Dental Implants

Not only does having a missing tooth detract from the beauty of your smile, it can also impede your ability to chew and speak. Dr. Keefe often recommends dental implants to fill in unwanted gaps. An implant is a prosthetic tooth that is attached surgically to your jawbone. This artificial tooth is chosen to correspond with the size and color of your other teeth so it can fit in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.

Dental Bridges

Another method for filling in holes left from a missing tooth or row of missing teeth is a dental bridge. Dr. Keefe provides three main types of dental bridges: conventional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges and Maryland (or resin-bonded) bridges. After examining your mouth, he will determine which approach will provide you with the best results.

Dentures

If you have many teeth that need replacement, dentures may be the smartest solution to restore your mouth. Thanks to advancements in dental materials and technology, today’s dentures not only look but feel much more like real teeth than they did for past generations. Dr. Keefe specializes in implant-supported dentures, which clip into implants in your mouth. Implant-supported dentures are more secure in your mouth than traditional varieties, thereby allowing you to talk and eat without additional problems.

No matter what your specific restorative dentistry needs are, Dr. Keefe will expediently address them so that you may, once again, have healthy teeth and gums that are free of pain. To schedule an appointment, please call 5 Mile Smiles at (509) 326-2621 today.

Restorative Dentistry FAQ

What’s the difference between restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is a subset of dental work that focuses on improving damaged teeth or replacing missing teeth to “restore” a healthy mouth. Procedures, such as dental crowns, implants, bridges and root canals, allow patients to eat, chew and speak normally without difficulty or pain. Many dental treatments fall under the restorative dentistry umbrella, and some of them may also be considered cosmetic under different circumstances.

While restorative dentistry focuses on the function and health of the teeth, oral tissues and mouth overall, cosmetic dentistry addresses the visual appearance of one’s smile. Cosmetic dentistry is any procedure that is not necessary for dental health, such as teeth whitening for tooth discoloration or addressing tooth imperfections with porcelain veneers, dental crowns or dental bonding. Dental insurance plans do not cover cosmetic dentistry options, but many restorative dentistry procedures are included or partially covered.

Will my dental insurance cover restorative dentistry?

Dental insurance often covers preventive care, such as dental exams, teeth cleanings and fluoride treatment. Some basic or major restorative dentistry treatments may or may not be included in a patient’s coverage. Our Spokane office can help you determine if the necessary procedure(s) to improve your oral health is covered by your current plan and discuss your financing options. Some patients may have full dental coverage for restorative procedures, while others are responsible for all or a percentage of the associated costs.

Our friendly staff is happy to file your insurance claim for you and can help you better understand your plan details. 5 Mile Smiles accepts dental insurance plans from many providers.

What are my options for repairing a chipped or broken tooth?

The best way to repair a broken or chipped tooth depends on the cause of the issue and the state of the tooth and its root. If there is tooth decay, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected pulp and clean the internal structures of the tooth. If our dentist can save the tooth, a crown is placed over the remaining tooth structure. Tooth extraction and a dental implant could be necessary if the decay is extensive. A broken tooth caused by a car accident, another trauma or eating hard foods can often be salvaged with a dental crown.

Improving tooth chips may be considered restorative or cosmetic, depending on how the tooth damage impacts your bite and oral health. Chipped teeth may be addressed with dental crowns, veneers or bonding. Full mouth restoration with multiple procedures could be necessary if you have several broken, chipped or decayed teeth.

What are the benefits of improving teeth with restorative dentistry?

A healthy mouth offers countless benefits, from an enhanced smile appearance and better functionality to symptom relief from tooth or mouth pain caused by a broken tooth. One of the most significant benefits of restorative dentistry involves dental implants for replacing one or more missing teeth. One missing tooth often leads to additional tooth loss because the jawbone relies on consistent pressure and stimulation from the tooth and its root to maintain bone strength. The jawbone can resorb quickly after tooth loss, causing remaining teeth to shift and loosen, making it imperative to replace a missing tooth to save the entire smile and jawbone health.

Dr. Jason Keefe, our expert dentist at 5 Mile Smiles, has extensive experience in endodontics and oral surgery, including root canals, tooth extractions and dental implants. He makes patients feel welcome and at ease during treatments and can restore a healthy set of teeth for patients struggling with damaged or missing teeth.