetics and health.
Related treatments
Written by the Scottsdale Dental Aesthetics team. Treatment is provided by Dr. Omar Karaboulad, DMD and Dr. Richard Alverson, DDS.
Last updated . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Call (480) 991-3244 to ask about your own situation.
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