Our Restorative Dentistry Services
Every smile has different needs, so we offer a full range of restorative treatments. Each service below has its own page with more detail, so you can learn what to expect before your visit. Our restorative services include the following.
Composite Fillings
Tooth colored fillings that repair cavities and blend in naturally with your smile.
Inlays and Onlays
Custom restorations for teeth with moderate damage that need more than a filling but less than a crown.
Dental Crowns
Durable, natural-looking caps that protect and rebuild badly damaged or weakened teeth.
Dental Bridges
Fixed restorations that fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth.
Dentures
Full, partial, and implant-supported options for replacing multiple missing teeth.
Root Canal Therapy
Gentle treatment that relieves pain, clears infection, and saves a natural tooth.
Implant Restorations
Replace missing teeth with implants that restore comfort and confidence.
Signs a Tooth May Need Restorative Care
General dentistry is for everyone, whether you have never had a cavity or have a long dental history. You do not need to wait for pain or a problem to schedule a visit. Our care is a great fit for several kinds of patients.
- Tooth pain, or sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Pain when you bite or chew
- A visible hole, dark spot, or stain on a tooth
- A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
- A filling or crown that feels loose, rough, or has fallen out
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums near a tooth
- One or more missing teeth, or teeth that are loose
- Dentures that slip, rub, or no longer fit comfortably
If you have severe pain, facial swelling, or an injury, please see our emergency dentistry page for guidance on what to do.
Planning for the Cost of Restorative Care
Many patients want to understand costs before they begin, and we are happy to walk through them. Dental plans often cover restorative services in part, although coverage levels, waiting periods, and annual maximums vary by plan and by treatment. Our team will review your benefits, explain your options, and provide a clear estimate before treatment begins. We accept all dental insurance plans except Medicaid, we are in network with Delta Dental Premier, and we offer financing through Sunbit for care that insurance does not fully cover.
Begin Rebuilding a Healthy, Confident Smile
You do not have to live with a painful, damaged, or missing tooth. Restorative dentistry can bring back your comfort, your bite, and your smile, and acting early often makes treatment simpler. Our team at Godfrey Dentistry in Somersworth, NH is ready to examine your teeth, listen to your goals, and guide you through every step. Schedule your visit today.
Book Your Restorative VisitFrequently Asked Questions About Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry is the area of dental care that repairs damaged teeth and replaces missing ones. It includes treatments such as fillings, inlays and onlays, crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants, and root canal therapy. The goal is to restore the strength, function, and appearance of your teeth so you can chew, speak, and smile comfortably. Our team will recommend the most conservative treatment that fits your needs and will last.
Restorative dentistry covers a range of treatments that repair or replace teeth. At our Somersworth, NH office, these include composite fillings, inlays and onlays, dental crowns, dental bridges, dentures, and root canal therapy. We also offer dental implants as a long term way to replace missing teeth. Each treatment has its own purpose, and during your exam we will explain which one is right for your situation.
Restorative dentistry focuses on the health and function of your teeth, such as repairing decay, replacing missing teeth, and treating damage. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the look of your smile through treatments like whitening, bonding, and veneers. The two often overlap, since many restorations are also designed to look natural. Many patients benefit from both, and we offer each under one roof.
The right treatment depends on how much of the tooth is damaged and whether the nerve inside is affected. A small cavity is usually treated with a filling, while a tooth with extensive damage may need a crown. A root canal is recommended when the inner pulp of the tooth is infected or inflamed. Only an exam with digital images can confirm what you need, so schedule a visit if you have pain, sensitivity, or a visible problem.
Restorative treatment is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. We use local anesthesia to numb the area before we begin, so you should feel pressure but not pain. Mild soreness or sensitivity for a few days afterward is common and usually fades on its own. If you feel anxious or uncomfortable at any point, let our team know and we will adjust to keep you at ease.
The lifespan depends on the type of restoration, the material, the location of the tooth, and your daily habits. Fillings, crowns, bridges, and other restorations can last many years, and some last for decades with good care. Brushing, flossing, regular checkups, and avoiding hard objects all help extend their life. Grinding or clenching can shorten the life of a restoration, and a custom night guard can add protection.
Yes. Missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants, dental bridges, or dentures, depending on how many teeth are missing and the health of your gums and jawbone. Replacing missing teeth helps restore chewing, protects your bite, and keeps nearby teeth from shifting. Our team will explain each option and help you choose the one that best fits your needs and goals.
Many dental plans cover a portion of restorative treatment, although coverage levels, waiting periods, and annual maximums vary. Fillings are often covered at a higher level than crowns, bridges, or dentures, so it helps to know your benefits in advance. We accept all dental insurance plans except Medicaid and are in-network with Delta Dental Premier. Our team can verify your coverage and explain your estimated costs before treatment begins. You can also learn more on our Insurance and Financing page.
