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Published: March 19, 2021
Last updated: June 03, 2021
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The Skinny
Dental care and dental health may not be a major priority, however, we only get one set of natural teeth. Popular procedures like teeth whitening and dentures populate ads and commercials, but many Americans struggle with lesser known tooth and gum disorders (learn more in our guide to Damaged Tooth & Gum Concerns). Professionals practicing restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and even regular dental checkups can help identify underlying causes and safe interventions for tooth restoration and gum health.
The Specifics
Who may consider tooth and gum restoration?
Any individual who has noticeable aesthetic disturbance, increased sensitivity or discomfort, or significant tooth or gum damage may consider a restorative procedure. Issues with tooth structure as seen in tooth decay from weakening tooth enamel, a missing tooth, and/or a damaged tooth typically warrant further evaluation. A discussion with a certified medical professional will help to determine what level of intervention is most appropriate for current symptoms and underlying cause.The Anatomy of the Tooth
What can you expect from a tooth and gum restoration procedures?
Depending on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause, the level of invasiveness will vary. Certain surgical procedures will require prolonged recovery while other outpatient procedures cause only mild discomfort and swelling. Additionally, some procedures require temporary diet modifications to allow for proper recovery and healing.When should you consider a tooth and gum restoration?
As with most health concerns, the sooner an issue is addressed the better. Identifying and correcting tooth or gum abnormalities in the early stages of disease, decay, or discoloration can limit the intensity of the needed intervention and improve outcomes. Candidates should also consider needed recovery time and activity/diet modifications.Why should you consider tooth and gum restoration?
A restorative tooth or gum procedure can have aesthetic, functional, and general health benefits. Increased confidence, decreased sensitivity, pain, or damage, and improved oral health accompanies the majority of these procedures. Fixes and corrections made now can have a significant impact on long term oral health.Professional Tooth & Gum Restoration Procedures
- Dental Bonding
- Overview: A resin is applied to decayed and damaged teeth to reinforce strength and improve appearance.
- Cost: $300 - $600
- Recovery & Results: Immediate results that can last up to 10 years with proper care. Mild tooth sensitivity for about a day.
- Dental Bridges
- Overview: Over the course of a few appointments a prosthetic is constructed to cover gaps in teeth alignment.
- Cost: $1,500 - $2,000
- Recovery & Results: Results, with proper care, can last up to 15 years. Temporary swelling and tooth sensitivity.
- Dental Crowns
- Overview: Involves placement of a synthetic material as a cap on the tooth to protect, restore strength, and enhance aesthetics.
- Cost: $1,000 - $3,000
- Recovery & Results: Sensitivity and swelling for one day with limitations on activity for two weeks. Immediate results that can last for multiple years with proper care.
- Dental Implants
- Overview: Multi appointment procedure that utilizes implanted artificial anchors to provide the foundation for fabricated teeth.
- Cost: $1,000 - $3,000
- Recovery & Results: Initial anchors require two to six months to fuse and heal. New teeth can then be placed. Results are permanent with proper care.
- All-on-Four Dental Implants
- Overview: Surgically implanted plates hold four sets of dental implants mimicking natural teeth eliminating the need for removal, adhesives and food restrictions (as seen in conventional dentures).
- Cost: $20,000 - $50,000
- Recovery & Results: Bleeding, swelling, and pain for 48 hours post op. Recovery continues for a few months. Immediate and permanent results.
- Dental Veneers
- Overview: Thin layers of composite resin or porcelain are applied to damaged teeth.
- Cost: $1,000 - $3,500
- Recovery & Results: Mild tooth sensitivity immediately following the procedure. Results last 10 to 15 years with proper aftercare, including a nightly mouth guard to prevent grinding.
- Laser Teeth Whitening
- Overview: Heat energy from lasers is used to whiten grayed/yellowed teeth.
- Cost: $400 - $1,500
- Recovery & Results: Avoid staining foods for one day. Final results seen within two days. Length of results dependent on aftercare.
- Gummy Smile Surgery
- Overview: Also known as a gingivectomy. Outpatient surgical procedure to remove excess gum tissue.
- Cost: $275 - $3,300
- Recovery & Results: Immediate and typically permanent results. Return to work after one day and maintain a soft diet for about one week.
- Gum Graft
- Overview: Tissue is harvested from the roof of the mouth and grafted over exposed areas of the gum line.
- Cost: $1,500 - $6,000
- Recovery & Results: Average recovery is about 10 days. Results are temporary and length is dependent on diligent aftercare.
At-Home Tooth & Gum Restoration
For over-the-counter, at-home solutions, a variety of DIY whitening kits and specialized toothpastes exist. White strips, whitening toothpastes, and whitening mouth rinses can have noticeable results at less cost, although regular and repeated treatments are usually needed. Special toothpaste for gum and teeth sensitivity can help with tooth or gum damage that is causing discomfort or pain, however, these are temporary solutions that do not address the underlying cause.The Takeaway
Nothing beats a natural set of healthy teeth, but, for many individuals, life (and genetics) have other plans. For those struggling with tooth and gum disease that impact quality of life, appearance, and oral health, extensive safe, effective, and trusted restoration options exist to bring back your beautiful, confident smile.
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Source List
- Ana Paula Brugnera, Samir Nammour, José Augusto Rodrigues, Eric Mayer-Santos, Patricia M de Freitas, Aldo Brugnera Junior, Fatima Zanin Clinical Evaluation of In-Office Dental Bleaching Using a Violet Light-Emitted Diode PubMeg.gov; 2019-08-22
- Medline Plus Malocclusion of Teeth MedlinePlus.gov
- Francesco Cairo Periodontal plastic surgery of gingival recessions at single and multiple teeth PubMed.gov; 2017-10-02
- Medline Plus Medical Encylopedia Malocclusion of teeth medlineplus.gov
