Dental Restoration in Westlake Village
A small crack along the edge of an old filling, a molar that aches when you bite down, or a gap left behind after an extraction can each turn into a bigger problem if left alone. Dental restoration repairs or replaces damaged and missing teeth so you can chew, speak, and smile comfortably again. At 805 Dentistry, our Thousand Oaks office regularly sees patients from Westlake Village who want straightforward restorative care, with general and specialty services under one roof.
Dental restoration is the branch of care focused on rebuilding tooth structure that has been lost to decay, fracture, wear, or extraction. It ranges from a single small filling to a complete rehabilitation of the mouth. The right option depends on how much healthy tooth remains, where the tooth sits, and what you want from the result.
For smaller areas of decay, we place dental fillings or use composite bonding. When damage is too large for a filling but doesn't require a full crown, inlays and onlays rebuild part of the chewing surface. Teeth that are cracked, heavily filled, or weakened after root canal therapy often need crowns to cover and protect them. When a tooth is missing, we can replace it with bridges, dental implants, implant-supported bridges, or partial and complete dentures. For patients with widespread damage, we offer full mouth reconstruction and full arch options such as All-on-4 and All-on-6 implants.
Restoring a damaged tooth does more than fill a hole. Teeth work as a system, and one compromised tooth can affect your bite, nearby teeth, and how comfortably you eat. Addressing problems early often keeps treatment simpler.
Here is what restorative care is designed to do:
- Stop decay from spreading deeper into the tooth
- Protect cracked or weakened teeth from breaking further
- Restore your ability to chew a full range of foods
- Fill gaps that can allow neighboring teeth to shift
- Improve the look of worn, chipped, or discolored teeth
Many Westlake Village patients appreciate that we offer a wide range of treatments in one practice. Our team includes a general dentist, and our office also offers endodontic care with a board-certified endodontist, periodontal care with a board-certified periodontist who places implants, and oral surgery. That means fewer handoffs between offices when a case involves more than one step.
Am I a candidate for dental restoration?
If you have a tooth that is decayed, cracked, worn down, or missing, you are likely a candidate for some form of restoration. We treat children and adults of all ages, so the approach varies widely from patient to patient.
A teenager might need a filling after a cavity is found during a routine exam. An adult might need a crown on a cracked molar or a root canal retreatment on a tooth treated years ago. Someone who has lost several teeth may be weighing partial dentures against implant-supported options. If gum health or bone volume is a concern, we may recommend gum disease treatment, bone grafting, or a sinus lift before placing implants. We use 2D and 3D imaging, including CBCT, to see what is happening below the surface before recommending a plan.
What happens during a restoration appointment?
Most restorations begin with an exam and imaging so we can explain your options clearly and answer questions before any work begins. From there, the steps depend on the treatment.
A filling is typically completed in one visit: we numb the area, remove decay, and rebuild the tooth. Crowns, bridges, inlays, and onlays involve preparing the tooth and creating a custom restoration. Our on-site dental lab helps us coordinate that work closely. Implants involve more stages, including placement and healing time before the final tooth is attached.
If dental visits make you anxious, we offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, with a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff. If a tooth breaks unexpectedly, we offer emergency dental appointments, so Westlake Village patients have somewhere to turn when something can't wait.
How do I care for a restored tooth, and how can I pay for it?
Care for a restored tooth much like a natural one: brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with regular cleanings and exams. We'll give you instructions specific to your treatment, such as avoiding hard foods for a period after a new crown or following healing guidelines after implant surgery.
For patients who grind their teeth, we may recommend a night guard to protect new restorations. Patients with implants benefit from ongoing implant maintenance, which our periodontal team provides.
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and file claims on your behalf. We also welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available to help spread out the cost of treatment. Our team will review your coverage and options with you before treatment begins, so Westlake Village patients know what to expect before committing to a plan.