Restorative dentistry is the kind of treatment used for restoring the morphology, integrity and function of missing tooth structure resulting from decay or external trauma. The concept is about restoring the diseased soft and hard tissues to bring them back to their original physical form. This is completely dependent on how difficult the procedure is and how the patient feels comfortable going through it.
At Sherwood Family Dental, we have been providing quality dental services in Victoria for over 25 years. Our dentists are proficient in various dental treatments including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry. We will do our best to make your visit a positive one. Our dentists have prepared this blog to let you know why you should consider teeth restoration.
WHY RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY IS IMPORTANT?
The process is also called prosthodontic dentistry. Missing or decaying teeth can badly affect your appearance, health and self-esteem. Replacing decaying teeth helps in maintaining good oral care habits and preventing plaque build-up. Filling vacant spaces in the mouth is important to keep the teeth well aligned. Missing teeth also puts pressure on remaining natural teeth as there won’t be enough surface area for chewing. Restorations are classified as either direct or indirect. Direct ones involve repairs done inside of the mouth, while indirect ones are fashioned outside the mouth and then attached to either the tooth or the tooth structure. What’s suitable for you depends on the kind of issue you’re facing.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE TREATMENT?
Initially, your dentist will diagnose your dental health condition using mechanical, visual and radiographic techniques. Sometimes the treatment will be minimally invasive and will be able to complete in just one appointment. Complex dental procedures may need multiple visits and certain ones will need attention of specialists, such as a prosthodontist, endodontist or a maxillofacial surgeon. For the procedure, your dentist may use different types of anesthesia or sedation to allow you to remain free of anxiety and discomfort during the procedure.
DIRECT RESTORATION
In this method, all the work will be completed within the mouth. The procedure which is commonly known as filling incorporates the placement of a mouldable substance into a cleaned cavity. The material will be then hardened for restoring the damaged tooth’s structure.
Fillings are one of the most conservative methods for tooth repair. It is also the least invasive. There are three materials typically used for this:
Silver amalgam, which consists of 50 per cent mercury and 50 per cent tin, silver, copper and zinc. The benefits of it include easy installation, low cost and exceptional strength. On the downside, it’s prone to contraction and expansion. This might lead the tooth to crack and allow bacteria to be trapped.
Composite fillings, which are made of synthetic resins, are popular as they can be matched to the shade of the tooth. They are expensive compared to silver amalgam fillings and are less durable.
Glass ionomer fillings, which are made by mixing polyacrylic acid and silicate glass powder to form a cream-coloured bonding agent. The fillings are weak and are generallyused on baby teeth.
Dental bonding is another form of direct restoration and the procedure refers to putty like bonding agent used for reshaping teeth, repairing cracks or reducing gaps. The bonding agent will be tinted and shaped to match the perfect aesthetic of the tooth and then dried in the mouth with a curing lamp.
INDIRECT RESTORATION
In this method, the fabrication happens outside the mouth. The procedure needs more work and they are comparatively more costly. The advantage is that they can provide more stable, long lasting solution and increase the aesthetic appearance of your teeth. The most common indirect restoration options include:
Veneers, also called as indirect dental bonding, which are thin shells of porcelain that can cover the enamel of a stained, damaged or misshapen tooth. They are made using an impression of your teeth and are popular because itmimics the natural tooth enamel.
Dental crowns that completely cover a tooth’s surface are normally bonded to a prepared surface with dental cement that can improve both the strength and appearance. Crowns can be made of metal, ceramic or a metal-ceramic composite.
Bridges are artificial teeth affixed between real ones for filling the gap where teeth are missing. The support for the bridges is provided by the natural teeth, called abutments. A bridge may either be fixed (connected by two abutments), cantilevered (connected to one abutment) or adhered (bonded to adjacent abutments). It is typically made of metal, porcelain or porcelain infused metal.
Implants are dental appliances surgically attached into the bone of the jaw. They are generally used as support for a bridge or crown. Once the process gets done, it will take three to six months for the formation of the new bone around the implant.
Inlays which are identical to fillings are created from dental impressions using gold, porcelain or resin composite, rather than malleable materials. The moulded inlay which is similar to natural tooth, will be then cemented into place. They are less prone to shrinkage than fillings and are applied when decay is extensive.
Onlays are the extensive versions of inlays. Rather than restoring a decayed area, onlays replace bits of tooth that are broken off.
LET US HELP
The dentists at Sherwood Family Dental are well trained and experienced in Restorative Dentistry. We welcome patients of all ages, including seniors and children. We are committed to help you and your family achieve the dental health you deserve. For information on dental emergencies, read our blog post - 5 Common Dental Emergencies. Call us to know more.