Restorative dental treatments address a wide variety of dental problems to help create healthy, functional smiles. With restorative dental care, we can treat problems like missing teeth, gum disease, bite disorders, and even sleep apnea. Dr. Walter Mazzella is a restorative dentist in Woodstock, MD that works with patients as individuals.
As a Dawson-trained dentist, Dr. Mazzella takes a comprehensive approach to dental care. Under Dawson Academy training, Dr. Mazzella learned how to take many aspects of the smile into account, from the teeth and gums to the jaw joints and the comfort of the bite. We also provide comprehensive dental services at our office in Woodstock, Maryland.
What is a Full Mouth Reconstruction?
During a full mouth reconstruction, Dr. Mazzella will recommend multiple dental treatments to help restore the full function of the smile. A full mouth reconstruction or rehabilitation can replace missing teeth, address tooth damage, and treat disease. Patients in poor oral health with gum or tooth problems often find it difficult to eat and speak comfortably. These problems can also decrease patients’ confidence in their smiles.
Fully restoring the smile can address a range of dental concerns. Dr. Mazzella works with patients as individuals to create personalized treatment plans. Throughout treatment, Dr. Mazzella evaluates the smile and takes aesthetic goals into account to create the best results possible.
Restorative Dental Care in Woodstock, MD
Dr. Mazzella and his team provide many dental restorations for patients with different kinds of oral health problems:
Dental Implants
Dr. Mazzella provides surgical dental implant treatment to replace one or all missing permanent teeth. Dental implants consist of titanium posts, abutments, and dental restorations. Because of their high-quality materials, implants can last patients for the rest of their lives.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge can close the gap left by one or more missing teeth. Bridges are a great option for patients with one or more consecutive lost teeth. Traditional dental bridges use adjacent teeth for support, while modern implant bridges can use one or more dental implants to replace lost teeth.
Dentures & Partials
We offer partial and full dentures for patients with missing rows or full arches of lost teeth. Traditional dentures require adhesive to stay in the mouth and can still make it difficult for patients to consume the foods they love. However, we can recommend dental implant-supported dentures because they offer stability just like natural teeth.
Dental Crown
Our cubic zirconia dental crowns provide durability and strength for patients with damaged or weakened teeth. Crowns fully cover teeth like caps to prevent further damage and create an even bite.
Gum Disease Treatment
Periodontitis, or gum disease, can lead to deep gum pockets and tooth loss. Gum disease breaks down the soft tissues of the mouth and loosens teeth. Over time, patients with gum disease can experience gum recession and tooth loss. Addressing gum disease symptoms with regular dental cleanings and laser dentistry can prevent permanent tooth and gum damage. Dr. Mazzella provides gum disease treatment for our patients that suffer from periodontitis.
Sleep Apnea
During periods of sleep apnea, patients experience pauses in breathing due to tissues blocking the airway. Wearing a custom nightguard can bring the jaw forward and help open the airway. We also provide home sleep studies to monitor periods of sleep apnea and help patients diagnose their airway problems.
TMJ Treatment
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) occur due to stress or injury to the joints that connect the jaw bone and skull. Patients with this bite disorder can experience teeth clenching and grinding, jaw pain, and chronic migraines. Dr. Mazzella offers bite equilibration and customized nightguards to minimize TMJ symptoms. Our office provides TMJ treatment for patients that suffer from TMD.
Restorative Dentistry FAQs
Restorative dentistry ensures you have full functionality in your smile. Read the answers to these frequently asked questions and learn more.
How is restorative dentistry different from cosmetic dentistry?
Restorative dentistry addresses dental problems like tooth decay, fractures, and tooth loss, with an emphasis on function and health. Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, focuses primarily on improving the appearance of the teeth and smile. However, many restorative treatments, like crowns or implants, also offer cosmetic benefits. In many cases, the two fields overlap to deliver both health and aesthetic improvements.
Can children receive restorative dental care?
Yes, children may need restorative dental care if they experience tooth decay, damage, or early tooth loss. Common treatments include fillings, crowns (often stainless steel for baby teeth), and space maintainers. Addressing these issues early helps protect the development of permanent teeth and prevents further complications. We tailor restorative care to fit a child’s age and needs.
What if I have multiple dental issues? Can they be treated together?
Yes, many patients undergo full-mouth reconstruction or phased treatment plans to address multiple restorative needs. Dr. Mazzella will develop a customized plan to restore function and aesthetics based on your oral health, timeline, and budget. Treatments may be spread out over several appointments or combined for efficiency. Comprehensive restorative care helps rebuild your smile step by step.
Can restorative dentistry improve my bite?
Yes, restorative treatments can correct bite problems caused by tooth loss, worn-down teeth, or misalignment. Crowns, bridges, and implants help distribute chewing forces evenly and improve your jaw function. A proper bite reduces the risk of jaw pain, teeth grinding, and damage to other teeth. We may also collaborate with orthodontists if bite correction is needed.
Can restorative dentistry help with speech problems?
Yes, missing or damaged teeth can interfere with speech clarity. Restorative treatments like implants, dentures, or bridges can help restore proper tongue placement and airflow during speech. Replacing teeth improves your ability to pronounce words correctly and speak confidently. If speech has been affected by dental issues, Dr. Mazzella may recommend specific restorative solutions to help.
How do I know if I need restorative dental treatment?
Signs you may need restorative care include tooth pain, sensitivity, visible decay, cracked teeth, or missing teeth. Even if you aren’t experiencing pain, damage, or wear, it can affect your oral health over time. A dental exam and X-rays can help identify problems that may not be visible. It’s best to address these issues early to avoid more invasive procedures later.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Do you have bite problems due to TMD or missing teeth? Are your gums red or swollen? Address multiple dental problems with restorative dentistry. Call (410) 559-9951 or request a dental appointment with Dr. Mazzella online. Dr. Mazzella treats patients from Ellicott City, Marriottsville, and other communities in Howard County. If you have questions about your restorative options or full smile makeovers, please let Dr. Mazzella know and he will be glad to help.