Restorative dentistry in Elmira, NY
Restorative dentistry at Chemung Family Dental
Chipped, cracked, worn, or missing teeth can make eating and smiling harder than they should be. We repair what can be saved and replace what cannot, with restorations designed to look natural and last, all in one office.
- Same-day CEREC crowns
- Oral surgeon on site for implants
- Bridges, dentures, and partials
- ★★★★★4.9 from 440+ Google reviews
- Dr. Richard Dunn, DDS, FACD
Rebuild with confidence
Repair what you can, replace what you can’t
Life happens. Teeth break, wear down, get infected, or go missing. Restorative dentistry gives you back the ability to eat, speak, and smile with ease.
Dr. Dunn has been restoring smiles in Elmira since 1988 and placed his first implant in 1984. We start by assessing the damage with an exam and digital imaging, then explain every option, from the simplest repair up, so you can choose what fits your health and budget.
Because we are a fee-for-service practice, we are not limited by insurance contracts when choosing materials and treatments. And because our oral surgeon works here, even implant surgery stays in one familiar office.
Restorative treatments
Ways we restore your smile
From a single filling to replacing several teeth, here are your options.
Dental implants
A new root and crown that look and function like a natural tooth.
Crowns
CEREC crowns designed, milled, and fitted in one visit.
Bridges
Replace a missing tooth by anchoring to the teeth beside it.
Dentures and partials
Restore several missing teeth with a comfortable appliance.
Root canal treatment
End the pain of an infected tooth and keep it.
Fillings
Stop a cavity early with a natural-looking repair.
Bridges and dentures
Options that do not have their own page
Crowns, implants, root canals, and fillings each have a detailed page. Here is what to know about the others.
Dental bridges
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by attaching a false tooth to crowns on the teeth either side of the gap. It is fixed in place, so it does not come out.
Bridges work well, but they require reshaping the neighboring teeth. If those teeth are healthy, an implant may be the better long-term choice, and we will tell you when.
- Fixed in place, no removing at night
- Restores chewing and fills the gap
- Usually completed in a few visits
Dentures and partials
Full dentures replace a complete arch of teeth. Partial dentures fill gaps when some natural teeth remain, clipping onto them for support.
There is an adjustment period, but well-fitting dentures let most patients eat and speak comfortably. Ask us whether implants could help stabilize a denture that slips.
- Replaces several or all teeth in an arch
- Removable for cleaning
- Can be stabilized with implants in some cases
Compare
Replacing a missing tooth, side by side
Every mouth is different. This is a starting point for the conversation, not a recommendation.
| Implant | Bridge | Partial denture | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it is held | A post in the jawbone | Crowns on the neighboring teeth | Clasps on remaining teeth |
| Neighboring teeth | Left alone | Reshaped to hold crowns | Used for support |
| Jawbone | Helps preserve it | Does not preserve it | Does not preserve it |
| Removable? | No | No | Yes |
| Learn more | Dental implants | Bridges | Dentures |
What to expect
The Chemung restorative process
Assessment
An exam and digital imaging to see the full extent of the damage or loss. Start with an exam.
Your options
Dr. Dunn explains every realistic option and its estimate, from the simplest repair up.
Treatment
Done comfortably with local anesthetic and sedation if you want it, with each step explained.
Follow-up
We check your bite feels natural and monitor your restorations at regular checkups.
Insurance and payment
Clear answers about cost
We want getting care to be easy. Call us with your plan details and our team will check your benefits and explain what is covered before treatment starts.
Insurance, handled
We file your claims. Most dental PPO plans still pay toward care here as out-of-network benefits.
How insurance worksPay over time
Cash, check, and major cards, plus monthly plans through Cherry and CareCredit.
Payment optionsAsk us first
Not sure what your plan covers? Call us and a real person will check for you.
Call (607) 734-2045Why not wait?
A gap does not stay a gap
When a tooth is lost, the teeth beside it drift and tilt, the opposing tooth can over-erupt, and your bite slowly changes. The bone that held the root begins to shrink.
A cracked or decayed tooth also tends to get worse. Treating it early often means a smaller, simpler, less expensive repair.
- Experience. Restoring smiles in Elmira since 1988, placing implants since 1984.
- One office. Our oral surgeon works on site, so implants do not mean a referral.
- Fewer visits. CEREC crowns are often finished the same day.
Questions
Restorative dentistry questions
Honest answers about repairing and replacing teeth.
What is restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry repairs damaged teeth and replaces missing ones. It includes fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures and partials, dental implants, and root canal treatment. The goal is to help you chew comfortably, speak clearly, and smile with confidence again.
Should I get a bridge or an implant?
Both replace missing teeth. A bridge rests on the teeth either side of the gap, which means reshaping them. An implant stands on its own and helps preserve the jawbone. We will walk you through which suits your health, budget, and preferences. Implant vs bridge.
How long do crowns last?
With good home care and regular checkups, a crown can last many years. Avoid chewing ice and hard objects, and wear a night guard if you grind. How long crowns last.
Can a broken tooth be fixed?
Usually, yes. Depending on how much of the tooth is left, we may use bonding, a filling, a crown, or root canal treatment and a crown. If it cannot be saved, we will discuss replacing it.
Is a root canal better than an extraction?
Saving your natural tooth is usually preferred, because it keeps your bite stable. When a tooth has a poor outlook, we will tell you honestly and discuss removal and replacement instead.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Yes, after an adjustment period. Start with softer foods and add firmer textures gradually. Well-fitting dentures let most patients enjoy a wide variety of food.
Does it hurt?
Treatment is done with local anesthetic, and we explain each step as we go. Sedation options are available for anxious patients and longer procedures. Sedation options.
Will insurance help?
Many dental plans contribute toward medically necessary restorations such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. We check your benefits and file the claim for you.
Will I know the cost before treatment starts?
Yes. You receive an estimate before any treatment begins, and we can spread the cost with Cherry or CareCredit.
Patient stories
Why people love Chemung Family Dental
I was self conscious about my teeth, but I was very comfortable asking questions. They offered options for my treatment and it was my decision. No pushy sales pitches for more expensive treatments.
Staff was so amazing, kept us posted on all progress during a wisdom teeth removal and made us feel so welcomed. Thank you!!
Everyone is so friendly…and understanding! I have never been a fan of going to the dentist but they all make it so comfortable!
I am a new patient at Chemung Family Dental but I feel like I have been going there for years. They make you feel very welcome.
I can’t say enough good things about this place. EVERYONE is compassionate and caring. Ann is so kind and helpful at the front desk.
Keep exploring
Related care
Eat, speak, and smile with ease again
Book a restorative consultation online or call us. We will walk you through every option.