Restorative Dentistry in Chevy Chase, MD

Fixed prosthodontics offer several key advantages over direct restorations, particularly in terms of strength and aesthetics. These restorations provide enhanced durability, especially for larger repairs, ensuring long-lasting results. Additionally, fixed prosthodontics allow for highly customized designs, delivering a more natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance that closely matches the surrounding teeth.

Composite fillings harden instantly when your dentist applies a specialized blue UV light to your tooth. In most cases, you can eat right after your appointment. However, if your mouth is still numb, your dentist might advise waiting at least two hours before chewing directly on the treated tooth to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.

Dental fillings play a crucial role in maintaining the health and function of baby teeth. When decay is detected in a child’s teeth, dentists often recommend fillings to prevent further damage. These fillings not only treat the decay but also help preserve the natural teeth, avoiding the need for extractions.

Keeping baby teeth healthy is vital for a child’s overall oral development. Baby teeth act as placeholders for permanent teeth, guide proper jaw growth, and support clear speech. By addressing cavities with fillings, you help ensure your child’s smile stays strong and healthy, setting the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.

Dental insurance plans typically divide services into three categories:

• Class I: Preventive and Diagnostic Care

• • • Includes routine services like cleanings, X-rays, and exams to prevent and detect dental issues early.

• Class II: Basic Restorative Care

• • • Covers treatments for common dental problems, such as fillings, root canals, and simple extractions.

• Class III: Major Restorative Care

• • Provides coverage for more complex procedures, including crowns, bridges, dentures, and other extensive restorative treatments.

Understanding these categories helps you make informed decisions about your dental health and insurance coverage.

Full mouth reconstruction involves the comprehensive restoration or replacement of all the teeth in a patient’s mouth, revitalizing both functionality and aesthetics.

Indirect restorations, such as dental crowns, bridges, veneers, and implants, are custom-crafted outside the mouth in a dental lab before being precisely placed by your dentist. In contrast, direct restorations like dental fillings are applied and shaped directly within the tooth during your dental visit.