Restorative Dentistry – Enhancing Oral Health and Function

Restorative dentistry is the branch of dentistry that deals with damaged or eroded teeth. The procedures covered under restorative dentistry are simple, they include fillings, crowns, bridges, or implants. 

Fillings  

Dental fillings are the basic restorative dentistry option and are widely recommended by the dentist. They restore mild to moderate dental caries. The dentist drills the carious tooth structure and restores it with filling material. The available filling materials are composite resin, amalgam, or glass ionomer cement. 

• Composite Resin: Composite resin mimics the natural shade of the teeth. They have the properties of the best strength as well as aesthetic among all other restorative options. 

• Amalgam: Amalgam is known for its durability. Amalgam is the mixture of silver, mercury, tin, and copper. It is considered to be good strength wise but is aesthetically unpleasant, hence opted only for molars.

• Gold: Gold restorations have good strength.

• Ceramic: Ceramic restorations look like the natural teeth color.                              

Crowns  

Dental Crowns are covers or caps made for damaged teeth. They restore the function and strength of the damaged teeth. Crowns can be fabricated using materials like porcelain, metal, and porcelain fixed on metal (PFM). 

 

• Porcelain Crown looks like natural teeth and is indicated for the front teeth. 

• Metal Crowns are strong and can last long. They are considered for back teeth. They are a cost effective choice of crown.

• PFM Crowns combine the strength of metal and the aesthetics of porcelain. The porcelain is fused over the metal.                                  

Bridges 

Dental Bridges replace one or more missing teeth. The gap created by missing teeth is restored with an artificial tooth called pontics. A bridge assembly consists of two or more crowns that take support from natural teeth or implants.

• Traditional Bridges are fabricated when natural teeth are present on both sides of missing teeth. 

• The Cantilever Bridge acquires support from natural teeth on one side of the missing teeth. 

• Maryland Bridges has a metal framework for support.

Implant                                                  

A dental implant is used to replace missing teeth. Once the implant fuses with the underlying bone, a prosthetic crown is attached to the screw to restore function as well as the natural smile.                               

Dentures 

Dentures are removable prostheses used to replace one, more than one, or all the missing teeth. 

• Complete Dentures are made for when all the teeth are missing. They cannot be fabricated until the healing of the extraction socket is complete. Meanwhile, you can consider transitional or temporary dentures.

• Partial Dentures replace one or more missing teeth. acrylic teeth are embedded in pink-colored resin to mimic the oral structures.                                   

Benefits of Tooth Restorations

The most common benefits of restorative dentistry are as follows:

• Restorations help restore the functions like eating and speaking clearly.

• They improve the look of your dentition and smile.

• Restoration strengthens the remaining tooth structure and prevents new caries.

• A restored new and esthetic smile boosts self-esteem and confidence.

Conclusion

Restorative dentistry as the name suggests restores the function and appearance of the oral cavity. Maintaining good dental health and getting timely  tooth restorations can prevent further oral disease and complications. Hopkins family dentistry can guide you with all the restorative dentistry options.