Repairing Damaged Teeth Without Removing More Than Necessary

Restorative dentistry rebuilds teeth affected by decay, cracks, wear, or old failing work. The goal is always to keep as much of your natural tooth as possible while restoring normal chewing and appearance.

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Repairing a tooth

Tooth-Colored Fillings

A composite filling repairs a cavity using a material matched to your tooth shade, bonded directly to the remaining structure. Compared with older silver amalgam, it usually requires removing less healthy tooth and is far less visible.

Inlays and Onlays

When a cavity or fracture is too large for a filling but the tooth does not need a full crown, an inlay or onlay restores just the damaged portion. It is a middle option that preserves more of the natural tooth than a crown does.

Dental Crowns

A crown covers and protects a tooth that is cracked, heavily decayed, worn down, or has had root canal treatment. Dr. Gill will discuss material choices, including all-ceramic and porcelain-fused-to-metal, and which suits the tooth’s position and your bite.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns

A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown combines a metal substructure for strength with a porcelain exterior for appearance. It remains a durable choice for some back teeth, though all-ceramic options are often preferred where appearance matters most.

Dental Bridges

A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a replacement tooth to the teeth on either side. It is fixed in place rather than removable, and it prevents neighboring teeth from drifting into the gap.

When a tooth cannot be saved

Tooth Extraction

Extraction is a last resort, considered when a tooth is fractured below the gumline, severely decayed, or compromised by advanced gum disease. Dr. Gill will explain what to expect, aftercare, and your replacement options before anything is scheduled.

Bone Grafting After Extraction

After a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone can shrink over time. A bone graft placed at the site helps preserve enough ridge volume to keep an implant or other replacement possible later. Not every extraction needs one — it depends on your plan.

Complex or Surgical Cases

Impacted teeth and certain surgical extractions are referred to an oral surgeon. We coordinate the referral and pick up the restorative work afterward so your care stays connected.

Common Questions

Most single-surface composite fillings are completed in one visit. The exact time depends on how many teeth are being treated and where they are in the mouth.