If you've lost teeth or if your teeth are badly damaged, your smile may be in bad shape. Missing or weakened teeth can also make it difficult to chew food properly, preventing proper nutrition. Fortunately, restorative dentistry can help. A dentist like AQ Denture and Dental Implant Center can use restorative dental techniques to remove decay, strengthen weak teeth, and replace teeth that are missing. Here are four procedures your dentist may use:

1. Tooth Extraction

If your teeth are badly damaged and structurally unsound, repairing them may not be possible. In this case, it's best to remove your tooth cleanly so your mouth can heal and the tooth can be replaced. Your dentist can extract a tooth painlessly with the aid of local anesthetic. During the actual extraction, you may feel pressure and hear the sound of your dentist's tools working, but you shouldn't experience pain. Following a tooth extraction, you'll be given directions to care for your stitches, which you should closely follow.

2. Dentures

Dentures are prosthetic teeth that can be removed and inserted at will. Full or partial dentures are available, depending on the severity of your tooth loss. Dentures are usually held in place with oral adhesives, which allows you to eat, talk, and smile without fear that your dentures will fall out.

3. Dental Bridges

Dental bridges require no surgery. Unlike dental implants, they do not require patients to have a certain amount of jawbone available. The bridge is made of one or more prosthetic teeth with dental crowns on either end. The dental crowns attach to your natural teeth surrounding the gap in your smile. Your teeth will be shaped before the dental bridge is placed, in order to accommodate its bulk. Dental bridges should be thought of as permanent since the tooth enamel removed during the shaping process cannot be replaced.

4. Dental Implants

Dental implants are a permanent solution for anyone who wants prosthetic teeth that are nearly indistinguishable from natural teeth. Receiving dental implants is a procedure that will take place in two or more appointments. During the first appointment, your dentist will place the implant and abutment. At the second appointment, your dentist will install the prosthetic tooth.

Ultimately, your dentist will be the one to decide which procedures you need. They'll make their recommendations based on the state of your teeth, your overall health, and your budget range. Together, you and your dentist can agree to a restorative dental plan to fix your smile and restore full function to your mouth.