Restorative dentistry is all about bringing your smile back to life! It focuses on fixing or replacing teeth that are chipped, cracked, decayed, or missing. This can involve procedures like fillings, crowns (caps for teeth), bridges (to fill gaps), or even implants (artificial tooth roots). The goal? To restore both the function (chewing, speaking) and appearance of your teeth, so you can chomp on an apple and grin with confidence.
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps placed over a damaged or weak tooth to restore its look and function. They are made from various materials like metal, porcelain, or resin. Crowns can be used for several reasons, including:
The procedure typically involves two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing decay and shaping it. They will then take an impression of your teeth to create a custom crown. In the second visit, the dentist will place the permanent crown and check the bite. With proper care, dental crowns can last for many years.
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace missing teeth. It literally bridges the gap by anchoring to healthy teeth on either side of the space. The bridge itself is made of crowns for the surrounding teeth and artificial teeth in between, called pontics. These pontics can be made from various materials to resemble natural teeth.
Dental bridges address several issues caused by missing teeth, including improving chewing, speaking, and facial appearance. There are different types of bridges, and a dentist will recommend the best option based on your situation.
Inlays and onlays are tooth restorations stronger than fillings but less drastic than crowns. They're custom-made in a lab to precisely fit your tooth. Inlays fit within the chewing surface, between cusps (points). Onlays cover one or more cusps.
They're used for cavities too large for fillings or repairing cracked/chipped cusps. They come in tooth-colored materials for a natural look and last longer than fillings. Involves removing some tooth structure, so it's important to discuss the procedure with your dentist to see if it's right for you.
Dental fillings are restorations used to repair damaged teeth. The most common reason for a filling is to treat a cavity, which is caused by tooth decay. During this procedure, your dentist removes the decayed area and fills the space with a filling material. Fillings can also be used to repair cracked, broken, or worn teeth.
There are several types of filling materials available, including tooth-colored composite resin, silver amalgam (metal), porcelain, and glass ionomer. The best type of filling for you will depend on the location and extent of the damage, your insurance coverage, and your dentist's recommendation.
