Repair, Rebuild, and Restore
Damaged, decayed, or missing teeth can make you self-conscious and affect your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Restorative dentistry is the art and science of repairing and rebuilding teeth to restore their function and beauty.
At The Loft Dental Studio, Dr. Elaine Lu specializes in restorative dentistry. As a Board-Certified Prosthodontist, she has extensive training in complex restorations and works collaboratively with Dr. Ahn to deliver exceptional results. Whether you need a single filling or a complete mouth reconstruction, we have the expertise to restore your smile.
Restorative Procedures & Treatments
Dental Crowns
What they are: Custom-made porcelain or ceramic caps that cover a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
When they're needed: Teeth with large cavities, fractures, cracks, severe wear, or teeth that have had root canal treatment. Crowns are also used to support dental bridges or cover implants.
Materials: We offer all-ceramic crowns (most natural-looking), porcelain-fused-to-metal (extremely durable), and other premium materials. Each option has advantages depending on your specific situation.
The process: Your tooth is prepared, an impression is taken, and a temporary crown protects it. Your permanent crown is milled or crafted in our lab and cemented during a second appointment.
Longevity: With proper care, dental crowns typically last 15-25 years or longer.
Dental Bridges
What they are: Fixed restorations that bridge the gap left by one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of crowns on the supporting teeth (abutments) connected to a false tooth (pontic).
Advantages: Restores your ability to eat and speak normally. Maintains facial structure and prevents remaining teeth from shifting. Looks and feels natural.
Process: Requires two appointments. Your supporting teeth are prepared, an impression is taken, and a temporary bridge is placed. Your custom bridge is cemented at your second appointment.
Important: For bridges, we require healthy supporting teeth. If you're missing several teeth or have weak supporting teeth, dental implants may be a better option.
Composite Fillings
Modern restorations: Tooth-colored composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural tooth color. No more visible silver (amalgam) fillings.
Advantages over amalgam: More natural appearance. Less tooth structure removed during preparation. Better insulation against temperature. Bonded to your tooth for added strength.
The procedure: Your dentist removes decay, prepares the tooth, applies layers of composite material, and hardens it with a special light. It's quick, usually completed in one visit.
Longevity: Composite fillings typically last 5-10 years, depending on the size of the filling and your care.
Inlays & Onlays
Between fillings and crowns: Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations that address moderate tooth damage—more extensive than a filling, but less destructive than a full crown.
Inlays: Fill the space within the cusps of your tooth (inside the biting surface).
Onlays: Cover one or more cusps, extending across the biting surface of your tooth.
Materials: Available in porcelain, ceramic, or composite materials that match your natural tooth color perfectly.
Advantages: Preserve more tooth structure than crowns. More durable than regular fillings. Look extremely natural. Require two appointments.
Root Canal Therapy
Save your tooth: When the nerve (pulp) of your tooth becomes infected or inflamed, root canal therapy removes the damaged tissue, disinfects the tooth, and seals it to prevent future infection.
Why it's needed: Deep decay, cracks, traumatic injury, or repeated procedures on a tooth can damage the pulp. Without treatment, the infection can spread and lead to tooth loss.
Modern treatment: With advanced anesthesia and rotary instruments, root canal therapy is no more uncomfortable than a regular filling. We often complete it in one appointment.
After treatment: The tooth is usually crowned to restore strength and protect it from future damage.
Full Mouth Reconstruction
Comprehensive restoration: Some patients need extensive restorative work involving multiple teeth or the entire mouth. Full mouth reconstruction combines multiple procedures into a coordinated treatment plan.
Possible components: Crowns, bridges, implants, root canals, extractions, gum surgery, and bite correction. Each case is unique and requires careful planning.
The advantage: Rather than addressing teeth one at a time, we develop a master plan to restore your entire mouth to optimal function and appearance.
Your role: Dr. Lu will discuss all options, timelines, and costs. Full mouth reconstruction is often completed over several months, allowing healing between phases.
When Do You Need Restorative Dentistry?
You may benefit from restorative dental treatment if you have:
- Cavities or tooth decay
- Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
- Severely worn or eroded teeth
- Teeth with large old fillings that need replacement
- Missing teeth
- Infected teeth requiring root canal treatment
- Teeth damaged by injury or accident
- Severe tooth discoloration
- Failing or uncomfortable dental work from years past
During your examination, Dr. Lu will identify any areas of concern and recommend appropriate restorative treatments. Our goal is always to save your natural teeth whenever possible, using the least invasive approach.
Understanding Restorative Materials
Composite Resin
Tooth-colored plastic material bonded directly to your tooth. Quick, affordable, versatile. Used for fillings, bonding, small restorations. Less durable than other options.
Porcelain & Ceramics
Premium, tooth-like appearance that mimics natural enamel. Durable and stain-resistant. Used for crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers. More expensive but longest-lasting.
All-on-4/Full Arch Implants
Implant-supported restorations for missing teeth. Most durable and natural-feeling option. Prevents bone loss. Higher initial cost but lasts a lifetime.
During your consultation, Dr. Lu will discuss the pros and cons of each material option for your specific situation and recommend the best choice.
Why Restoration Matters
Restored Function: You'll be able to chew your favorite foods comfortably and speak clearly without concern.
Prevents Further Damage: Damaged teeth can worsen quickly. Cracks spread. Cavities grow. Restorations stop the progression and save your tooth.
Protects Surrounding Teeth: Missing or damaged teeth cause shifting and uneven stress distribution, damaging neighboring teeth. Restoration prevents this cascade of damage.
Natural Appearance: Modern restorative materials look indistinguishable from natural teeth. You'll smile with confidence.
Preserves Tooth Structure: We always preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. Crowns preserve more structure than extractions. Implants support surrounding bone.
Long-Term Investment: Quality restorations last many years, making them a smart investment in your health and appearance.
Why Choose The Loft Dental Studio?
Board-Certified Prosthodontist: Dr. Elaine Lu is a prosthodontist—a specialist with additional training in complex restorative and cosmetic dentistry. She brings advanced expertise to every case.
Specializes in Complex Cases: From simple fillings to complete mouth reconstruction, Dr. Lu handles simple and complex restorations with equal expertise.
Collaborative Approach: For complex cases, Dr. Lu works seamlessly with Dr. Ahn and our team to ensure coordinated, exceptional care.
Premium Materials: We use only high-quality, long-lasting materials—premium porcelain, advanced composites, and cutting-edge materials.
Precision & Aesthetics: Every restoration is crafted with precision and attention to natural appearance. Dr. Lu combines technical excellence with artistic vision.
Treatment Planning: We develop comprehensive treatment plans before beginning work. You'll understand costs, timeline, and expected outcomes before committing.
Comfortable Experience: We understand that restorative dentistry often addresses teeth with problems. We make the experience comfortable and stress-free.
Restore Your Smile Today
Don't live with damaged teeth. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lu to explore your restoration options and get back the smile you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care, dental crowns typically last 15-25 years or longer. Longevity depends on the material used, oral hygiene habits, and whether you grind your teeth. At The Loft Dental Studio, we use premium porcelain and ceramic materials for maximum durability and natural appearance.
Is a root canal painful?
Modern root canal therapy is no more uncomfortable than getting a regular filling. With advanced anesthesia and rotary instruments, the procedure is performed comfortably and often completed in a single visit. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild and managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
An inlay fills the space within the cusps of a tooth (inside the biting surface), while an onlay covers one or more cusps, extending across the biting surface. Both are custom-made restorations that address moderate damage -- more extensive than a filling but less invasive than a full crown. They preserve more natural tooth structure.
Should I replace my old silver fillings?
Old amalgam fillings do not necessarily need replacement unless they are cracked, leaking, or have decay forming around them. If replacement is needed, we use tooth-colored composite resin that blends seamlessly with your natural tooth. Dr. Lu will evaluate your existing fillings during your exam and recommend replacement only when warranted.
How much does restorative dentistry cost?
Costs vary by procedure and complexity. Composite fillings typically range from $150-$400, dental crowns from $1,000-$2,000, and bridges from $2,000-$5,000. Full mouth reconstruction costs depend on the scope of treatment. We work with most PPO insurance plans and offer financing options. Call (714) 549-7030 for a consultation.