Repair and Rebuild Your Smile with Seattle’s Dr. Johnson
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A chipped tooth from years ago. A missing molar that makes chewing difficult. Cavities you’ve been putting off. Whatever dental issue brought you here, Dr. Johnson at Aesthetic Dental Associates has helped countless Seattle, WA, patients restore their smiles and reclaim the ability to eat, laugh, and speak without discomfort. Restorative dentistry goes beyond fixing what’s broken—it returns the functionality and confidence that healthy teeth provide.
Whether you’re in Seattle or traveling from Bellevue, Tacoma, or Renton, the practice offers comprehensive services from fillings and crowns to bridges, extractions, and dentures. Your teeth deserve attention from someone who treats them with care. Call our dentist in Seattle at (206) 682-3888 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Johnson and discover which restorative treatments can help you feel like yourself again.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings remain one of the most common restorative procedures, treating cavities before they progress into more serious problems. Dr. Johnson uses tooth-colored composite resin materials that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making repairs virtually invisible. The process involves numbing the area, removing decayed tooth structure, and filling the space with durable composite material that bonds directly to your tooth.
This conservative approach preserves more of your natural tooth compared to older filling methods. Dr. Johnson can also replace worn or unsightly metal fillings with modern tooth-colored alternatives, improving both the health and appearance of your smile. Proper oral hygiene and regular checkups help your fillings last for many years.
Dental Crowns
When a tooth has been severely damaged by decay, trauma, or wear, a dental crown covers and protects the entire visible portion above the gum line. Dr. Johnson recommends crowns for teeth that have undergone root canal therapy, have large existing fillings, show severe wear from grinding, or have cracks and fractures that compromise their strength. The process typically requires two visits: one to prepare the tooth and create impressions for your custom crown, and another to permanently cement the finished restoration.
Modern crowns are made from various materials, including porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and zirconia, each offering different benefits for strength and aesthetics. Dr. Johnson selects the ideal material based on the tooth’s location, your bite pattern, and your cosmetic preferences. With proper care, crowns can last 15 years or longer.
Tooth Extractions
While saving natural teeth remains the priority, tooth extraction sometimes becomes necessary when a tooth is too damaged to restore, severely infected, impacted, or causing orthodontic issues. Dr. Johnson performs extractions using gentle techniques and offers sedation options for anxious patients. Before any extraction, digital X-rays help visualize the tooth’s position and plan the safest removal approach. Simple extractions involve fully visible teeth that can be removed after numbing, while surgical extractions address teeth that haven’t fully erupted or have broken below the gum line.
After extraction, Dr. Johnson provides detailed aftercare instructions to promote healing and prevent complications. Most patients in Seattle, WA, experience minimal discomfort that resolves within a few days. Dr. Johnson then discusses tooth replacement options like implants, bridges, or dentures to restore function and prevent problems associated with missing teeth.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges permanently replace one or more missing teeth by using adjacent teeth as anchors for artificial teeth that fill the gap. Dr. Johnson creates custom bridges that match your natural teeth in color and shape, making the restoration blend seamlessly with your smile. The procedure involves preparing the anchor teeth to receive crowns that support the bridge structure.
Traditional bridges use crowns on both sides of the gap, while Maryland bridges bond to the back of adjacent teeth with minimal tooth alteration. Bridges restore your ability to chew properly, prevent remaining teeth from shifting, maintain facial structure, and correct speech difficulties caused by missing teeth. With proper care, including regular brushing and special flossing techniques, bridges typically last 10 to 15 years or longer.
Dentures
Dentures provide a complete solution for patients who have lost most or all of their natural teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics. Dr. Johnson works with skilled laboratories to create custom dentures that fit comfortably and look natural. Complete dentures replace all teeth in an arch, while partial dentures fill multiple gaps when some natural teeth remain. T
he creation process involves multiple appointments for impressions, measurements, and try-ins to achieve optimal fit and appearance. Modern dentures allow patients to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. While adjusting to new dentures requires patience, most patients adapt within a few weeks. Regular dental visits remain important for monitoring gum health and adjusting fit as needed. Dr. Johnson can also discuss implant-supported dentures, which offer enhanced stability by anchoring to dental implants placed in the jawbone.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longevity of dental fillings depends on several factors, including the filling material used, the tooth’s location, the size of the restoration, and your oral hygiene habits. Composite resin fillings, which Dr. Johnson commonly uses, typically last between 5 and 10 years, though many patients enjoy their fillings for much longer. Factors that can shorten a filling’s lifespan include teeth grinding, chewing on hard objects like ice or hard candy, and inconsistent oral hygiene that allows new decay to develop around the filling. Regular dental checkups allow Dr. Johnson to monitor your fillings and recommend replacement when necessary, preventing more serious problems from developing.
Fillings repair small to moderate areas of tooth decay or damage by filling in the cavity left after removing the decayed portion. They work well when most of the tooth structure remains intact and healthy. Crowns, on the other hand, cover the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line, providing protection for teeth that have been severely damaged or weakened. Dr. Johnson recommends crowns when too much tooth structure has been lost to support a filling, after root canal therapy, or when a tooth is cracked or broken. Think of a filling as a patch and a crown as a protective cap that encases the entire tooth.
Modern anesthetics and gentle technique make tooth extractions far more comfortable than many patients anticipate. Dr. Johnson thoroughly numbs the area before beginning any extraction, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure itself. You may feel pressure or pulling sensations, but these are normal and don’t indicate that the anesthetic isn’t working. After the extraction, some discomfort is expected as the anesthetic wears off and during the initial healing period. Most patients find that over-the-counter pain medication effectively manages any discomfort, which typically subsides within a few days.
Seattle’s Choice for Advanced Restorative Dental Care
Living with damaged, decayed, or missing teeth affects more than just your appearance—it impacts your ability to enjoy meals, speak comfortably, and feel confident in social situations. If you’ve been putting off dental treatment due to fear, cost concerns, or simply not knowing where to turn, Dr. Johnson at Aesthetic Dental Associates in Seattle, WA, is here to help. The practice proudly serves patients throughout the greater Seattle area, including those traveling from Bellevue, Tacoma, and Renton, who seek comprehensive restorative dental solutions.
From single-tooth repairs to full-mouth rehabilitation, Dr. Johnson combines advanced techniques with genuine care to help you achieve the healthy, functional smile you deserve. Stop letting dental problems control your life—call our Seattle dentist at (206) 682-3888 to schedule your restorative dentistry consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming your oral health and quality of life.