For a healthy mouth, you need to take care of your teeth and gums. There are many ways to fix teeth that have been damaged or have gone bad. It’s not uncommon to need a tooth restoration at some point in your life. Whether it be from decay, trauma, or other damage, tooth restoration can help you restore the function and look of your teeth.
Whether you need a simple filling or a more complex restoration like a dental crown, plenty of options are available. In this article, we will cover the seven different types of tooth restorations and discuss which one might be the best option for you.
Preparing for a Dental Restoration – What to Expect
Before any dental restoration, it is important to practice proper oral hygiene. This includes maintaining a consistent routine of tooth brushing and flossing. This helps to prevent further decay or damage while also helping the dentist get an accurate picture of what needs to be done for you to have a successful restoration.
During a typical pre-restoration exam, your dentist will look at the part of your mouth that needs fixing and talk to you about the different ways to fix it. The dentist may also take x-rays during this visit in order to assess the condition of your teeth and determine if any underlying conditions could affect the outcome of the planned restorations.
Before starting any kind of dental procedure, your dentist may do extra tests on your teeth and gums, such as scaling or root planing, to get them ready.
Explore the 7 Tooth Restoration Options
1. Dental Fillings
One popular tooth restoration method is dental fillings. This type of treatment involves replacing the affected area with a filling material that helps restore the appearance and function of the tooth while also preventing further decay or damage.
Dental fillings are made from various materials, such as composite resins, porcelain, gold, silver amalgam and even glass ionomer cement. Your dentist will assess your individual situation and determine which type of filling material would be most suitable for you.
2. Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a type of cap that goes over the entire visible part of a tooth to make it stronger and restore its shape, size, and look. Crowns can help improve the look of your smile while protecting your tooth from further damage caused by decay or injury. If you’re in need of a dental crown, there are several different types available, depending on your needs and preferences. Porcelain/ceramic is one of the most popular materials because it looks very natural and reflects light similarly to real enamel.
3. Bridges
Dental bridges are an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve the appearance of their smile and their oral health.
A dental bridge works by literally bridging the gap between two or more missing teeth. They are usually made up of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) on either side of the gap and a false tooth (pontic) in between them. The pontic is typically made from porcelain to match the colour of your natural teeth, so it blends in nicely with the rest of your smile. This helps keep gaps from forming between your other teeth while also restoring your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence again!
4. Dental Implants
When it comes to restoring damaged or missing teeth, dental implants are often the best choice. As a more permanent solution than bridges and dentures, these tooth implants provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function just like natural ones.
Dental implants involve surgically placing a small titanium post into the jawbone. This post acts as an artificial root that anchors a new tooth in place. Not only do dental implants look and feel like real teeth, but they also help preserve facial structure by preventing bone loss in the area of the missing tooth.
5. Bonding
The bonding process involves applying a composite resin material over the affected areas of your teeth. This resin has a similar appearance and texture to natural tooth enamel, and it is used to fill in minor gaps or imperfections in your teeth caused by wear or trauma. The entire procedure typically takes less than an hour per tooth, depending on the severity of the damage being treated.
6. Veneers
Veneers are thin porcelain shells glued to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. They can also help protect teeth from damage and wear over time. Popular with celebrities and ordinary people alike, veneers have become a popular choice for those looking for a long-term dental solution.
Veneers can be used to fix various dental problems like chips, discoloration, gaps between teeth, or misaligned teeth. Unfortunately, a lot of people get veneers and bonding mixed up. Even though both of these treatments help you fix your tooth, you should visit your dentist and ask for suggestions.
7. Dentures
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth. They can help restore confidence in your smile and make eating easier. It is important to take care of dentures once done.
Remember..
With a combination of good oral hygiene, regular visits to the dentist, and modern restorative treatments, you can get your smile back on track in no time. We encourage you to work with your dentist to uncover which restorative treatment works best for you. Remember: restoring your tooth is not something to take lightly!
Author Bio
Shen Chao is part of Dr Joshua Hong’s Smile Clinic. While working for the Smile Clinic, he’s gained first-hand experience with the questions and concerns that dental patients have. He has been writing to inform people about various dental topics to help his readers improve their oral health. When he’s not working, you can find him on a hiking trail with his dog or having a Sunday cook-out with friends.
