Restorative dentistry is a field of dentistry that’s focused on restoring your smile to its optimal state. There are multiple procedures that fall under the umbrella of restorative dentistry. Each of these procedures treats teeth in different ways and carries with it its own benefits and drawbacks.
Today, we’d like to highlight three common types of restorative dentistry that you may need. We’ll discuss tooth fillings, dental crowns and dental implants. Each of these types of restorative dentistry can restore your shine to its previous glory, or take it to new levels.
Tooth Fillings
A tooth filling is when the dentist removes a decaying portion of the tooth, then they fill the area with a variety of materials, ranging from gold, to porcelain to silver. Tooth fillings are also used in situations where the tooth is broken or cracked.
After it’s been decided that a tooth filling is required, the dentist will use a drill, laser or abrasion instrument to remove the decayed sections of the tooth. Different tools are used in different situations based on the dentist’s preference.
Once all the decayed material has been removed, the dentist will prepare the space by cleaning it to remove bacteria and any remaining debris. Then, the filling material is applied to the affected area. There are additional steps for fillings that are designed to match the tooth.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a tooth-shaped cover that are placed over a tooth. It helps to restore the size, shape and strength of the tooth, along with improving the appearance. There are several situations in which a patient would opt for a dental crown:
- Cover and support a tooth
- Protect a weak tooth from decay
- Hold a dental bridge in place
- Cover a dental implant (more on that below)
- Cover a discolored tooth
There are several different types of crowns available, including stainless steel, resin, ceramic and porcelain. The process begins by examining the area in which the crown will go. Then, after some x-rays are taken of the area, a custom crown is ordered or crafted in-house. The dentist will then apply some anesthesia and apply the crown.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a type of replacement tooth that replaces the root of the tooth. A post is drilled into the jaw, and a crown is placed on top of the post. Dental implants help improve the appearance of the patient’s smile. In addition to improved appearance, they also help create a firm bite and can be used just like a real tooth. Receiving dental implants is a long process requiring multiple visits
to the dentist.
Do you require any of these types of restorative dentistry? Please contact us today to schedule your consultation.