Services
Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry is the category that covers repairing a damaged tooth and replacing one that's already gone. It's the difference between a mouth that works properly and one that doesn't.
Why a single missing tooth is worth addressing
A missing tooth does more than leave a visible gap. Neighboring teeth can gradually shift toward the open space, the opposing tooth can over-erupt now that it no longer meets resistance, and the bite can become uneven in ways that put extra wear on other teeth. None of that happens overnight, which is exactly why it's easy to put off, and why the fix tends to get more complicated the longer it waits.
Matching the treatment to the damage
How much natural tooth structure remains usually determines the right approach. A cavity caught early just needs a filling. A tooth that's cracked, root-canaled, or has lost a large portion of its structure typically needs a crown to stay intact. One or a few missing teeth in a row can often be replaced with a bridge or an implant. Losing most or all of the teeth in an arch is where dentures, including implant-supported dentures, come in. Dr. Ali determines which category applies during an exam, since it's rarely something you can tell on your own from how a tooth looks or feels.
Where to go from here
Each option has its own page with more detail: Fillings, Root Canals, Crowns & Bridges, Dental Implants, and Dentures. Not knowing which one applies to you is a normal starting point for a consultation, not something to figure out beforehand.