Restorative Dentistry in Las Vegas and Summerlin

Comprehensive restorative care from a 19× Best of Las Vegas-recognized practice — bringing damaged, missing, or worn teeth back to full function and natural appearance.

What Is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is the branch of dental care focused on repairing, replacing, and rehabilitating teeth that have been damaged by decay, fracture, wear, or loss. Where general dentistry emphasizes prevention and routine care, restorative dentistry steps in when intervention is needed to bring a tooth, several teeth, or an entire mouth back to full function and natural appearance.

The scope of restorative dentistry has expanded dramatically over the past two decades. What was once limited to silver fillings, gold crowns, and basic dentures now includes tooth-colored composite restorations, ceramic crowns milled in-office in a single appointment, dental implants that integrate with the jaw bone, full-arch implant solutions like All-on-4, and complete reconstructions that rebuild a worn or damaged bite from the ground up. The materials are stronger and more lifelike than ever, and the techniques are less invasive.

For patients, restorative dentistry typically becomes relevant after a problem develops — a tooth fractures while eating, a long-standing filling fails, decay reaches the nerve of a tooth, or a tooth is lost to gum disease or trauma. The goal of restorative care is twofold: restore the patient’s ability to eat, speak, and smile comfortably, and protect the surrounding teeth and oral structures from progressive damage that often follows when one tooth is compromised.

Most restorative procedures are performed by general dentists with the appropriate training and equipment. More complex cases — full-mouth reconstructions, advanced implant cases, treatments requiring coordination across multiple specialties — may involve consultation with prosthodontists, oral surgeons, or periodontists. Summerlin Dental Solutions handles a comprehensive range of restorative work in-house, with referrals reserved for the small subset of cases where specialist coordination genuinely benefits the patient.

Common Restorative Procedures

Restorative dentistry covers a wide range of procedures, from the simplest filling to the most complex full-mouth rehabilitation. Below is an overview of the procedures most commonly performed at Summerlin Dental Solutions.

Dental Fillings

The most common restorative procedure. A filling restores a tooth that has been damaged by decay, removing the affected tissue and replacing it with a durable material that returns the tooth to function. Modern fillings are typically composite resin — a tooth-colored material that bonds directly to the tooth structure and is virtually invisible once placed. Composite fillings are appropriate for most situations where a filling is needed and have largely replaced the silver amalgam fillings that dominated dentistry for decades. A typical filling appointment takes 30–60 minutes and is completed in a single visit.

Inlays and Onlays

When a cavity or area of damage is too large for a filling but doesn’t quite require a full crown, an inlay or onlay can be the right answer. These are custom-made restorations — typically porcelain or ceramic — that fit into or onto the tooth, restoring strength and shape while preserving more of the original tooth structure than a crown would. Inlays sit within the cusps of the tooth; onlays extend over one or more cusps. Both are bonded in place and provide a long-lasting restoration that often outlasts traditional fillings in larger cavities.

Dental Crowns

A crown — sometimes called a cap — covers and protects a tooth that has been significantly damaged, weakened, or aesthetically compromised. Crowns are recommended for teeth that have had root canal therapy, teeth with very large fillings that have weakened the surrounding structure, cracked teeth at risk of fracturing further, and teeth being used as anchors for a dental bridge. Modern crowns are most commonly made from porcelain or zirconia, both of which closely mimic the appearance of natural enamel. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, CEREC technology allows most crowns to be designed, milled, and placed in a single appointment — eliminating the traditional two-visit process and the temporary crown that comes with it.

Dental Bridges

A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth using crowns on the adjacent teeth as anchors. The replacement tooth (or teeth) sits in the space where the missing tooth was, fused to the anchor crowns to form a single, stable unit. Bridges are an established option for tooth replacement and remain appropriate when the adjacent teeth would benefit from crowns anyway. A typical bridge spans 3–4 teeth and is fabricated from porcelain fused to a metal substructure or, increasingly, from solid zirconia. With proper care, a well-made bridge can last 10–15 years or more.

Dental Implants

Dental implants represent the most significant advance in tooth replacement in modern dentistry. An implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone, where it integrates with the bone over 3–6 months in a process called osseointegration. Once integrated, the implant provides a stable foundation for a crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth. Unlike bridges, implants don’t require alteration of the adjacent teeth, and unlike removable dentures, they don’t shift or affect speech and eating. Implants have published 10-year success rates above 95% in healthy patients with adequate bone, and they’re typically the recommended option for patients replacing a single missing tooth or several missing teeth in non-adjacent locations.

All-on-4 Dental Implants

For patients missing all the teeth in an arch (upper, lower, or both), All-on-4 is a full-arch implant solution that uses just four strategically placed implants to support a fixed, non-removable prosthesis. The technique was developed in the late 1990s and has since been used in hundreds of thousands of cases worldwide. The advantage over traditional dentures is dramatic: All-on-4 prostheses don’t shift, don’t require adhesives, and restore close to natural chewing function. The advantage over an implant for every missing tooth is cost — a full arch can be restored with four implants instead of eight or ten, making the procedure substantially more accessible. The full process typically takes 3–6 months from initial surgery to placement of the final permanent prosthesis, with a temporary set of teeth placed the same day as the implant surgery.

Dentures and Partial Dentures

Despite the rise of dental implants, traditional removable dentures remain the right choice for many patients — particularly those with insufficient bone for implants, significant medical conditions that complicate implant surgery, or budget constraints that put implants out of reach. Modern dentures are far better than the dentures of decades past: precision-fit using digital impressions, made from materials that closely match natural gum tissue, and designed to provide better retention than the loose, easily-displaced dentures of older generations. Partial dentures replace some teeth in an arch while preserving healthy remaining teeth as anchors. Both full and partial dentures can be made conventionally or as immediate dentures, which are placed the same day teeth are extracted.

Root Canal Therapy

When decay or trauma reaches the pulp inside a tooth — the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels — root canal therapy can save the tooth from extraction. The procedure removes the infected or damaged pulp, cleans and disinfects the inner chamber and root canals, and seals them to prevent reinfection. Most root canals are completed in one or two appointments and have published success rates above 90%. Modern root canal procedures are far more comfortable than the procedure’s reputation suggests — most patients report the experience feels similar to having a filling placed. After root canal therapy, the tooth is typically restored with a crown to protect the now-hollow tooth structure from fracture.

Full Mouth Reconstruction

Some patients arrive with damage that extends across most or all of their teeth — severe wear from grinding, multiple failing restorations from decades past, missing teeth combined with damaged remaining teeth, or trauma from an accident. Full mouth reconstruction is the comprehensive process of rebuilding the entire bite, typically combining multiple restorative procedures (crowns, bridges, implants, sometimes orthodontics or periodontal treatment) into a coordinated treatment plan. A full mouth reconstruction is one of the most complex undertakings in restorative dentistry and is performed in phases over months. The reward, when done well, is a complete restoration of function and appearance — patients regaining the ability to eat foods they’ve avoided for years and a smile they’re confident showing in photographs again.

Full mouth reconstruction at Summerlin Dental Solutions begins with a comprehensive consultation that includes detailed records, 3D imaging, photographs, and a thorough discussion of goals. The treatment plan is built around what the patient wants to achieve, sequenced to deliver early wins (often with provisional restorations) while the longer-term work proceeds, and reviewed at multiple stages to confirm direction before each phase begins.

When Is Restorative Dentistry Needed?

Most patients arrive at restorative dentistry because of a specific event or symptom rather than as part of routine care. Common situations that warrant a restorative consultation include:

• Persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to temperature, or pain when biting
• A chipped, cracked, or visibly damaged tooth
• A filling, crown, or other restoration that has come loose, cracked, or fallen out
• A tooth that has darkened, suggesting nerve damage that may require root canal therapy
• A missing tooth or teeth that affect chewing, speech, or appearance
• Loose teeth, often a sign of advanced gum disease that may require intervention to save the affected teeth
• Significant wear of the teeth from grinding, which may benefit from a comprehensive evaluation
• Existing crowns, bridges, or implants approaching the end of their typical lifespan
• A new patient transferring from another practice with prior restorative work that needs evaluation

Some restorative issues progress slowly without symptoms — a small amount of decay under an old filling can develop quietly for years before becoming painful. This is one of the reasons routine examinations matter even between restorative episodes; early detection of restorative issues turns invasive treatment into minor treatment.

What to Expect at a Restorative Consultation

A restorative consultation at Summerlin Dental Solutions is structured to be thorough rather than rushed. The first visit typically takes 60–90 minutes and includes a comprehensive examination, a series of digital X-rays, cone-beam CT imaging where indicated for implant or complex cases, intraoral camera photography to document the current state of teeth and surrounding tissues, and a careful conversation about the patient’s history, concerns, and goals.

After the examination and imaging are complete, Dr. Cohan reviews findings directly with the patient using the practice’s chairside displays — bringing up X-rays, cone-beam scans, and intraoral camera images on 55-inch screens that allow patients to actually see what’s being discussed. Most patients have never seen a clear image of their own teeth this way. Being able to point at a specific area on a magnified image and say “this is what’s happening, this is what we’d recommend, and this is why” turns abstract dental terms into something the patient can understand and weigh.

Treatment plans are presented with multiple options where multiple options exist. For a single damaged tooth, that might mean comparing a large filling, an onlay, and a crown — each with different costs, longevity expectations, and trade-offs. For more complex cases, the consultation may include phased treatment plans that prioritize urgent issues while creating a longer-term path toward the patient’s goals.

Patients are not expected to make decisions on the day of consultation. The treatment plan is provided in writing, cost estimates are detailed (with insurance coverage broken out separately), and patients are encouraged to ask questions, take time to consider their options, and follow up as needed before scheduling treatment.

Restorative Materials and Longevity

Modern restorative dentistry offers a range of materials, each with strengths and ideal applications. Understanding the options helps patients participate meaningfully in treatment decisions.

Composite Resin

Tooth-colored material used for fillings and small bonded restorations. Composite bonds directly to tooth structure, allowing for more conservative preparations than traditional fillings required. Typical lifespan: 7–10 years for moderate-sized restorations, often longer for smaller ones.

Porcelain (Pressed Ceramic / Lithium Disilicate)

The standard material for cosmetic crowns, veneers, inlays, and onlays. Porcelain closely matches the translucency and appearance of natural enamel, making well-made porcelain restorations virtually invisible. Modern lithium disilicate (e.max) ceramics combine excellent aesthetics with strength suitable for back teeth as well as front teeth. Typical lifespan: 10–15 years or more with proper care.

Zirconia

An exceptionally strong ceramic material that has become increasingly popular for crowns, bridges, and implant restorations. Zirconia is harder to fracture than porcelain but historically less translucent — though newer multilayer zirconia formulations have closed much of the appearance gap. Particularly well-suited for back teeth where biting forces are highest. Typical lifespan: 15+ years.

Titanium (Implants)

The standard material for the implant post itself. Titanium is biocompatible — the body integrates with it rather than rejecting it — and has been used in implant dentistry for over 50 years. The titanium post is hidden below the gumline; the visible portion is the crown attached to it, which is typically porcelain or zirconia.

Acrylic and Flexible Resins (Dentures)

Used for the gum-colored portion of dentures and for the denture teeth themselves in some designs. Modern denture materials are far more lifelike and durable than the materials used decades ago. Typical lifespan: 5–10 years for full dentures, with relines or adjustments in between.

What Sets Summerlin Dental Solutions Apart

Restorative dentistry is one area where the differences between practices show up clearly in patient outcomes. The same procedure performed by different practices can produce dramatically different results — in fit, in longevity, in how natural the restoration looks, and in how comfortable the experience is. The differentiators below are concrete and patient-noticeable.

Visual Treatment Explanation Patients Can Actually Understand

Every operatory at Summerlin Dental Solutions is equipped with 55-inch displays connected to intraoral cameras and the practice’s full digital imaging system. When Dr. Cohan explains a treatment recommendation, the patient sees what she sees — a magnified, well-lit image of the specific tooth in question, the X-ray showing the underlying condition, the cone-beam scan revealing root anatomy or bone structure, and reference images of the proposed restoration.

This isn’t a marketing detail. It changes the patient experience materially. Most patients have never seen what’s happening in their own mouth in a way that makes clinical sense. A vague “you have a cracked tooth in the upper left” becomes “here’s the crack — you can see how it extends from the surface down toward this area, and here’s why we’d recommend a crown rather than a filling: the structural support that’s missing here.” Patients who can see what’s being discussed make more confident decisions, accept treatment that’s actually needed more readily, and feel less like restorative work is happening to them and more like they are partners in their own care.

Recognition That Spans Two Decades

Dr. Marianne Cohan has been named Best of Las Vegas Dentist 19 times by readers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The award is determined by reader vote — by the experience of actual Las Vegas patients — rather than by industry panels or paid placements. Sustained recognition across nearly two decades is hard to manufacture; it reflects consistency that patients notice across years of care.

Crowns

A traditional dental crown takes two appointments separated by two to three weeks. At the first appointment, the tooth is prepared, a scan is taken, and a temporary crown is placed. The impression is sent to an outside lab where the permanent crown is fabricated. At the second appointment — the temporary is removed and the permanent crown is bonded in place.

 A digital scan replaces the impression, and the permanent placed within days.

Cone-Beam CT for Implant and Complex Cases

Implant placement and complex extraction planning require three-dimensional understanding of the patient’s anatomy that traditional 2D X-rays cannot provide. The practice’s cone-beam CT imaging captures a complete 3D scan of the relevant area — bone density, nerve canal location, sinus position, root anatomy — in less than 30 seconds and at a fraction of the radiation dose of a medical CT scan. The result is implant placement that’s planned digitally before any surgery occurs, reducing risk and increasing predictability.

AI-Assisted Diagnostic Imaging

Artificial intelligence trained on millions of dental X-rays now augments the dentist’s review of patient imaging. The AI flags subtle findings — early decay between teeth, small bone changes, unexpected anatomy — for closer examination by Dr. Cohan. Patients benefit from a second set of eyes (algorithmic ones) on every X-ray, catching findings that might otherwise be missed and providing additional confidence in the diagnoses that drive treatment plans.

Digital Intraoral Scanner

Traditional dental impressions involve placing a tray of putty-like material in the patient’s mouth and waiting for it to set — a process most patients find unpleasant and many find genuinely difficult to tolerate due to gag reflex. The practice’s digital intraoral scanner replaces this process with a small camera that captures a complete 3D digital model of the teeth in a few minutes. More comfortable for patients and substantially more accurate for the lab work that follows.

Soft-Tissue Laser

For procedures involving the gum tissue — gum recontouring, frenectomies, certain periodontal procedures — the practice’s soft-tissue laser replaces a scalpel. The laser cuts and cauterizes simultaneously, meaning less bleeding during the procedure, faster healing afterward, and many procedures that can be performed without injectable anesthesia.

Time Per Patient

Restorative consultations are scheduled for 60–90 minutes. Crown appointments, even with same-visit CEREC technology, run approximately two hours. Implant consultations and full mouth reconstruction consultations may run longer. The practice doesn’t double-book patients to compensate for these time commitments — the next patient gets the same time when their turn comes. The trade-off is fewer patients per day. The result is restorative work that’s done carefully rather than quickly.

Insurance That Works Without Surprises

Summerlin Dental Solutions is in-network with most major dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Aetna, MetLife, Cigna, and Guardian. The practice files claims directly on behalf of patients and verifies benefits before treatment, so patients know what their insurance will cover before any procedure begins. For services not fully covered by insurance, the practice offers in-house preferred-patient programs and accepts CareCredit, HSA, and FSA for flexible payment options.

Continuity of Care Across Years

Restorative dentistry is rarely a one-time event. A crown placed today will be inspected at every cleaning for the next 10–15 years; an implant placed this year may need adjustments to the surrounding crowns five years from now. Patients who see the same dentist over many years benefit from a level of continuity that no first-visit consultation can replicate. Dr. Cohan and the practice’s hygiene team see the same patients across years — sometimes across generations of the same family — and that long horizon shapes how restorative decisions are made.

Insurance, Pricing, and Financial Information

Restorative dentistry costs vary based on the procedure, the materials used, the complexity of the case, and the patient’s insurance coverage. The practice’s policy is transparency — patients should know what something costs and what their insurance will cover before they decide whether to proceed.

Most major dental insurance plans cover restorative procedures at varying levels: routine fillings are typically covered at 70–80% after deductible, while crowns, bridges, and other major restorative work are typically covered at 50%. Dental implants and All-on-4 procedures are covered by some plans and not by others; the practice verifies specific coverage before treatment begins. Cosmetic-only procedures and elective work are generally not covered by insurance.

For patients without insurance, the practice’s preferred-patient program offers significant discounts on restorative care for an annual fee. CareCredit financing is available for larger treatment plans, with promotional 0% interest periods for qualified applicants. HSA and FSA accounts are accepted for all eligible procedures. For full mouth reconstructions and other large cases, the practice can structure phased treatment plans with payment scheduled to align with the work.

Detailed pricing for specific procedures is provided in the treatment plan presented at the end of each consultation. Patients can also call the office at (702) 341-9160 to discuss specific procedures and insurance coverage before scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Restorative Dentistry

How do I know if I need a filling, an inlay, or a crown?

The decision depends on how much of the tooth has been affected. For small to moderate decay, a filling is typically the right answer. For larger areas of damage where there’s still substantial healthy tooth structure, an inlay or onlay can preserve more of the natural tooth than a crown would. For extensive damage, a tooth that has had root canal therapy, or a tooth at risk of fracturing, a crown is usually recommended. The consultation includes a detailed discussion of your specific situation and the trade-offs of each option.

How long do dental crowns and bridges last?

Modern porcelain and zirconia crowns typically last 10–15 years or more with proper care. Bridges have similar longevity, sometimes a bit shorter because they involve more components. Lifespan depends on the patient’s bite forces, hygiene, and habits — patients who grind their teeth, for example, may shorten the lifespan of any restoration without a protective night guard. Regular professional cleanings and examinations catch problems with restorations early, often before they become urgent.

Are dental implants right for everyone?

Most patients with adequate bone and good general health are candidates for dental implants. Patients with significant bone loss may need bone grafting before implant placement, which extends the timeline but doesn’t preclude implants. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and certain medications can affect implant success rates and require additional consideration. The cone-beam CT scan and consultation determine candidacy specifically for each patient.

How long does All-on-4 take from start to finish?

The implants are placed in a single surgical appointment, and a temporary set of teeth is placed the same day — patients leave with functional teeth on the same day as surgery. The implants then integrate with the bone over 3–6 months. Once integration is confirmed, the final permanent prosthesis is fabricated and placed. The full process from initial consultation to final permanent teeth typically spans 4–7 months.

Do root canals hurt?

Root canal therapy has a worse reputation than the modern procedure deserves. Most patients report the experience feels similar to having a filling placed — local anesthesia is effective, modern instruments are efficient, and the procedure typically takes 60–90 minutes. The pain people associate with root canals is usually the pain that brought them in to have the root canal done — the procedure itself relieves it.

What is full mouth reconstruction, and who is it for?

Full mouth reconstruction is a comprehensive process of rebuilding the bite when damage extends across most or all of a patient’s teeth. It’s appropriate for patients with severe wear from long-term grinding, multiple failing older restorations, missing teeth combined with damaged remaining teeth, or trauma from an accident. A reconstruction combines multiple procedures (crowns, bridges, implants, sometimes orthodontics or periodontal treatment) into a coordinated, phased plan. It’s a major undertaking, but for the right patient it produces a complete restoration of function and appearance that incremental fixes cannot.

How is your practice different from a corporate dental chain?

The most visible differences are time per patient, technology investments, and continuity of care. Restorative consultations at Summerlin Dental Solutions are scheduled for 60–90 minutes; the practice does not rush patients through 30-minute slots. The technology — CEREC, intraoral cameras, 55-inch chairside displays, cone-beam CT, AI-assisted imaging — is selected for its impact on patient outcomes and patient experience, not its impact on throughput. Patients see Dr. Cohan and the same hygiene team across visits, building the kind of long-term relationship that informs better restorative decisions over time.

Schedule Your Restorative Consultation

Whether you’re dealing with a single damaged tooth, considering implants for a missing tooth, or thinking about a full reconstruction, the first step is a thorough consultation. Schedule online or call (702) 341-9160 to book your visit. We’re located at 851 S. Rampart Blvd, Suite 230, in Summerlin, with free parking on-site and convenient access from across Las Vegas, Henderson, and the surrounding areas. New patients are welcome, and most consultations can be scheduled within 1–2 weeks.

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