A few weeks ago, we talked about cosmetic dentistry, which is also called aesthetic dentistry. Austin dentist Dr. Stephen Van Wicklen is renowned in the art of aesthetic dentistry, but he is also highly skilled in another popular form of dental care: prosthetic dentistry.
What is Prosthetic Dentistry?
Because your teeth are a functioning mechanism that are designed to help you bite, chew, speak, and smile, your teeth endure extreme pressures and temperatures everyday, and it comes as no surprise that your teeth are subject to a great amount of wear and tear over the years. Repairing this wear and tear is where Dr. Van Wicklen and prosthetic dentistry come into play.
Prosthetic dentistry, which is also referred to as restorative dentistry, is the restoration or replacement of the teeth.
Just like cosmetic—or aesthetic—dentistry deals directly with the appearance of your teeth, restorative—or prosthetic—dentistry deals directly with the structure of your teeth, and you have many options when it comes to repairing and restoring your dental mechanisms and oral structures.
Which Prosthetic Dental Services Can I Choose From?
Dr. Van Wicklen offers the following restorative dental procedures, in addition to other procedures, at our Austin dentist office:
- Dental Bonding: Using safe and durable composite resin, Dr. Van Wicklen can restore structure and appearance to a tooth that is cracked, chipped, gapped, or severely stained.
- Dental Crowns: Also using composite resin, Dr. Van Wicklen can use an all-white dental crown to restore strength and function to a tooth that has undergone a root canal or has been severely damaged, usually as a result of injury or infection.
- Dental Bridges: Designed to blend seamlessly with your natural tooth structure, dental bridges literally bridge the gap of a space left by a missing tooth or series of teeth. Securely affixed to surrounding teeth, a dental bridge offers the strength, function, and appearance of natural teeth.
- Composite Fillings: Much like traditional amalgam dental fillings, composite dental fillings restore function and health to a decayed tooth. Unlike traditional dental fillings, however, composite fillings will not break down and leak and are tooth-colored, so they blend in with your natural tooth structure.
To find out if you’re a candidate for restorative dentistry or to reserve an appointment with Dr. Van Wicklen, call our Austin dentist office at (512) 448-3131 or visit us online at southaustindentist.com.
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