Restorative dentistry

After your procedure and numbness wears off, you can resume eating as normal. You may experience mild sensitivity to temperature for a few days but this typically resolves on its own. 

When you receive a crown or bridge, mild sensitivity is normal for the first few days. We recommend avoiding very hard or sticky foods and maintaining your restoration with good oral hygiene. 

For single tooth implants, expect some swelling and mild discomfort for a few days following your implant placement surgery. For full-arch dental implants, this discomfort may last longer but will pass over time. When eating within the first few days of your procedure, start with soft foods and liquids. Gradually reintroduce harder foods as your dentist recommends or as you become more comfortable. If you have any questions regarding your recovery, please contact your local Aspen Dental.

Whether you’re getting extractions and a temporary denture, or you’re receiving a new denture, your mouth will need time to adjust and adapt. You may experience some soreness or difficulty speaking and eating initially, but this improves with time, practice and healing (for those who’ve recently had extractions). 

After a root canal, most patients return to normal activities the next day. Any discomfort typically resolves within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by your provider. 

By treating decay or infection, repairing damage or replacing missing teeth, restorative dentistry maintains your overall oral health by preventing the spread of infection or disease to other parts of your mouth or body. Poor long-term oral health has been linked to broader issues, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and more. By keeping your teeth in good condition, you’ll make eating easier, reduce your risk of infection and stay healthier overall. 

Most restorative procedures have excellent success rates when properly cared for after your procedure. For instance, dental implants have a success rate of over 98% when combined with good oral hygiene. Crowns, bridges and fillings last 5+ years or longer when maintained through regular checkups and proper at-home care.  

Look for a dental practice with experienced providers, advanced technology, transparent pricing and a reputation for compassionate care. Consider factors like location convenience, available appointment times and whether the practice accepts your insurance. 

At Aspen Dental, we meet all these standards by focusing on making quality preventative, restorative and cosmetic care accessible and affordable. We accept most insurance providers at over 1,100 locations to make getting experience, compassionate care simple and straightforward. Find a local office near you today to get started on care. We do not accept Medicaid.

It depends. Many dental insurance plans at least partially cover restorative treatments, especially procedures like fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures. Coverage varies by plan, however, so it’s important to review your policy or contact your dental insurance provider to see what’s covered for your specific plan. When you visit an Aspen Dental office, we’ll verify your benefits and coverage before starting treatment so you understand your financial responsibility upfront. While we work with most insurance providers, check with your local office today to see if your plan is accepted.

• Crowns cover your entire tooth to protect it and restore its function after damage or decay

• Veneers are cosmetic and cover the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance

• While both can improve how your teeth look, crowns provide structural support and protection, while veneers are for cosmetic purposes only.

Longevity depends on:

• Type of restoration

• Materials used

• Care and oral hygiene

• Restoration warranty (if applicable)

Many restorations can last you for years with good oral hygiene, regular dental visits and consistent home care.

Yes, many restorative treatments can directly address tooth sensitivity by repairing the underlying cause.

• Fillings seal exposed areas caused by decay

• Crowns protect worn and cracked teeth, or teeth after a root canal

• Root canals remove infected tooth pulp to alleviate sensitivity and pain

Your dentist can identify what's causing sensitivity and recommend the appropriate restorative solution. 

Modern restorative dentistry is not typically considered painful but discomfort is normal. With the latest technology in dental care, many procedures are performed with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout your treatment. Depending on your procedure, you may feel pressure but shouldn't experience pain during the procedure. Some mild soreness or sensitivity afterward is normal and typically managed easily with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients report that treatment is far less uncomfortable than they expected.