Restorative Dentistry Can Rescue Your Bite and Smile
Restorative dentistry allows our dental team not only to prevent but also diagnose and treat the various dental conditions. Any preventive or corrective dental procedure that is done by our dental specialists like prosthodontist, orthodontist, or oral surgeon is classified as restorative dental treatment.
What Forms of Treatments Are Offered?
On your first dental appointment, the dentist will use visual, radiographic and mechanical techniques to examine your mouth and make a diagnosis. Depending on your dental health, the dentist will recommend a minimally invasive dental treatment. However, in severe cases, oral surgeries may be performed by a maxillofacial surgeon.
Restorative dental treatments are used to address cavities, dental infections, missing teeth, and cracked or broken teeth and they include;
1. Dental implants
Dental implants are a permanent dental solution for missing teeth. The titanium post (acts like a root) is surgically fixed into the jawbone to provide support for the artificial tooth.
The procedure is, however, done only if you have enough bone density to support them. If you don’t, the dentist may perform a bone graft to rebuild your jaw bone and stimulate bone growth.
Dental implants have a 95% success rate.
2. Dental fillings
Dental fillings are the common restorative treatments and they are used to repair broken or cracked teeth. Several dental fillings are used such as gold, silver, porcelain, or tooth-colored materials.
The location of the teeth and the cost will detect the dental filling to be used.
3. Dental crowns and bridges
Crowns are tooth-shaped protective caps that are placed over the tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength of the teeth. Your dentist may recommend dental crowns if you have weak, broken, or misshaped teeth. Different crowns can be used ranging from metals to porcelain.
Bridges, on the other hand, are false teeth used to cover one to two missing teeth. The dental bridges are made up of two crowns that anchor the tooth. The dentist can use traditional, cantilever, or Maryland bridges.
4. Dental dentures
Dentures are removable tooth support and are used to replace missing teeth. The dentures can be complete (that are ideal if you are missing all teeth) or partial.
Other restorative dental treatments
- Bonding uses a tooth-colored resin to repair chipped and cracked teeth, close the spaces in between, and change the shape of the teeth.
- Inlays and Onlays are indirect restorations. An inlay is fixed inside the tooth while an Onlay is applied to the surface of the teeth.
These dental treatments can be done in one or multiple dental visits based on the severity of the dental condition.
Dental Restoration Procedure
Regardless of the dental treatment, two processes will be done; preparing the tooth for placement and fixing the material. The preparation process involves cutting the tooth to make space or remove decay. At times if permanent restoration can’t be done immediately (as in the case of dental implants) a temporary restoration is done.
The dental restoration procedure can be direct or indirect—all restorative treatments mentioned above are indirect restorative.
Complications
Different complications may arise;
- Nerve irritation which normally occurs when a deep cavity has been filled following a root canal procedure
- The weakening of the dental structure increases the risk of tooth fracture in the future
Oral Care
These dental restorations are not invincible, meaning there is still a risk of a recurrence. Bacterial plaque can form and create room for infection and cavity. Furthermore, reinfection can increase the risk of gum disease.
Only a consistent dental hygiene regimen can keep plaque and tartar off. Besides brushing and flossing, incorporate the use of fluoride mouthwash that can help strengthen the tooth enamel. Plus, you need regular dental checkups, at least twice a year to assess your dental health and prevent further damage.
Schedule an Appointment
If you would like to learn more about restorative dentistry, contact our dental clinic for a discussion. Our dentist, Susan J. Curley DDS, is skilled and highly experienced in restorative dentistry and other dental treatments.