Dental professionals use the term ‘Restorative Dentistry’ to explain ways to replace missing/damaged teeth. Since it is currently not recognized as a dental specialty any dentist would be able to carry out these procedures since it doesn’t require additional certification. The goal of these procedures is to restore your natural smile and keep future oral problems at bay.
Why are restorative dentistry procedures important?
- Filling the empty space ensures the teeth are properly aligned
- Replacing teeth prevent cavities thereby preventing plaque build-up and the problems associated with plaque build-up
- Replacing missing teeth takes off the extra pressure on your remaining natural teeth while chewing
What to expect during the dental visit?
Your dentist uses visual, mechanical and radiographic techniques to assess your teeth’s surface and suggest what kind of restorative procedure you will need. The minimally invasive procedures can be performed in a single dentist visit while complex ones require multiple dental visits.
Since there are many recent dental advancements, your dentist will le t you know the options that maximise the effectiveness. Book an appointment with Hornsby Dental online using their appointment request form or call them and get your teeth assessed. Their skilled dentists have years of experience and provide quality care.
Tooth restoration options:
Dentists will try for ways to preserve your natural teeth before suggesting full or partial dentures. There are many choices available for restoration. You will be suggested one based on the nature of your dental problem. The two main types are:
Direct: The dentist places a filling into a prepared tooth cavity. It can be performed in a single dentist visit. The choice of the filling option is dependent on the type and location of filling.
- Silver amalgam: It is made up of 50% mercury and 50% of silver, copper, tin and zinc. It has exceptional strength and durability but is not aesthetically pleasing and prone to expansion and contraction.
- Composite fillings: Made of synthetic resins and extremely popular since they match the colour of the teeth. They are comparatively expensive and less durable than amalgam fillings.
- Glass ionomer fillings: Silicate glass powder and polyacrylic acid are mixed to form a bonding agent. Since they are weak, they are used on non-biting tooth surfaces and baby teeth.
Indirect: Fabrication occurs outside of mouth and there is more work involved. It is expensive but provides a more stable and long-term solution whilst being aesthetically pleasing.
- Crown: Tooth-shaped caps placed over a tooth that strengthens and protects tooth surface.
- Implant: Dental applicants that are surgically fixed into the jaw bone are implants. The dentist places a titanium screw in the jaw bone and connects a crown to the implant.
- Inlay: They are similar to filling but made with materials like gold, porcelain or a resin composite. They are suggested when the teeth are fractured or decayed beyond repair.
- Onlay: Used to replace bits of tooth that have broken off and is an extensive version of inlays.
Even if you resort to dental restoration, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene. To avoid future dental problems your dentist would insist you to brush twice a day and use mouth wash.