restorative dental treatment

Restorative dentistry involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral conditions and diseases. Treatment plans recommended by the dentist will be for the restoration of teeth that are chipped, broken, discolored, missing, or subject to decay.

The doctors and the oral healthcare professionals at Susan J. Curley DDS, a dental clinic located near you in Wall, want to educate their patients, current and new, on the expectations and techniques used in restorative dental treatment.

The Visit

The diagnosis of a condition is based upon the visual, mechanical, and radio-graphic techniques to analyze the health of teeth. Treatments of these conditions range from the non-invasive performed during one visit to the complex, invasive procedures performed over multiple visits.

Fortunately, there have been many advances in the use of anesthetics to reduce any pain, discomfort, and anxiety of the patient during a restorative procedure.

The Materials

There are four types of restorative materials used in the treatments and techniques:

  • Porcelain
  • Amalgam
  • Composite resin
  • Gold

The synthetic materials are a compound of ceramic, plastics, and glass ionomer. There are also other precious and non-precious metals used in the restoration of teeth. The choice of material largely rests with the patient and their preference when considering aesthetics and price.

Fillings

Fillings are the most common of the restorative procedures. Amalgams, an alloy of mercury and other metals, are the most common materials used for filling a cavity at the back of the mouth. Composite resins, tooth-colored for aesthetics, are used for fillings located at the front or the back.

Veneers

Veneers are layers of porcelain or composite resin and tooth-colored similar to composite fillings. Veneers are bonded onto the surface of one or more teeth, usually to the teeth at the front of the mouth visible when speaking or smiling. Veneers are the permanent restoration for teeth that are chipped, cracked, gapped, or uneven.

Crowns and Bridges

Crowns are the type of restoration that covers the entire damaged tooth. Crowns can be fabricated from gold, porcelain, or other ceramic material.

Bridges are the replacement prosthetic to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth. The bridge is attached to the crowns placed upon the natural, adjacent teeth on either side of the gap.

Other Restoration Techniques

For every diagnosis that falls in between the above conditions, there is a restorative measure. These measures are:

  • Removable partials
  • Implants
  • Inlays
  • Onlays
  • Bonding

Oral Healthcare

It must be remembered that bacterial plaque can form around restorations and dental prosthetics. Regular and consistent oral hygiene and the maintaining of regular dental exams must remain to prevent decay, infections, and further damage.

If you would like a consultation regarding the scope and techniques within restorative dentistry, then please contact the oral healthcare professionals at Susan J. Curley DDS, located in Wall, where new patients are always welcome.

Susan J. Curley DDS is trusted and highly recommended in the treatments and procedures in tooth restoration, as well as other procedures in general and cosmetic dentistry.

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