Restorative Dentistry in San Mateo

Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing damaged teeth, restoring dental function, and replacing missing teeth. At Dr.’s Wakasa & Carlsmith in San Mateo, CA, Dr. Michael Wakasa and Dr. Annaliese Carlsmith provide restorative dental care to help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums and address dental problems that affect their comfort, bite, or smile.

Whether you need a filling to repair a cavity, a crown to strengthen a damaged tooth, or a solution for missing teeth, the right treatment depends on your individual needs. Our dentists evaluate the condition of your teeth and discuss suitable options to help restore their appearance and function.

Restorative Dental Treatments in San Mateo

Restorative treatment can range from repairing a small area of decay to replacing multiple missing teeth. Explore the services below to learn more about the options available at our San Mateo dental office.

Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings

Dental cavities, chips, and cracks can damage the structure of a tooth. Tooth-colored dental fillings use composite resin to repair affected areas and restore the tooth’s shape and function. The material is selected to blend with the surrounding tooth, making it a popular option for patients who prefer a natural-looking restoration.

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings are made from a metal alloy that has traditionally been used to restore teeth affected by decay. Some patients have existing amalgam restorations and want to understand their options for maintaining or replacing them.

Dental Crowns

A tooth that is significantly damaged, weakened, or extensively restored may need additional protection. A dental crown covers the visible portion of the tooth to help restore its shape, strength, and function. Crowns may be recommended for certain fractured teeth, teeth with extensive decay, or teeth that have undergone root canal treatment.

Dental Bridges

Missing teeth can affect chewing, speech, and the appearance of your smile. A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with artificial teeth supported by neighboring teeth or other suitable structures. A fixed bridge can help fill the gap, restore the appearance of your smile, and improve dental function.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are designed to replace missing tooth roots and support replacement teeth. They may be used to replace an individual missing tooth or to support a restoration for multiple missing teeth. Implant-supported restorations can help restore chewing function and the appearance of your smile.

Full and Partial Dentures

Dentures are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth and help restore chewing function and smile appearance. Full dentures replace all teeth in an arch, while partial dentures replace some missing teeth when natural teeth remain.

For patients seeking additional stability, implant-retained dentures may also be an option. Your dentist can explain whether this approach may be suitable for your circumstances.

Sleep Apnea and Night Guards

Teeth grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism, can contribute to tooth wear, chipped teeth, jaw soreness, and discomfort. A custom night guard is designed to fit over the teeth and help protect them from the effects of grinding while you sleep.

Choosing the Right Restorative Dental Treatment

The best treatment depends on the condition of your teeth and gums, the extent of any damage, and whether teeth are missing. A filling may be enough to repair a cavity, while a crown can provide additional protection for a more extensively damaged tooth. Bridges, dentures, and implants offer different approaches to replacing missing teeth.

Some treatment plans involve more than one procedure. For example, a tooth may need root canal treatment followed by a crown, or a missing tooth may be replaced with an implant-supported restoration. Dr. Wakasa or Dr. Carlsmith can evaluate your dental health and explain the benefits, limitations, and maintenance requirements of the available options.

Restorative Dentist in San Mateo, CA

Dr.’s Wakasa & Carlsmith provide restorative dental care at 256 N. San Mateo Drive, Suite 4, in San Mateo, California. We welcome patients from San Mateo and nearby communities, including Burlingame, Foster City, Hillsborough, San Bruno, Belmont, and San Carlos.

If you have a damaged tooth, need a filling or crown, or are exploring options for replacing missing teeth, our team can help you understand the next steps. Contact our office or call (650) 342-5721 to schedule an appointment.