Restorative Dentistry

Repairing and Restoring Damaged Teeth

Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing damaged, decayed, or missing teeth to restore proper function and appearance. Whether you need a simple filling or more extensive restoration, the goal is to return your teeth to their natural strength and beauty. At Castlewood Dental Group, Dr. Jake Shelburne and Dr. Chris Davenport provide comprehensive restorative dental care to patients throughout Castlewood, the Tri-Cities region, and surrounding Southwest Virginia communities. We use modern materials and techniques designed to deliver long-lasting, natural-looking results.

Common Restorative Procedures

Dental Fillings

Fillings restore teeth damaged by decay. After removing the decayed portion of the tooth, we fill the space with tooth-colored composite resin that matches your natural teeth. Modern composite fillings are strong, durable, and virtually invisible. Unlike older metal fillings, tooth-colored fillings bond directly to your tooth structure, providing additional support. Our Castlewood practice is an amalgam-free office, using only modern, biocompatible materials.

Dental Crowns

A crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are recommended when a tooth is too damaged for a filling, after root canal therapy, to protect a weak tooth, or to improve the appearance of a severely discolored or misshapen tooth. We use all-ceramic crowns that look completely natural and are free of metal. These crowns are custom-designed to match your surrounding teeth in color and shape. Most crowns can be completed in two appointments to our Castlewood office.

Dental Bridges

Bridges replace one or more missing teeth by using the adjacent teeth as anchors. The bridge is a fixed restoration that fills the gap, preventing remaining teeth from shifting and restoring your ability to chew properly. Traditional bridges require crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap. For a more conservative approach, implant-supported bridges don’t require altering healthy teeth.

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are custom restorations used when a tooth has more damage than a filling can repair but doesn’t need a full crown. An inlay fits within the cusps of the tooth, while an onlay covers one or more cusps. These restorations are made from porcelain or composite resin and are bonded to the tooth, providing a strong, long-lasting repair that looks natural.

When Do You Need Restorative Dentistry?

You might need restorative dental work if you have: Cavities or tooth decay Cracked, broken, or chipped teeth Worn down teeth from grinding or age Missing teeth that need replacement Failing or old dental work that needs replacement Discolored or misshapen teeth affecting function Dr. Shelburne and Dr. Davenport will evaluate your teeth and recommend the most appropriate restorative treatment for your specific situation.

Modern Restorative Materials

Castlewood Dental Group uses modern, high-quality materials for all restorative work. Our all-ceramic crowns and tooth-colored fillings provide strength and durability while maintaining a natural appearance. These materials are biocompatible and free of mercury and other metals. Modern restorative materials bond directly to your natural tooth structure, often allowing for more conservative preparation and better long-term results than older materials.

The Restorative Process

Most restorative procedures follow a similar process. During your first visit to our Castlewood office, Dr. Shelburne or Dr. Davenport will examine your teeth, take necessary X-rays, and discuss treatment options. For procedures like crowns and bridges, we’ll prepare the tooth and take impressions to create your custom restoration. You’ll receive a temporary restoration if needed while your permanent one is being made. At your next appointment, we’ll place and adjust your restoration to ensure proper fit, bite, and appearance.

Preventing Future Damage

After restorative treatment, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits to our Castlewood practice will help your restorations last as long as possible. Most restorations can last many years with proper care. Avoiding habits like chewing ice, opening packages with your teeth, or grinding your teeth will protect both your natural teeth and restorations. If you grind your teeth at night, we can provide a custom night guard to protect your investment.

Cost and Insurance

The cost of restorative dentistry varies depending on the type and extent of treatment needed. During your consultation, we’ll provide detailed cost estimates for your specific treatment plan. Most dental insurance plans cover necessary restorative procedures. Our insurance coordinator, Michelle, can verify your coverage and explain your out-of-pocket costs. We also offer financing options to help make treatment manageable for our Tri-Cities area patients.

Restorative Dentistry in the Tri-Cities Region

Castlewood Dental Group serves patients throughout Castlewood, Russell County, Smyth County, and the greater Tri-Cities area. Dr. Shelburne and Dr. Davenport provide comprehensive restorative care for Southwest Virginia patients, from simple fillings to complex full mouth restoration. If you have damaged or decayed teeth, we can help restore your smile’s health, function, and appearance.