Tooth restoration involves restoring the shape, size and function of damaged teeth. It is done using modern materials that are safe for the body and can firmly adhere to teeth.
Direct tooth restoration can be done in a single office visit. Composite resin has replaced amalgam as the most popular material for both direct restorations and core provision in root filled teeth.
Tooth-colored fillings
Tooth-colored fillings are a common way to restore teeth with minor cavities. These fillings are made of tooth-colored composite resin, which can be customized to match the color of the tooth. They are often used on front teeth because of their aesthetics, but they can also be placed on molars that receive more wear. Compared to the traditional silver amalgam fillings, these composite fillings require less healthy tooth shaving and leave more of the natural tooth intact.
The procedure for placing these fillings begins with a dental drill that removes the damaged areas of the tooth. Then, the dentist cleans and prepares the area, which may involve some tooth shaving in cases of severe damage. Next, they etch and bond the area to prepare it for the composite. Then, the dentist layers the composite into the hole in the tooth and cures it with a special curing light. Finally, the dentist shapes and contours the restoration to make sure it fits well and feels comfortable in your mouth.
There are several types of tooth-colored fillings, including glass ionomer, ceramics and composite resin. Each has a different lifespan, but all can be durable with proper care.
Dental crowns
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that completely cover and encircle damaged or decayed teeth to improve strength and prognosis. They’re usually needed after a root canal, dental implant, or a dental bridge. They may also be used to support a broken or weakened tooth.
The type of crown you’ll receive depends on your dentist’s recommendation and the cause of your damaged tooth or teeth. A dentist will typically recommend a porcelain crown for front teeth, while gold or metal ones are recommended for back teeth. There are also porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, which have a base made from precious metal to increase durability and a layer of porcelain for improved aesthetics.
A dentist will first numb the tooth and gum area to prepare it for the crown, which may include removing existing restorations or fillings and reshaping the chewing surfaces and sides of the tooth. The dentist will then take a mold of the tooth to ensure that the new cap fits properly. Afterward, she’ll place a temporary crown on the tooth to protect it while the permanent one is being fabricated.
Some dentists use a CAD/CAM machine to fabricate all-ceramic crowns. These crowns have a core of dentin-colored tetragonal zirconia with a translucent porcelain layer. Thanks to the subtle cooperation between the zirconia and the porcelain, these crowns resemble natural teeth in terms of color dynamics and are harder than monolithic zirconia crowns.
Dental bridges
If you have one or more missing teeth, dental bridges are an excellent option for filling the gap. They can restore chewing and speaking function, improve the appearance of your smile, and help prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the empty space, causing problems with the bite.
Traditional fixed bridges are anchored by dental crowns on adjacent teeth (called abutment teeth). The dentist will first numb the abutments with local anesthetic and remove some enamel from the sides of the abutment teeth. This preparation allows the crowns to fit over the abutments comfortably.
A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge but differs in that it is supported by the healthy tooth on just one side. This type of dental bridge may be more stable if the adjacent tooth has minimal gum tissue.
Because they depend on the strength of adjacent teeth for support, dental bridges require more care than other tooth replacement solutions like dentures and dental implants. This is why it’s important to brush and floss daily, and visit your dentist for regular professional cleanings. This will ensure your abutment teeth stay strong, free of decay, and in good condition to support the dental bridge.
Dental implants
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants is an effective treatment option that can improve oral function and restore a full smile. Dental implants fuse to, or are “anchored to,” the jawbone under the gums and look and feel like natural teeth. An implant can be used to replace a single missing tooth, multiple teeth, or all of the teeth in one or both jaws.
The first step in receiving an implant is to have a consultation with your dentist and complete a full evaluation of your mouth, health history, and dental needs. This is an important step because it helps us create a comprehensive treatment plan that fits your specific needs.
During surgery, your oral surgeon will cut away the gum tissue to reveal the bone and drill into the jawbone where a titanium screw will be placed. After the implant is inserted, the jawbone will grow densely around it, holding it firmly in place. This process is called osseointegration, and it is what gives dental implants their strength and durability.
Once the implant heals, we will attach a metal spacer and an artificial replacement tooth, or crown, to the implant’s post. You will need to care for your implants as if they were your own natural teeth, committing to regular dental visits and maintaining a good oral hygiene routine of twice-daily brushing and daily flossing.