For all kinds of tooth damage or loss, dentists recommend restorative procedures that can bring back the natural appearance and functionality of teeth. What are the different types of restoration that you can choose from, and how do you know which one is best for you?
When Do You Need Dental Restoration?
Restoration aims to undo damage to the teeth, which may include:
- Cavities and holes on teeth
- Chipped tooth enamel
- Broken teeth with exposed pulp
- Cracked teeth
- Discoloured tooth due to internal decay
- Tooth loss due to gum disease, accidents, or extraction
6 Types of Dental Restorations
Here are the different types of dental restorations that are used by professionals as well as their applications:
1. Fillings
Dental fillings are the most widely used restorations because of their flexibility. After a dentist cleans out cavities, the parts of the tooth that were removed due to decay are covered with fillings. They use different materials, including:
- Gold or silver
- Composite resin
- Porcelain
- Glass ionomer
Composite fillings match perfectly with teeth because the colour can be adjusted to the exact shade of the patient’s tooth. For more extensive cavities that need to be filled, dentists use porcelain.
2. Crowns
A dental crown works like a cap that is placed directly above the damaged tooth. Crowns are best used for teeth that have been heavily damaged on the surface but still have intact roots. Before applying a crown, the original tooth needs to be trimmed down so that the crown can bond comfortably to the surface.
3. Bridges
A bridge combines three crowns, with the middle one serving to replace a missing tooth. Bridges are recommended for individuals who have single missing teeth and healthy adjacent teeth. These work better than individual dentures because they are not removable and can provide better chewing power.
4. Veneers
Veneers are best applied on front teeth that are discoloured, misshaped, cracked, or broken. A veneer is a very thin porcelain material bonded onto the tooth surface using a special adhesive. Think of it as a shield that covers up the imperfection of the tooth while still maintaining the original tooth structure. Veneers are absolutely worth it.
5. Implants
Dental implants are the most advanced restorations as of today. These titanium rods are shaped into screws and embedded deep into the gums and jaw bone. They act as tooth roots and are topped off with a dental crown. For individuals who no longer have any teeth, dental implants can be used to hold full dentures. With dental implants, dentures can function like natural teeth and provide better chewing power.
6. Dentures
Dentures are the traditional restorations for several missing teeth. For patients with no more healthy teeth, dentists create complete dentures that look like natural teeth. Partial dentures are also available for those who still have some healthy teeth left in their gums. The structure of the partial dentures follows the pattern of the patient’s tooth gaps and remaining teeth to fit comfortably into their mouth.
Get Dental Restoration from the Best Dentist in Hornsby
Do you need a dental restoration in Hornsby and nearby suburbs? Our Dentist Hornsby dental team at Piazza Dental is the best dental facility that you will find in the area. We use the latest technologies as well as professional practices to ensure that restorations are not only beautiful but also long-lasting.