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Chipped, broken, decayed, or missing teeth are more common than you might think — and they’re not just a cosmetic concern. Damaged teeth can affect how you chew, speak, and smile. They can lead to pain, infection, and more serious oral health issues if left untreated. The good news? Modern dentistry offers highly effective solutions to restore both the health and appearance of your teeth.
At Canyon Creek Dental in Billings, MT, Dr. McKay Pearson and Dr. David Clark specialize in restoring damaged teeth with advanced, comfortable treatments that rebuild strength, improve function, and give you confidence in your smile again. Whether the damage is minor or severe, our team can create a personalized plan to restore your oral health — and your confidence — for the long term.
Why Restoring Damaged Teeth Matters
Teeth are strong, but they’re not indestructible. Daily wear, injury, decay, and age all take their toll. Restoring teeth isn’t just about how they look — it’s essential for your overall oral health and quality of life. Here’s why:
- Prevents further damage: A small crack or cavity can lead to infection, tooth loss, or more costly procedures if untreated.
- Protects surrounding teeth: Damaged teeth can shift, affect bite alignment, or wear down neighboring teeth.
- Improves function: Restorations restore normal chewing, biting, and speaking ability.
- Enhances appearance: Restored teeth look natural and help you smile with confidence.
- Supports overall health: Oral infections can affect your heart and systemic health if left untreated (Source – Mayo Clinic).
Common Causes of Tooth Damage
Understanding how teeth become damaged helps you prevent future issues. The most common causes include:
- Tooth decay from poor oral hygiene or high-sugar diets
- Cracks or fractures from chewing hard foods or trauma
- Worn enamel from grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion
- Large, failing fillings that compromise tooth structure
- Gum disease and bone loss
- Tooth loss due to injury or advanced decay
No matter the cause, there’s a solution that can restore the health, function, and appearance of your smile.
Dental Restoration Options: Finding the Right Treatment for You
Modern restorative dentistry offers a range of solutions tailored to the severity and type of tooth damage. At Canyon Creek Dental, we’ll carefully evaluate your teeth and recommend the most effective treatment plan. Here’s a look at the most common options:
1. Dental Fillings – Repair Small Cavities
When decay is caught early, a tooth-colored filling can restore its strength and prevent further damage. These restorations blend seamlessly with your natural teeth and are a quick, simple treatment.
2. Dental Crowns – Protect and Strengthen
Crowns are custom-made caps that cover the entire visible portion of a tooth. They’re ideal for teeth that are cracked, broken, or weakened by large fillings or root canals. With CEREC technology, we can even create and place crowns in a single visit.
3. Inlays and Onlays – Preserve More of Your Tooth
These custom restorations are used when damage is too extensive for a filling but doesn’t require a full crown. They’re bonded directly to your tooth for strength and long-lasting results.
4. Dental Bridges – Replace Missing Teeth
A bridge uses two crowns to anchor a replacement tooth (or teeth) securely in place. It restores your smile, prevents shifting, and helps you chew comfortably again.
5. Dental Implants – The Gold Standard for Tooth Replacement
For a permanent solution, dental implants replace both the tooth and root, offering unmatched stability and a natural look and feel. Implants can replace a single tooth, support a bridge, or anchor full dentures.
6. Dentures – Full-Smile Restoration
For patients missing several or all teeth, custom dentures restore function, improve facial appearance, and allow you to speak and eat confidently again.
What Does Restorative Dental Care Cost?
Costs vary depending on the treatment needed and the complexity of the case. Below is a general estimate for common restorative procedures:
| Treatment | Estimated Cost* |
|---|---|
| Tooth-colored fillings | $150 – $400 per tooth |
| Dental crowns | $900 – $2,000 per tooth |
| Inlays/Onlays | $650 – $1,200 per tooth |
| Dental bridges | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Dental implants | $3,000 – $6,000 per tooth |
| Full dentures | $2,000 – $5,000 per arch |
*These prices are estimates only. For an accurate treatment plan and cost breakdown, please contact our office for a consultation.
What to Expect During Treatment
Most restorative treatments follow a similar process:
- Consultation and Exam: We evaluate your teeth, gums, and bite, then discuss your goals.
- Treatment Planning: Dr. Pearson or Dr. Clark creates a customized plan for restoring function and aesthetics.
- Procedure: Depending on the treatment, this may be completed in one visit (like same-day crowns) or several appointments.
- Recovery and Care: We provide guidance on caring for your restoration and maintaining long-term results.
FAQs About Restoring Damaged Teeth
Q: Is restorative dental treatment painful?
A: Most procedures are performed with local anesthesia or sedation for your comfort. Many treatments are quick and virtually painless.
Q: How long do restorations last?
A: With proper care and regular dental visits, most restorations last 10–20 years or more.
Q: Can damaged teeth always be saved?
A: In most cases, yes. However, if a tooth is too damaged, extraction and replacement (such as with an implant) may be the best solution.
Q: Will my restored teeth look natural?
A: Absolutely. All our restorations are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth for a healthy, natural-looking smile.
Take the First Step Toward a Stronger, Healthier Smile
You don’t have to live with pain, sensitivity, or embarrassment from damaged teeth. Restorative dentistry can give you back your smile — stronger, healthier, and more confident than ever.
At Canyon Creek Dental, Dr. McKay Pearson and Dr. David Clark use advanced techniques and personalized care to help you achieve long-lasting results. Whether you need a simple filling or a full-mouth restoration, we’ll create a plan tailored to your needs and goals.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward restoring your smile — and your confidence.
