Dental Restorations
While we believe that the key to a healthy smile is preventive care, the reality is that most people need to have a cavity filled, a crown placed, or some other form of tooth restoration preformed at some point in their life.
Restorations are the various ways your dentist can replace or restore your missing teeth and/or tooth structures. They also may involve the removal of decayed portions of teeth to prevent further damage.
Types Of Restorations
- Fillings are the most common type of dental restoration. They fill a cavity in your teeth with gold, silver amalgam, or tooth-colored plastic and glass materials called composite resin fillings.
- Crowns are a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and appearance. They are also used to hold a “bridge” (fixed partial denture) in place or to cover a dental implant. Teeth frequently need to be reduced evenly around the tooth so that the crown will perfectly restore the size and shape of the tooth. This is a long process and may involve an impression that is sent to the lab, with a temporary filling/crown in the meantime.
- Implants are small, anchoring posts made of metal (usually of titanium or a titanium mixture) that are placed into the bone socket where teeth are missing. The implant may need an attachment called an abutment that will act like a crown preparation. It is then covered with a crown.
- Bridges (fixed partial denture) are false teeth that are designed to "bridge" the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Bridges can be anchored on either side by crowns and cemented permanently into place. Bridges are made from porcelain, gold, alloys, or a combination. Fixed bridges are inserted and removed by a dentist.
- Dentures are a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Your teeth might be gone because of gum disease, tooth decay, or an injury. They are made of acrylic resin, sometimes combined with metal attachments. Complete dentures replace all the teeth. Partial dentures are considered when some natural teeth remain, and are retained by metal clasps attached to the natural teeth.
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What To Expect After the Procedure?
Following a dental restoration, your dentist might recommend that you change your eating and drinking habits for the next 48 hours.
After any procedure you must continue brushing and flossing your teeth every day. Your dentist may ask you to only floss in one direction and pull the floss through so that you don’t dislodge a temporary restoration.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth — covering the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and/or to improve its appearance.
The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day.
2. Floss your teeth once a day.
3. Use a mouthwash recommended by your prosthodontist.
4. Wear a night guard (if recommended by your prosthodontist) to protect your restorations.
5. Don't smoke or chew tobacco.
6. Avoid eating a high-sugar diet.
With these recommendations, your restored teeth are more likely to last longer, feel good, and look great.
Book Your Appointment
Please feel welcome to contact our friendly reception staff with any dental inquires or to book an appointment.