A cracked molar, a filling that keeps failing, a gap where a tooth used to be, or a partial that no longer fits: restorative dentistry repairs and replaces damaged or missing teeth for teens, adults and seniors so they can chew, speak and smile with confidence again. At Advanced Dentistry of Coral Springs, Dr. Renan Buitrago plans and completes this care himself, and you see him at every visit.
Restorative dentistry covers the treatments that rebuild a tooth's structure or replace teeth that are gone. It ranges from a small filling to a full set of dentures. The goal is to return function and comfort while keeping as much of your natural tooth as is reasonable.
Patients come to us with many different needs, including:
- A cavity or worn filling that needs a new dental filling or composite bonding
- A cracked, heavily filled or root-canal-treated tooth that needs a crown
- An infected tooth that needs root canal therapy on a front tooth, premolar or molar
- One or more missing teeth that could be replaced with a bridge, a dental implant or an implant-supported bridge
- Loose or uncomfortable dentures that need repair, replacement or an implant-supported option
- Wear and damage across many teeth that call for full mouth rehabilitation
Dr. Buitrago is a prosthodontist, a dentist with three additional years of specialty training in replacing and restoring teeth. He earned dental degrees from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (2000) and New York University (2008), completed NYU's advanced program in prosthodontics and dental implants, and finished a three-year prosthodontics residency at New York Hospital Queens, affiliated with Cornell. He is a recipient of the Gersten Award and has owned this Coral Springs practice since 2014.
Most people are candidates for some form of restorative care. The right option depends on the health of the surrounding teeth, gums and bone, your bite, and what you want from treatment. Your first visit includes a dental exam so Dr. Buitrago can see the full picture before recommending anything.
Healthy gums matter. If we find gum disease, we may recommend scaling and root planing first, because restorations last best on a stable foundation. If an implant is an option but bone has thinned, bone grafting may be part of the plan. Some patients prefer a conventional bridge or partial denture instead, and we will explain the trade-offs plainly so you can decide.
How is restorative treatment planned and carried out?
Treatment is planned and completed in our office by Dr. Buitrago, rather than being split among several outside offices. For a crown, he prepares the tooth, places a temporary, and fits the final crown at a later visit. For a bridge, the neighboring teeth are shaped to support the replacement tooth. Fillings and bonding are often finished in a single appointment.
Our on-site dental lab lets Dr. Buitrago work closely on the shape, shade and fit of crowns, bridges and dentures. When a case is complex, he coordinates the full plan and sequences each step. For patients who feel anxious, oral sedation is available. If something breaks or hurts suddenly, we offer emergency dental appointments.
How do I care for my restorations afterward?
Care for restored teeth much like natural teeth: brush twice a day, clean between teeth daily, and keep regular cleanings and exams. Crowns and bridges can still fail if decay forms at their edges, so daily cleaning around them is important.
Some sensitivity after a filling or crown is common for a short time. Dentures and partials may take a period of adjustment while you learn to eat and speak with them, and we can make adjustments as your mouth changes. Our hygienists help you clean around bridges and implants, and patients with a history of gum disease may benefit from periodontal maintenance visits. How long any restoration lasts depends on your habits, your bite and your overall oral health.
How can I pay for restorative care?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we welcome self-pay patients. Before treatment, we review your plan and estimated costs with you so there are no surprises.
For costs not covered by insurance, we offer CareCredit, 0% and low-interest financing options, and all major credit cards. Larger plans can sometimes be done in stages, and we will talk through the timing that works for your budget.
If a tooth is bothering you or you are ready to replace one that is missing, we would be glad to see you. Patients visit us from Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek, Margate, Tamarac and nearby communities at 2232 N University Drive, Suite B, Coral Springs, FL 33071. Call our office to schedule your visit with Dr. Buitrago.