Restorative Dentistry in Kansas City

Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing damaged teeth and replacing teeth that have been lost. Treatment may be recommended for tooth decay, cracks, fractures, wear, missing teeth or an existing filling, crown or bridge that is no longer functioning as intended.

The purpose of restorative treatment is to improve dental health and function, protect the remaining tooth structure and help you maintain a comfortable, stable bite. Many modern restorations can also be matched closely to the color and shape of your natural teeth.

The appropriate treatment depends on the problem being addressed. A small area of decay may be repaired with a filling, while a significantly weakened tooth may require a crown. Missing teeth may be replaced with a bridge, implant crown or another suitable option.

You may need a restorative dental assessment if you have:

• Tooth pain or sensitivity
• A cavity or visible area of decay
• A cracked, chipped or broken tooth
• A loose, broken or missing filling
• A damaged or failing crown
• Teeth that have become significantly worn
• Difficulty biting or chewing comfortably
• One or more missing teeth
• Food repeatedly becoming trapped around a damaged tooth or restoration
• Swelling, tenderness or other signs of infection

Some dental problems cause few symptoms during their early stages. A clinical examination and appropriate dental imaging are therefore needed to determine the extent of the damage and whether treatment is required.

Whenever a tooth is damaged, an important question is whether it can be restored predictably or whether another approach is needed. The answer depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains, the location of the damage and the health of the tooth’s roots, gums and supporting bone.

When a Tooth Can Usually Be Restored

A tooth may be suitable for restoration when:

• Decay or damage can be removed while leaving enough healthy structure

• A crack or fracture has not extended too deeply into the tooth or root

• The tooth has sufficient support from the gums and surrounding bone

• Infection can be treated successfully

• A filling, crown or other restoration can provide a stable and functional result

• The expected restoration can withstand the forces of your bite

Depending on the findings, treatment may involve a filling, crown, root canal treatment or a combination of procedures.

When a Tooth May Not Be Restorable

A tooth may be considered non-restorable when the damage is too extensive to support a predictable repair. Examples may include:

• A deep fracture extending into the root

• Extensive decay below the gumline

• Too little healthy structure remaining to retain a restoration

• Severe loss of supporting bone

• Infection or root damage that cannot be treated predictably

• Previous dental work that has failed and cannot be replaced successfully

A damaged tooth is not automatically beyond repair. An examination and appropriate imaging are necessary before that decision can be made.

How We Decide Whether to Restore or Replace a Tooth

Dr. Herre or Dr. Ketchem will assess the tooth, its roots, the surrounding gums and bone, your bite and any existing dental work. We will explain whether the tooth can be restored, the likely prognosis and the reasonable alternatives available.

If the tooth cannot be saved predictably, we will discuss what removal would involve and the appropriate options for replacing it. These may include a bridge, dental implant and implant crown, or another treatment based on your needs.

The correct restoration depends on the problem being treated and the amount of healthy tooth structure that remains.

This table provides general guidance only. Your dentist must examine the tooth before determining which treatment is appropriate.

Dental restorations are designed for long-term use, but no filling, crown, bridge or implant crown has a guaranteed lifespan. Longevity depends on:

• The type and size of the restoration
• The material used
• The amount of supporting tooth structure
• The position of the tooth
• Bite forces and tooth grinding
• Daily brushing and cleaning between the teeth
• Gum health
• Diet and decay risk
• Regular dental examinations and professional care

Large restorations and teeth exposed to heavy biting or grinding forces may require closer monitoring. A custom night guard may be recommended if clenching or grinding could place the restoration at greater risk.

Contact the practice if a restoration becomes loose or damaged, your bite feels different, or you develop persistent discomfort or sensitivity.

Herre Holistic Dental KC provides several restorative options at our Leawood office. The treatment recommended will depend on whether the tooth needs to be repaired, protected or replaced.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

A filling repairs a localized area of decay or minor damage. The affected portion of the tooth is removed and the space is restored with a dental material that helps return the tooth to its natural shape and function.

Herre Holistic Dental KC does not place dental amalgam fillings. Instead, we use tooth-colored restorative materials selected according to the tooth, the size and location of the damage and the forces placed on the restoration.

A tooth-colored filling may be appropriate for:

• Small or moderate cavities

• Minor chips or localized damage

• Replacing a failing filling

• Repairing a tooth when sufficient healthy structure remains

A filling may not provide enough protection when a large portion of the tooth has been damaged or weakened. In these situations, a crown or another restoration may be recommended.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown covers the visible portion of a damaged or weakened tooth. A crown may be recommended when a filling would not provide sufficient support, including teeth with extensive decay, large failing fillings, fractures or significant wear.

Herre Holistic Dental KC offers same-day CEREC crowns for suitable cases. The tooth can be digitally scanned and the ceramic crown designed, created and placed in our Leawood office during one appointment.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by suspending an artificial tooth between supporting teeth or restorations. A bridge can restore the space, improve chewing function and help limit unwanted movement of neighboring teeth.

A bridge may be considered when the teeth beside the gap can provide suitable support. Because these supporting teeth normally need to be prepared, we will also discuss whether an implant-supported option may be appropriate.

The condition of the neighboring teeth, the location of the gap, your bite and your oral health will influence whether a bridge is recommended.

Dental Implants and Implant Crowns

A dental implant replaces the root portion of a missing tooth with an implant placed in the jaw. After the implant has integrated with the surrounding bone, an abutment and implant crown are used to complete the visible restoration.

An implant-supported crown can replace a missing tooth without relying on neighboring teeth for support. Suitability depends on factors including gum health, available bone, the position of the missing tooth and your overall treatment needs.

Herre Holistic Dental KC provides implant crown restoration and will explain how the different stages of treatment will be coordinated.

Dental insurance may contribute toward restorative treatment when it is covered by your individual plan, but deductibles, annual maximums, waiting periods and out-of-network benefits vary.

Herre Holistic Dental KC is an out-of-network provider with all dental insurance companies. Our team can submit your primary dental insurance claim on your behalf. If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, reimbursement is determined by your insurance provider and is generally paid directly to you.

Payment is required at the time of service. The practice accepts major credit cards, cash, HSA and FSA funds, automatic bank withdrawals and personal checks. Zero-percent monthly payment options may be available for many larger treatment plans.

Visit our Payment and Insurance page or contact our team for current details.

Restorative and cosmetic dentistry can both improve the appearance of a smile, but they have different primary purposes.

Restorative dentistry repairs or replaces damaged and missing teeth to improve dental health, strength and function. Fillings, crowns, bridges and implant crowns are examples of restorative treatment.

Cosmetic dentistry primarily focuses on changing the appearance of otherwise healthy teeth, such as their color, shape, size or alignment.

There can be overlap. For example, a tooth-colored filling or ceramic crown can restore a tooth’s function while also blending with the surrounding smile. The primary reason for treatment determines whether it is considered restorative, cosmetic or a combination of both.

Examination and Diagnosis

Your dentist will discuss your symptoms and concerns before examining your teeth, gums, existing dental work and bite. Dental X-rays, photographs, scans or other records may be recommended when clinically appropriate.

Review of Your Options

We will explain what was found, whether the affected tooth can be restored and the available treatment options. This may include the benefits, limitations and expected prognosis of each approach.

Treatment Estimate and Insurance Information

You will receive information about the recommended treatment and associated fees. Our team can also explain the practice’s out-of-network insurance process and available payment options.

Restorative Treatment

The treatment may be completed in one visit or over several appointments, depending on the type and complexity of the restoration. We will explain the expected timeline before treatment begins.

Aftercare and Maintenance

After treatment, we will provide instructions for caring for the restored area. Regular dental examinations allow us to monitor the restoration, your bite and the surrounding tooth and gum health.

Tell our team if you feel nervous about dental treatment, have had a difficult previous experience or are concerned about discomfort. Understanding your concerns allows us to explain each stage, discuss appropriate pain control and plan your visit around your individual needs.

Local anesthetic may be used to numb the treatment area. Herre Holistic Dental KC also provides different levels of sedation for suitable patients based on the procedure, medical history and level of anxiety.

Sedation is not appropriate or necessary for everyone. A separate assessment may be required, and some forms of sedation involve preparation instructions and arranging transportation home.

Personalized Treatment Planning

We consider the condition of the affected tooth, your bite, existing restorations and surrounding tissues before recommending treatment. You will receive an explanation of the available options rather than a one-size-fits-all recommendation.

Tooth-Colored, Amalgam-Free Restorations

Herre Holistic Dental KC does not place amalgam fillings. Tooth-colored restorative materials are selected according to the needs of the tooth and the planned restoration.

Same-Day CEREC Crowns

For suitable cases, we can digitally scan, design, create and place a ceramic CEREC crown at our Leawood office during one appointment.

Restorative Options for Damaged and Missing Teeth

Our dentists provide fillings, crowns, bridges and implant crown restoration. When care from another specialist is appropriate, we can explain why and coordinate the next stage of treatment.

An Established Leawood Dental Practice

Herre Holistic Dental KC has served Leawood-area families across three generations, with the practice’s history beginning in 1953. Our team provides restorative care for patients from Leawood and throughout the Kansas City area.

If you have a damaged tooth, a failing restoration or one or more missing teeth, schedule a restorative dental assessment at Herre Holistic Dental KC. We will examine the area, explain the available treatment options and help you make an informed decision about your care.

Contact our Leawood office at 913-491-4466 or request an appointment