Medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Kibler

Restorative Dentistry in Summerville, SC

A cracked molar, a filling that finally gave out, or a gap where a tooth used to be can change how you eat, speak, and smile. These problems rarely fix themselves. A small cavity becomes a large one, a cracked tooth splits further, and neighboring teeth drift into empty spaces. The sooner a damaged or missing tooth is restored, the more natural tooth structure you keep and the simpler your treatment tends to be.

At Old Trolley Dental Associates, restorative care is a central part of our general dentistry practice in Summerville, SC. Dr. Scott Kibler has practiced in Summerville since 2006 and is a member of the Seattle Study Club and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Michael Skovira completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the Medical University of South Carolina focused on complex restorative cases, with extensive training in dental implants. Between them, they handle everything from a single filling to replacing a full arch of teeth.

What Restorative Dentistry Covers

Restorative dentistry repairs or replaces teeth so they work, feel, and look the way they should. Its first goal is function and health, which is what separates it from cosmetic dentistry, where appearance is the main goal. In practice, the two often overlap, since today’s tooth-colored restorations are designed to blend in with your natural smile.

The need is widespread. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1 in 5 adults aged 20 to 64 has at least one untreated cavity, and nearly half of adults 30 and older show signs of gum disease. Both conditions get more expensive and more involved to treat the longer they wait.

Restorative Treatments at Old Trolley Dental Associates

Every restorative plan starts with the most conservative option that will solve the problem. Here is how our services fit together.

Repairing a Damaged or Decayed Tooth

When a tooth can be saved, saving it is almost always the best choice.

Composite fillings repair cavities and can replace old metal fillings with a natural look.
A custom cap that protects a tooth weakened by a large cavity, crack, or root canal.
Designed, milled, and placed in one visit, with no temporary crown and no second appointment.
Removes infection from inside the tooth to relieve pain and keep your natural tooth.

Replacing Missing Teeth

A missing tooth affects more than your smile. Replacing it protects your bite, your remaining teeth, and your jawbone.

A titanium post in the jawbone topped with a crown, the closest option to a natural tooth.
Dentures that snap onto implants for a secure fit that will not slip when you eat or talk.
A fixed replacement anchored to the teeth on either side of the gap, with no surgery needed.
Full and partial dentures, plus relines, repairs, and walk-in help for broken dentures.

Removing a Tooth That Cannot Be Saved

When a tooth is too damaged, infected, or impacted to keep, a gentle tooth extraction protects the rest of your mouth. We also provide wisdom teeth removal for teeth that are crowded, partially erupted, or causing pain. If an extracted tooth will be replaced, we plan that replacement before the extraction so nothing is left to chance.

Signs You May Need Restorative Care

Some problems are obvious, but many start quietly. Call us for an exam if you notice any of the following.

  • A toothache, or pain when you bite down or chew
  • Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods that lingers
  • A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
  • A filling or crown that feels rough, loose, or has fallen out
  • Dark spots, holes, or visible wear on a tooth
  • A missing tooth, or dentures that no longer fit comfortably

Early treatment usually means a smaller restoration, a shorter appointment, and a lower cost.

Comparing Your Options for Missing Teeth

Implants, bridges, and dentures all replace missing teeth, but they work differently. The right choice depends on how many teeth are missing, the health of your gums and jawbone, your budget, and your preferences. This comparison is a starting point for that conversation.

  Dental Implant Dental Bridge Denture or Partial
Fixed or removable Fixed Fixed Removable
Affects neighboring teeth No Yes, they are reshaped for crowns Partials may clasp onto teeth
Helps preserve jawbone Yes No No
Surgery required Yes, minor oral surgery No No
Typical treatment time Several months, to allow healing A few weeks A few weeks
Upfront cost Highest Moderate Lowest

Leaving a gap unfilled has its own costs. Nearby teeth can tip into the space, the opposing tooth can drift, your bite can change, and the jawbone in that area slowly shrinks. That is why we talk through replacement options whenever a tooth is lost or removed.

How We Plan Your Restorative Treatment

Our approach is the same whether you need one filling or several teeth replaced. You will always know what we found, what your options are, and what each one costs before any work begins.

1
Exam and Imaging
Digital X-rays, intraoral photos, and 3D imaging when needed show exactly what is going on.
2
Options and Costs
We explain each option, what insurance may cover, and your financing choices.
3
Urgent Needs First
Pain and infection are treated first, then remaining work can be phased over time.
4
Restore and Maintain
We complete your treatment and check your restorations at every cleaning.

In-office technology keeps visits efficient. CEREC CAD/CAM lets us complete many crowns in a single appointment, digital scanners replace messy impression trays, and 3D cone beam imaging helps us plan implants and complex cases with precision. If longer restorative visits make you anxious, ask us about sedation dentistry, including nitrous oxide and oral sedation, to help you stay relaxed from start to finish.

Insurance and Financing for Restorative Care

Most dental insurance plans cover part of restorative treatment, though coverage levels vary by procedure and plan. We accept many PPO plans, including Aetna, Ameritas, Cigna, Delta Dental PPO, Guardian, United Concordia, and UnitedHealthcare, and our team will review your benefits with you before treatment. For the remaining balance, you can explore our dental financing options, including CareCredit, Cherry payment plans, and our in-house membership plan for patients without insurance.

Ready to Restore Your Smile?
Schedule an exam with Dr. Kibler or Dr. Skovira and get a clear plan for every tooth that needs attention.

What to Do If You Break a Tooth or Lose a Filling

Rinse your mouth with warm water and hold a cold compress against your cheek if there is swelling. Save any pieces of the tooth, or the crown if it came off, and bring them with you. Avoid chewing on that side, and do not try to glue a crown back on with household adhesive. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help until you are seen. Then call our office. If you are in pain or have a dental emergency, call 843-960-0389 so we can find the soonest time to see you.

Restorative Dentistry FAQs

These are the questions our Summerville patients ask most often about repairing and replacing teeth.

What is the difference between restorative and cosmetic dentistry?
Restorative dentistry repairs or replaces teeth to restore health and function, such as fillings, crowns, and implants. Cosmetic dentistry focuses mainly on appearance, such as whitening or veneers. Many restorative treatments also improve how your smile looks.
Does dental insurance cover restorative dentistry?
Most plans cover a portion of restorative care. Fillings are often covered at a higher percentage than crowns, bridges, or dentures, and implant coverage varies widely. Our team can check your specific benefits before treatment.
Should I replace my old silver fillings?
Amalgam fillings that are intact and not causing problems do not always need to be replaced. If a filling is cracked, leaking, or has decay around it, or if you would prefer a tooth-colored look, we can discuss replacing it with a composite filling.
How do I know if a crown or filling is failing?
Common signs include new sensitivity or pain, a rough or sharp edge, food catching around the tooth, a dark line near the gum, or a restoration that feels loose. Regular exams often catch these problems before you notice them.
What happens if I do not replace a missing tooth?
Over time, nearby teeth can shift into the gap, your bite can change, chewing can become harder, and the jawbone where the tooth was can shrink. Replacing the tooth helps prevent these changes.
Do I need a bridge or a partial denture?
A bridge is fixed in place and usually replaces one to three teeth in a row with healthy teeth on each side. A partial denture is removable and can replace several teeth in different parts of the mouth. We will recommend the option that fits your situation.

Restore Your Smile With Old Trolley Dental Associates

Dr. Scott Kibler and Dr. Michael Skovira combine decades of experience, advanced training through the Medical University of South Carolina, and in-office technology like CEREC same-day crowns to restore teeth efficiently and conservatively. Our Summerville practice has earned over 1000 five-star reviews, and every restorative case is planned and completed by one of our two doctors. You can meet our doctors before your visit.

If a damaged or missing tooth is affecting how you eat, speak, or smile, we can help you find the right solution. Contact Old Trolley Dental Associates or call 843-376-6929 to schedule your restorative consultation in Summerville, SC.