Reviewed by Dr. Matthew Young, DDS
Reading time: four minutes.
Restorative dental care focuses on repairing or replacing teeth to bring your smile back to full function and health.
In this blog, you will learn the difference between basic and major restorative dental services, what each treatment includes, and how they fit into your overall oral health plan.
Table of Contents
- What We Offer Under Restorative Dentistry
- How We Choose the Right Treatment Plan
- Restore Your Smile With Trusted San Francisco Dentists
- FAQs About Restorative Dentistry
Key Takeaway
Restorative dentistry helps repair damaged teeth, replace missing ones, and restore full function to your bite. Whether you need a simple filling or a full-mouth reconstruction, these treatments support your oral health, comfort, and confidence for the long term.
What We Offer Under Restorative Dentistry
At Young Dental SF Group, we provide a full range of restorative dental services. These help patients who suffer from tooth damage, tooth loss, or oral function problems.
We divide restorative care into two main categories: basic and major restorative services.
Basic Restorative Dental Services
These procedures fix small problems before they become serious. They are often the first line of treatment after decay or damage.
Common basic restorative services include:
- Dental fillings: Used to restore small areas of tooth decay. Typically done with composite resin for a natural look.
- Simple extractions: Non-surgical removal of teeth that are no longer restorable.
- Dental bonding: Repairs minor chips or cracks with tooth-colored resin.
- Root canals (sometimes): If the procedure is on a front tooth and simple, some insurance plans classify it as “basic”.
Purpose: These treatments preserve natural teeth and stop problems from progressing.
Insurance coverage: Most dental plans cover 70–80% of basic restorative services. However, every insurance plan is different. Check with your provider to see what is covered under your plan.
Major Restorative Dental Services
These procedures involve more complex repairs or full tooth replacement. They restore both function and aesthetics.
Major restorative services include:
- Crowns: Cover and protect a tooth that is cracked, broken, or severely decayed.
- Bridges: Replace one or more missing teeth using neighboring teeth for support.
- Dentures: Replace multiple or all missing teeth. Options include partial, full, and implant-supported dentures.
- Dental implants: Replace the entire tooth, including the root, with a titanium post and crown.
- Full mouth reconstruction: A comprehensive treatment plan that combines restorative and cosmetic procedures to rebuild and restore the function, health, and appearance of your smile.
Purpose: Major treatments restore long-term function and improve overall oral health.
Insurance coverage: Usually 50% or less. These treatments may also involve waiting periods. Check with your provider to see what is covered under your plan
How We Choose the Right Treatment Plan
Every case is different. Our dentists evaluate your oral health, function, and goals before recommending a solution.
We consider:
- The extent of damage
- The number of teeth involved
- Bone and gum health
- Your lifestyle and oral hygiene
- Long-term success of the treatment
Our approach is conservative. We preserve as much natural tooth as possible while solving the problem at its source.
Why Restorative Dentistry Matters
Restorative dental care goes beyond cosmetics. It protects your health and quality of life.
Benefits include:
- Restored ability to chew and speak clearly
- Prevention of further tooth loss or misalignment
- Improved comfort and bite function
- Preserved jawbone health
- Natural appearance and confidence in your smile
Restore Your Smile With Trusted San Francisco Dentists
If you are dealing with tooth damage or missing teeth, schedule a consultation at Young Dental SF Group.
To book an appointment at our dental office in San Francisco, CA, today at (415)-392-8611. Visit us at 490 Post Street Suite 830, San Francisco, CA. Explore our blog to learn more about your dental health.
Explore our blog to learn more about your dental health.
FAQs About Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry focuses on function and health. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on appearance. Some procedures, like crowns and implants, can serve both purposes.
In many cases, yes. Most dental insurance plans cover restorative procedures that are medically necessary, such as fillings, crowns, root canals, and extractions. Coverage levels vary, so it’s important to check with your provider to understand what’s included and how much is covered.
With modern techniques and anesthesia, most procedures cause little to no discomfort. Some mild soreness or sensitivity may occur after the procedure, but it’s usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and resolves within a few days.