Restorations

Advanced Restorative Dentistry in Downtown Jeffersonville

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At Andrew G. Richard, DDS, we understand the impact that restorative dentistry can provide. We genuinely enjoy the opportunity to positively influence lives by bringing back oral health and a beautiful smile. Our comprehensive services are customized into a unique plan to improve your appearance, function, and overall health. From simple fillings to full smile makeovers, we guide you through every treatment with compassion and empathy.

We are conveniently located directly across the street from the Jeffersonville Post Office on Court Avenue. Contact us today to schedule your visit so we can help you and your family restore their oral health and their reason to smile.

CALL US: (812) 283-8000 REQUEST APPOINTMENT


What is Dental Restoration?

Dental restorations and supportive procedures will correct damage and return function and integrity back into your smile. Some of the restorative solutions and services we provide include:

We use the latest in digital imaging and advanced technology to diagnose and restore teeth and gums for optimal oral health. To ensure your visits are as comfortable as possible, we will always recommend the least invasive treatment needed and provide excellent care and service.

Types of Restorations

The different types of restorations include temporary, indirect, and direct. The type of restoration you need will depend on how much damage there is and your current state of oral health.

Direct Restorations: A direct restoration can be completed in one dental appointment. It is done directly within the mouth. For these reasons, the direct restoration procedure is more affordable. Examples include: composite fillings and dental bonding.


Indirect restorations: An indirect restoration is prepared outside the mouth and then cemented in place. Our team will begin by taking detailed impressions that will be used to design your restoration. Examples include: dental implants, veneers, crowns & bridges,inlays, and onlays.


Temporary restorations: A temporary restoration will cover the prepared section of the tooth to hold the occlusal space and protect the area. These are most often used when you have root canal therapy or any other treatment that will need a final prosthetic to complete the procedure.


Why Restorative Dental Care is Important

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The goal of restorative dental care is to reestablish wellness and preserve the original tooth structure as much as possible. Replacing missing teeth promotes dental health by preventing other teeth from shifting and restoring your bite.

When choosing a restorative procedure, there are many factors to consider, the major ones being your budget and your health. Dr. Richard will preserve your natural teeth by using the best restoration choice for your unique circumstances. Fillings and crowns are some of the most frequently used restorations because they can correct a large variety of problems quickly and conveniently.


Composite or Amalgam Fillings

3d render of teeth with gold, amalgam and composite inlay dental filling over white background

There are a variety of filling materials that can be used, and we can help you decide which will work best for you. Every material has its advantages and disadvantages. Silver amalgam and composite fillings are the most commonly used materials. Composite fillings are more natural-looking and match the color of natural teeth, making them the best option for front teeth. Fillings can be used to restore the function of chipped, broken or decayed teeth, and can last for many years.

A composite filling process is simple and only requires one appointment to complete. We will remove decay and clean the area thoroughly before adding the filling material. The composite filling is then placed, polished, and shaped to restore the original shape and function of the tooth.


Porcelain Crowns

A porcelain crown is a 'cap' that is placed on the tooth surface to restore its original size and shape. Crowns strengthen and protect the tooth structure that cannot be corrected with other types of restorations like fillings.

There are different types of materials available, but porcelain crowns are the most popular. They are long-lasting and can give you a perfect smile for many years. However, just like other dental restorations, you might need to replace the crown in the future.

Porcelain crowns offer a wide range of solutions for dental problems. They can:

  • Protect your tooth after undergoing a root canal procedure
  • Support and protect a tooth that had severe decay
  • Restore the shape and color of your tooth
  • Complete a dental implant
  • Hold together a broken or cracked tooth

You will need two appointments for your crown procedure. On your first appointment, we will identify the problem, prepare the tooth, and take an accurate mold that will be used to make your crown. A temporary crown is placed and used for about two weeks before your new crown is ready.

At your second visit, your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth cleaned, and the final crown will be placed carefully. Dr. Richard will make any final adjustments to ensure the crown fits properly into your bite.


Fixed Bridges

A bridge is a non-removable custom prosthetic that fills the gap where one or several teeth are missing. A fixed dental bridge helps keep the natural look of your smile and stabilizes your bite. On your first appointment, our team will remove a portion of your enamel to create space for a crown. Secondly, an accurate impression will be taken and used to fabricate your custom bridge. A temporary bridge will be placed until the second appointment.

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At the second appointment, your permanent bridge will be placed, cemented, and adjusted to a perfect fit. Bridges are made using ceramics, metal, or a blend of the two. We will work with you to educate you and advise you on the best bridge material to choose.

A fixed bridge can:

  • Restore your smile
  • Preserve your facial shape
  • Protect the remaining teeth from drifting
  • Restore speaking and chewing ability

Dentures & Partials

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A denture is a detachable dental appliance used to replace several missing teeth up to a full arch. Dentures are customized to resemble the look of your natural gums and teeth. Partials are used to replace several teeth, and complete dentures are used when all the natural teeth are missing on the upper and lower jaws.

Complete dentures can be immediate or conventional. An immediate denture is prepared in advance and fixed immediately after the damaged teeth are removed. A conventional denture is made and placed after the teeth have been removed, and the gums heal. When well taken care of, dentures can last for many years. They may need to be repaired, relined, or remade in the future.

Can I Eat Comfortably With Dentures?

Dentures are designed to enhance the function of your natural teeth. It may take some time to adjust, but eventually, you will chew most foods without any problem. Dentures should be thoroughly cleaned every night before bedtime to remove any food particles that may have been lodged around the dentures. Dentures are an affordable tooth replacement option and can provide many advantages, including:

  • Restoring your facial features
  • Protect and remaining teeth from shifting
  • Boost your confidence in public
  • Improve your ability to chew 

All About Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy can save a tooth when there is an infection or inflammation in the center or root of the tooth. The treatment includes cleaning out the infected area and filling the gap with a unique material that prevents re-infection and restores full function. The tooth is then protected with a crown.

You should seek a root canal therapy if you experience the following symptoms:

  • Chronic pain while biting and chewing
  • Severely cracked or chipped teeth
  • Darkened gums or tooth
  • Abscess on your gums

Root canal therapy is conducted to ease the pain caused by infection and inflammation. With anesthetics and modern techniques, we strive to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. You may have some sensitivity for a few days after the treatment, but that can be controlled using over the counter medications.


Replacing Missing Teeth with Dental Implants

Dental implants are an alternative for traditional restorations and are quickly becoming the gold standard for tooth replacement. Implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed in the jaw and integrate with the surrounding tissue and bone. A custom prosthetic such as a crown, bridge, or denture is mounted on the dental implant, so they function, look, and feel like natural teeth.

3d render of dental implant

Dental implants are initially more expensive than dentures, but their benefits include:

  • Reliability
  • Comfortable fit and natural look
  • Enhanced ability to bite and chew
  • Improved bone and facial features
  • Resistant to decay
  • Easy to maintain

Dental implants can last for many years if you are vigilant with your oral hygiene every day. Flossing, brushing, and regular visits to our office for a checkup will prolong the life span of your new implant-supported restoration.


Reliable and Comprehensive Restorations in Jeffersonville

Restore your smile and improve your dental health with one or more restoration procedure from our friendly, caring, and capable team. View our smile gallery of dental restorations from some of our amazing smile transformations.

We provide comprehensive restorative and preventive care so you and your family can enjoy healthy smiles for life. Call us today to find out more!

CALL US: (812) 283-8000 REQUEST APPOINTMENT

Contact Us

We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.