Restorative Dentistry in Ladson, SC
Bringing damaged and missing teeth back to full function. Chewing properly again is usually the thing patients notice first.
The goal
Function first, appearance alongside it
Restorative dentistry repairs or replaces tooth structure that has been lost to decay, fracture, wear or extraction. Unlike purely cosmetic work, the primary purpose is function: chewing, speaking, and keeping the remaining teeth in their correct positions.
That last part is underrated. When a tooth is lost, the teeth beside it drift into the gap and the tooth opposite it drifts down, because nothing is holding them in place. The bone in that area also begins to shrink. A gap left alone rarely stays a simple gap.
Which treatment is right depends on how much tooth remains, the health of the bone underneath, and how many teeth are involved. Dr. Mathew will lay out the realistic options with costs rather than presenting one.
Options
How we restore teeth
Dental Crowns
A cap covering a tooth that is cracked, heavily filled or root canal treated.
Learn moreDental Bridges
Replacing a missing tooth by anchoring to the teeth on either side.
Learn moreDental Implants
A titanium post in the bone, the closest replacement to a natural tooth.
Learn moreDentures
Full or partial removable replacement when many teeth are missing.
Learn moreRoot Canal Therapy
Saving an infected tooth rather than extracting it.
Learn moreTooth-Colored Fillings
Repairing decay while preserving as much natural tooth as possible.
Learn moreWhy not wait
What happens when a missing tooth is left
- Adjacent teeth tilt into the space, which changes how your bite meets
- The opposing tooth over-erupts because nothing stops it
- Bone in the area resorbs, since it is no longer stimulated by chewing forces
- Cleaning becomes harder around tilted teeth, raising decay and gum disease risk
- Chewing load shifts to other teeth, which accelerates wear and fracture risk on them
- Later replacement becomes more complex and more expensive, sometimes requiring a bone graft first
Bone loss is the reason timing matters with implants. There is a window where a straightforward implant is possible without grafting.
Common questions
Questions we hear most
Implant, bridge or denture, which is right for me?
It depends on how many teeth are missing, the bone available, your general health and your budget. An implant is the closest to a natural tooth and does not involve the neighbouring teeth. A bridge is quicker and cheaper but requires preparing the adjacent teeth. Dentures replace many teeth at once at the lowest cost. Dr. Mathew will explain which apply in your case.
Can a badly damaged tooth be saved?
Often, yes. If enough healthy structure remains and the root is sound, a root canal and crown can keep a tooth in service for many years. Saving a natural tooth is almost always preferable to replacing it, so that is where we start.
How long does restorative treatment take?
Crowns and bridges typically take two visits over two to three weeks. Root canals are one or two visits. Implants take months because the bone has to fuse to the post, though the surgical appointments themselves are short. We will give you a full timeline before you begin.
Will insurance cover it?
Restorative treatment is usually covered at least in part, because it is functional rather than cosmetic. Coverage percentages vary by procedure and most plans have an annual maximum that larger treatment can exceed. We verify benefits first and give you a written estimate.
Can everything be done here?
Yes. Crowns, bridges, implants, dentures and root canals are all provided at our Ladson office, which means you are not being referred across town mid-treatment. Complex cases outside our scope would be referred, and we would tell you that up front.
I need a lot of work. Can it be phased?
Yes, and it commonly is. We will identify what is urgent, what is important but not urgent, and what is elective, then sequence it so the plan is affordable and manageable. Financing through CareCredit is available. See financing and insurance.
Ready when you are
Book a restorative consultation
You will leave knowing what it costs and what your options are, in writing.