At Hilliard Modern Dental in Hilliard, OH, Dr. Benjamin R. Lamielle, DDS and the team help patients understand what is going on, why it is happening, and what a comfortable, practical next step can look like. When a cleaning is not enough, Restorative Dentistry can help protect your natural teeth, rebuild tooth structure, and get your smile back to a place that feels strong and dependable.

You can do everything “right” and still feel like something is off. Maybe you stay consistent with dental care, keep up with your oral hygiene, and come in for your regular dental cleaning, yet your mouth does not feel comfortable or your appearance of your smile has changed. That is often the moment people start wondering if they need more than a routine visit.

Routine care vs. restorative care

A routine cleaning focuses on plaque, tartar buildup, and keeping your gums healthy. It supports good oral health and helps lower risk for tooth decay and gum disease, especially when it pairs with proper care at home.

Restorative care comes into the picture when there is damage, infection, or tooth loss that a cleaning cannot fix. Think cavities that need dental fillings, a cracked or damaged tooth that needs protection, or a missing tooth that is changing how you chew. These restorative procedures aim to bring back the proper function and comfort you rely on every day.

Signs you may need more than a cleaning

Some symptoms are easy to brush off because they start small. If any of these feel familiar, it is worth scheduling a dental examination so you can get clear answers.

Pain, sensitivity, or lingering discomfort

Ongoing dental pain can point to deep decay or irritation near the blood vessels and nerve inside the tooth. Sometimes the fix is a filling. Other times, the tooth may need root canal therapy to remove infection and preserve the tooth.

A tooth that looks chipped, cracked, or worn down

A crack may be visible, or it may show up as discomfort when chewing. If the tooth is weakened, a dental crown can help protect it and restore strength. Hilliard Modern Dental notes crowns are often recommended after a root canal or to repair a damaged natural tooth.

Food traps and changes in how your bite fits

If food keeps getting stuck in one area or your bite feels different, it may mean a filling has worn down, a tooth has shifted, or there is decay between teeth. These issues can grow into complex cases if they are left alone.

A dark spot, rough edge, or “soft” area

A spot that catches floss or feels rough with your tongue can be a clue there is a decayed portion of the tooth that needs attention. This is one reason regular exams matter, even when pain is not present.

Bleeding gums, swelling, or gum tenderness

Bleeding can be tied to oral health problems like gingivitis or periodontal (gum) treatments needs. Gum health supports the long-term success of many restorative treatments, especially when you are replacing missing teeth.

Is it time to restore your smile?

If you notice pain, a visible crack, a loose filling, or a missing tooth, schedule an exam. A quick evaluation can confirm what is going on and help you choose the right next step before the problem grows.

Common restorative options your dentist may discuss

A good plan starts with listening, then matching the type of treatment to your needs and comfort. Here are a few common restorative treatments patients often consider.

Dental fillings for cavities and minor damage

Fillings replace decayed areas and support the remaining tooth. Hilliard Modern Dental offers composite resin fillings designed to restore strength while blending naturally with your tooth color.

Crowns to protect and strengthen a weakened tooth

A crown can cover and protect a tooth after a root canal or after significant damage. The practice highlights “advanced technology and modern materials” to support comfortable, personalized crown care.

Dental bridges for missing teeth

A dental bridge can replace one or more missing teeth using artificial teeth anchored to nearby teeth. This approach can restore the function of your teeth for chewing and help support the appearance of teeth when a gap is visible.

Root canal treatment to save an infected tooth

When decay or infection reaches the inner portion of a tooth, root canal treatment can remove the infection and help you keep the tooth instead of removing it. Hilliard Modern Dental includes root canal treatment as an option in emergency care planning, depending on the situation.

Options for tooth replacement: dentures and implant restoration

For tooth loss, your dentist may talk about partial dentures, full dentures, or implant-supported solutions. Hilliard Modern Dental offers partial dentures to replace several missing teeth and restore function and appearance.

If you already have implants, implant restoration focuses on restoring function and confidence by completing or repairing the visible “tooth” portion supported by the implant.

Cosmetic dentistry and elective improvements that pair with restorative needs

Sometimes people want their smile to look better after function is stable. Options like dental bonding, dental veneers, and other cosmetic dental procedures can address chips, edges, or uneven surfaces that affect the appearance of your smile. Bonding is described by the practice as a convenient and affordable cosmetic dental treatment for minor imperfections.

(If your main concern is cosmetic, your dentist can still make sure your teeth and gums are healthy first, so cosmetic treatments hold up well over time.)

How modern technology helps confirm the problem

When you are unsure what “counts” as a real issue, visuals help. Hilliard Modern Dental highlights tools that support earlier and clearer diagnosis.

An intraoral camera can capture full-color images and zoom in on cracks, chips, and worn fillings, making it easier to see small problem areas and discuss next steps together.

The practice also offers panoramic X-rays, which provide a broad view of teeth, jaws, sinuses, and jaw joints.

In many cases, this combination helps your dentist confirm what is happening and build a personalized treatment plan that fits your goals, timeline, and comfort level.

What to expect at your visit

Most restorative visits follow a steady, reassuring flow:

1. Talk through what you are feeling. Pain, sensitivity, bite changes, or concerns about a missing tooth all matter.
2. Exam and images. Your team may use X-rays and an intraoral camera to assess the tooth and surrounding structures.
3. Clear options. You will hear what the main goal is, what the best procedures may be for your situation, and why a recommended approach supports your long-term dental health.
4. Plan for timing and comfort. Your dentist can discuss expected recovery time, how many visits a procedure may take, and any questions about dental insurance or available savings options (the site highlights a savings plan for patients).

When you should call sooner rather than later

If you have swelling, severe pain, or a tooth that breaks, treat it as time-sensitive. The practice’s emergency exam page lists options like emergency fillings, crowns and restorations, root canal treatment, and tooth removal when a tooth cannot be restored.

Getting guidance early can limit how far the problem spreads and can keep your treatment simpler.

A supportive next step in Hilliard, OH

If you are due for a cleaning but have a nagging concern, you do not have to guess. Hilliard Modern Dental focuses on personalized care for the whole family, with a calm, modern approach that helps patients feel informed and comfortable.

Schedule a visit to talk through your symptoms and options. Whether you need a small repair or a more involved restorative plan, our team is here to help you make the right choice with clarity and confidence.