Restorative Dentistry

in Columbia, MO

Cavities are one of the most common oral diseases, so it's imperative we tackle them as soon as they begin to compromise the health and wellness of your teeth. When left untreated, they can cause serious discomfort and may require more invasive procedures to alleviate. Thanks to fillings, Dr. Thomas can halt the progression of tooth decay in a single visit. By stopping by for your regular 6-month cleaning and checkup, you can prevent new cavities from forming in the first place.

Dental crowns restore damaged teeth by covering and protecting what remains of your natural tooth. When you have a cracked or broken tooth, these custom caps not only protect the remaining tooth structure but also improve how your teeth work together when you bite. If you’ve had a root canal, your dentist will typically recommend a crown to strengthen the treated tooth. With several material options available, crowns support both your dental health and appearance—giving you back a smile you can feel good about.

Toothaches can be a sign of a serious infection and cause significant discomfort. Fortunately, root canal therapy offers a solution to provide the relief you need and restore the health of your tooth. During a root canal procedure, the infected pulp of the tooth is removed, and the area is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Once the tooth has been properly treated, it can be restored with a filling or a dental crown to help maintain its structure. Not only can root canal therapy alleviate the pain caused by the infection, but it can also prevent the need for a tooth extraction. By saving your natural tooth, you can smile with confidence and avoid more extensive and costly dental work down the line.

Extractions are always a last resort because preserving your smile is our top priority. However, sometimes a problematic tooth causes more harm than good. In these cases, Dr. Thomas may recommend an extraction to restore your oral health. Using gentle techniques and local anesthesia, decayed or damaged teeth can be safely removed to relieve discomfort or make space for dental implants, a bridge, or another type of tooth replacement to relieve discomfort.

We proudly offer dental implant restorations to help patients regain a complete, confident smile. If you've had a dental implant placed by a specialist, we can restore it with a custom-made crown that looks and functions just like your natural tooth. We take special care to ensure the color, shape, and fit blend seamlessly with your existing teeth. Implant restorations are a durable, long-lasting solution for missing teeth—and we’re here to make sure your final result feels just right.

If a missing tooth is leaving a space in your smile, a dental bridge may be the perfect solution. The space left behind by one or several missing teeth can be permanently filled, restoring both function and appearance. Attached securely to the teeth on either side of the space, your bridge stays in place when you eat or speak and is color-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural smile. Schedule a consultation today to see how a dental bridge can help you feel confident again.

Dentures are a removable, affordable solution that can complete your smile after missing one or all of your natural teeth. To ensure a natural look and feel, most dentures are made of a combination of acrylic and metal and are custom-crafted for a comfortable fit. Looking to see if dentures are right for you? Schedule a consultation to find out if a set of full or partial dentures can restore your bite. It's about time you got back to living your life with a smile.