Tooth restoration is a dental procedure to restore the morphology and function of damaged teeth. It aims at saving as much original tooth tissue as possible.
Tooth restorations include direct and indirect methods. They also include different materials and restoration preferences. The best choice depends on the severity level of tooth damage.
Crowns
Crowns are a versatile treatment option, used to address many tooth-related concerns. They can strengthen damaged teeth, improve a bite’s function and appearance, as well as protect teeth against further damage from oral trauma.
A dental crown can be made from a number of different materials and are designed to fit the structure of your tooth. They may be used to repair severe decay, tooth root infections or for cosmetic purposes (restorative dentistry).
Gold and metal alloys are a common choice for dental crowns due to their durability and longevity. However, these crowns do not offer the natural aesthetic qualities that porcelain does and are best suited for molars and other back teeth that are exposed to heavy biting forces.
Composite resin crowns, on the other hand, are made from a combination of plastic type materials that are colour matched to the natural teeth. They are also the least expensive of all types of crowns and are most commonly used for front teeth restorations.
Before cementation, the core of your tooth will be rebuilt using a matrix material to ensure that the crown is as close as possible to the structure of the original tooth and to minimise any potential future problems such as food impaction or discomfort. A sectional matrix is generally preferred over a circumferential one as it favours the formation of contact points with adjacent natural teeth and can help to reduce patient complaints of food sticking to their crown.
Fillings
Fillings are used to fill in the tooth holes caused by dental decay. Tooth decay is caused by harmful bacteria that produce acids that attack the tooth enamel, eventually breaking it down into a cavity. Depending on how severe the decay is, the dentist may need to take additional steps like removing some of the tooth’s structure and replacing it with a crown.
Fillings are quick and simple, and most patients don’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. The dentist will first remove the tooth decay and clean the area before filling it. Several types of filling materials are available, including silver amalgam and composite resin. Composite resin is a newer, metal-free alternative to amalgam fillings and is often preferred for its aesthetic qualities. It also doesn’t expand and contract as metal does, so it can restore teeth more effectively without damaging them.
Indirect fillings (also known as inlays and onlays) are used to repair large cavities or damaged areas that cannot be adequately restored with a direct filling. They are fabricated outside the mouth, usually in a dental laboratory, and bonded or cemented to the tooth. Inlays and onlays offer durability, better aesthetics, and a more precise fit than a direct filling.
Indirect fillings can last up to 15 years, if they are properly cared for. This includes brushing and flossing, regular checkups and cleanings, and fluoride treatment.
Bridges
Bridges replace one or more missing teeth and help restore chewing and speaking functions. They also prevent neighbouring teeth from shifting into the gap, which can cause problems with bite and alignment. They are typically made from porcelain, and your dentist will colour and shape them to look like natural teeth.
The Procedure for a Dental Bridge
Dental bridges are a fairly quick and easy tooth restoration option. They are typically placed in two visits, with the first visit consisting of preparing the abutment teeth for the bridge by filing them down. The dentist will then take an impression of the area, which will be used to create a permanent crown that will sit over the affected abutment teeth. A temporary bridge will be used in the meantime. At the second visit, the dentist will insert the final bridge and cement it in place.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential to ensuring that your bridge lasts as long as possible. Be sure to brush twice a day and floss between your teeth to remove plaque and prevent gum disease and tooth decay that can affect the underlying healthy abutment teeth. You should also visit the dentist for regular hygienist appointments and cleanings.
Implants
Dental implants are a revolutionary new way to replace missing teeth. They provide a permanent replacement for lost tooth roots, promoting bone health, preventing jaw loss and supporting existing teeth. They also allow the wearer to eat comfortably and smile with confidence.
The implant consists of three parts: the post (similar to a screw), the abutment and the crown. The dentist places the post in the space where the missing tooth root was, after which strong bone growth occurs around it. This process is called osseointegration, and it may take up to several months before the implant is ready for further procedures.
During this time, it’s important that patients follow the doctor’s instructions and brush and floss their teeth as before, to avoid infection and encourage proper healing. It is also important to let the doctor know of any recurring issues such as pain, swelling or difficulty chewing.
Before receiving an implant, the patient must meet with a specialist who is trained in dental implant treatment, such as an oral surgeon, a dentist who specializes in treating the structures that support the teeth and gums (periodontist) or a dentist who designs and fits artificial teeth (prosthodontist). This meeting will involve a thorough exam of the mouth, including dental X-rays and models, to assess bone density and quantity. It will also determine whether any underlying oral health problems need to be addressed before proceeding.