Different Types of Restorative Dentistry

Restorative Dentistry

When it comes to a healthy beautiful smile sometimes Mother Nature needs a helping hand. This is where the practice of restorative dentistry comes in very handy.

There are many different procedures that fall under the broad term restorative dentistry. Basically, this type of dentistry is for restoring the proper function of your teeth and mouth. Over time many people begin to experience decay, gum disease, cracks, cavities and more that interfere with their teeth's proper function.

Repair

In the best case scenario restorative dentistry is used to repair damaged or ill teeth. When you chip a tooth the protective coating of enamel is no longer present to prevent cavities. Porcelain crowns and veneers are an excellent method of repairing teeth.

Other repair options include fillings; sometimes in spite of excellent care you will get a cavity. These cavities can go on to wreck havoc with one or many teeth. To prevent this occurrence restorative dentistry is employed to drill out the decayed part of the tooth and fill it with dental material.

Inlays and onlays are another way to address the problem of cavities. Instead of being filled with a soft resin type of material a porcelain inlay or outlay will be created to protect the tooth. These are created outside of the mouth and generally require a return visit.

Replacement

Injury or severe decay can lead to replacement procedures. When a tooth or teeth are beyond repair they must be extracted and a fabricated tooth put in place. There are many ways to achieve this type of restorative dentistry.

Bridges are a common way of dealing with missing teeth when you have healthy teeth or implants on either side. A bridge is constructed of two crowns, one for each of the abutment teeth and a false tooth in the middle. These devices successfully bridge the gap and look very natural.

Dentures have been the long used standard when it comes to replacing teeth. These prosthetics can be full or partial and created for the upper or lower jaw. Traditional dentures are removable for cleaning and have been around for many years.

Implants are the new dentures on the block and have gained significantly in popularity. This restorative dentistry procedure gives patients a permanent denture so to speak. Titanium screws are placed in the jaw to allow for dental implants. Like dentures these prosthetics can be used for one or many teeth; however there are other things to consider. Jaw construction, health of your gums and smoking can all cause implants to fail. In some cases the jaw must be built up to handle the implantation of the anchoring device.

Most people will require some form of restorative dentistry in their lifetime. As you age teeth become more brittle and susceptible to cavities and damage. Other times an active lifestyle will give you cause to repair or replace broken or missing teeth. Whatever the reason restorative dentistry can give you back proper function of your teeth and in the process give you a gorgeous smile.