Maintaining good dental health is crucial for overall well-being. Proper oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups can prevent many dental issues. However, when problems do arise, tooth restorations can help restore your smile and functionality.
Dental health problems can range from gum bleeding to missing teeth. However, the following dental issues are common; you should be aware of them when seeking dental help.
- Bacteria in the mouth secrete acids that dissolve the most complex layer of the tooth, called enamel.
- Inflamed gums cause gingivitis, and periodontitis causes inflammation and infection of bone below the teeth.
- Acids in the food can erode the upper layer of the tooth, leading to dental erosion.
- Dental hypersensitivity occurs due to exposed dentin in the teeth, which reacts to extreme temperatures, sweets, or acids.
- Delays in dental professional intervention may lead to tooth loss in severe cases of tooth decay, periodontal disease, and injury.
Common Tooth Restoration Options
Restorative dentistry is the branch of dentistry that repairs damaged or eroded teeth. These procedures may be simple, like fillings, or as complicated as crowns, bridges, or implants.
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Fillings
Dental fillings are the most basic type of tooth restoration and the most recommended by the dentist. They are used to restore mild to moderate dental cavities or injuries. The dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills it with a chosen material, such as composite resin, amalgam, gold, or ceramic.
- Composite Resin: Composites have a natural color of the teeth and render a better outlook than the other restorations.
- Amalgam: One of the most durable tooth filling types, amalgam fillings are made of silver, mercury, tin, and copper.
- Gold and Ceramic: Gold is chosen for its strength, while ceramic can match your teeth’ color.
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Crowns
Crowns are tooth-like caps placed on extensively damaged or decayed teeth. They repair the teeth’s functioning and add strength. Crowns are usually made from materials such as porcelain, metal, and porcelain fixed on metal (PFM).
- Porcelain Crowns: They look natural. Porcelain can be preferred for the front teeth.
- Metal Crowns: Long lasting and strong functionally. It cannot be used for front teeth.
- PFM Crowns: Mix of strength and esthetics. The porcelain layer is fused over the underlying metal.
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Bridges
Bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. The gap caused by missing teeth is filled with a false tooth or teeth called pontic. A bridge comprises two or more crowns that rest on treated teeth or implants for support. Bridges help reset smiles and are termed abutment crowns.
- Traditional Bridges: When natural teeth are present on both sides of missing teeth.
- Cantilever Bridge: Used when natural teeth are only on one side of the space or spaces in a mouth.
- Maryland Bridges: Maryland bridges have a metal framework.
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Implants
A dental implant replaces missing teeth with a permanent solution. After the implant integrates with the bone, a crown is attached to restore function and appearance.
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Dentures
Dentures are removable prosthetic replacements for missing teeth and surrounding tissues.
- Complete Dentures: These can be made for completely missing teeth; they are conventional dentures. Until the healing of the extraction site occurs, you can go for transitional or temporary dentures.
- Partial Dentures: Partial dentures can replace a few missing teeth. Missing teeth are embedded in acrylic to mimic the oral cavity. They are functional and cost-effective, supported by a metal framework.
Benefits of Tooth Restorations
Apart from the specific dental solutions, here are the most common benefits you can get with tooth restoration:
- Improved Function: Restorations help restore the ability to chew and speak properly.
- Enhanced Appearance: They improve the aesthetic look of your teeth and smile.
- Prevent Further Damage: Restorations protect the remaining tooth structure and prevent further decay or damage.
- Boosted Confidence: A restored smile can significantly enhance self-esteem and confidence.
Conclusion
Dental restorations preserve function and appearance after damage or loss. Maintaining good dental health and addressing issues with appropriate tooth restorations is essential for overall health and quality of life.
Whether you need a simple filling or a more complex restoration, University Ave Dental offers comprehensive dental care tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment and learn more about our restorative dental services.
You can also give us a call at 763.784.1242