If a patient's teeth are crooked, damaged, or unhealthy, or if they appear worn or discolored, the dentist may recommend dental restorations. In addition to preventing any existing problems from getting worse, restorations can benefit the emotional health of those affected. Being able to smile and talk normally without worrying about the appearance of the teeth is something most people take for granted until dental problems arise.
There are several types of procedures designed to restore the tooth's appearance and functionality. Based on the type and scope of the damage, restoration can be performed on the existing tooth or as a replacement. In order to determine which option will work, it helps to schedule a consultation with a dentist or discuss options during a routine checkup.
If the tooth is salvageable, there are a number of procedures available to repair the existing tooth and safeguard against further damage.
The most common of possible dental restorations, fillings are used to repair cavities caused by decay. The dentist cleans out the decay and fills the cavity with a material such as composite resin, glass ionomer, resin-modified glass ionomer, or silver amalgam. A routine procedure, fillings usually only take about an hour to complete.
Caps placed over a tooth, crowns are used for the following issues:
In some cases, crowns can also be used as a cosmetic solution for misshapen or severely discovered teeth.
As a cosmetic procedure to enhance the appearance, these tooth-colored shells are made from porcelain or composite resin to cover the teeth. With proper care, veneers can last up to 15 years. The traditional procedure requires prep work, involving grinding down the enamel and structure of the natural tooth.
Bonding is a procedure that can improve the appearance of teeth that have chipped, cracked, or become discolored. The dentist applies, molds, and shapes a composite resin matching the natural tooth color, then hardens it with UV light. This procedure is less sturdy than a crown or veneer and may chip easily, requiring additional dental restorations.
In cases of more extreme damage or decay, one or more teeth may not be salvageable, and leaving them in the mouth could pose a health risk. If a tooth is lost or must be extracted, dental work can restore both appearance and functionality.
Implants are metal posts that secure artificial replacement teeth, including crowns and bridges. The two main types are endosteal, which are drilled into the jawbone, and subperiosteal, which are implanted on or above the jawbone.
Attached with crowns on teeth that surround the missing tooth, bridges can restore the appearance and function of the patient's bite and smile. Bridges are generally made from porcelain matched to existing teeth. The type of bridge used is determined by the number and location of missing teeth and the quality of the abutting teeth.
Dentures have improved in quality and appearance over the years. These removable false teeth look like natural teeth and gums. Patients who have lost all their teeth as a result of gum disease, injury, or tooth decay may benefit from a full set of dentures. If there are still healthy natural teeth in place, the patient may need only a partial denture to replace the teeth that are missing.
Professional dental restorations are used for both health reasons and for cosmetic purposes. Tooth restoration can create an improved, more uniform smile and restore the tooth's functionality, improving the ability to speak and eat. Restorations are possible even if one or more teeth are missing or need to be removed from the mouth. Depending on the condition of existing teeth and the needs of the specific patient, dentists may recommend a specific procedure or a combination.
With any of the treatments discussed above, proper home care for the teeth remains important for protecting the health of the affected individual. Even if a person receives a full set of dentures, gum disease is still a risk. With restorations for savable teeth, being mindful of what is eaten and avoiding biting down on anything too hard can help ensure that the restoration lasts as long as possible. Regular checkups with a dentist help catch any issues early, making it more likely that one of the more mild restorations, such as a filling, will be all that is needed to fix a health concern with the teeth.
Request an appointment here: http://www.hendersonfamilydentistry.com or call Henderson Family Dentistry at (903) 657-3139 for an appointment in our Henderson office.
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