Written by Restorative dentistry revives damaged teeth. It restores both function and appearance. There are effective solutions if you suffer from a broken, cracked, or decayed tooth. Let’s explore five common restorative dentistry procedures.
- Dental Fillings
Fillings are the go-to fix for cavities. When decay infiltrates a tooth, dentists carve it out. They then plug the cavity into a filling. This halts further decay. Fillings come in various materials. Composite resin, for example, mimics the color of your tooth. Amalgam, a silver-hued option, is durable and budget-friendly.
Fillings are a swift procedure. Most appointments last under an hour. Your dentist will numb the area and drill away the decay. Once it’s cleared, the filling is set in place. The material hardens quickly. You can chew and drink shortly after.
Fillings fortify teeth and prevent future decay. They also restore teeth’ natural contour. For small cavities, they work remarkably well.
2. Dental Crowns
Crowns encase or cap a damaged tooth. They are often employed when a filling isn’t enough. Crowns reinforce teeth weakened by decay or cracks. They also bind together broken teeth. Crowns are made from various materials. Porcelain and ceramic crowns seamlessly blend with your natural teeth. Metal crowns are sturdier but more noticeable. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns offer both strength and aesthetics.
Getting a crown takes two sessions. First, the dentist shaves down part of your tooth, making room for the crown. A mold is taken to create a custom crown that fits snugly. A temporary crown protects the tooth while a permanent one is made. Crowns fortify your tooth and shield it from further damage. With the right care, they endure for many years.
3. Dental Bridges
A dental bridge spans the gap left by missing teeth. It “bridges” the space with artificial teeth. A bridge is anchored by crowns on the teeth beside the gap. Unlike dentures, a bridge is a permanent fixture.
Bridges restore chewing and speaking. They also prevent surrounding teeth from drifting into the gap. The process takes a few visits. First, your dentist prepares the adjacent teeth. These teeth will serve as anchors for the bridge. A mold is then taken to craft the crowns and bridge. Once the permanent bridge is ready, it’s secured in place. Bridges reclaim function and close gaps. They also enhance your smile by filling in for missing teeth.
4. Dental Implants
Implants provide a lasting way to replace missing teeth. They mimic natural tooth roots. An implant is a small metal post surgically embedded into your jawbone. Over time, it fuses with the bone, creating a solid foundation for a replacement tooth. The replacement tooth, or crown, is affixed to the implant.
Implants are incredibly durable. They can last decades and feel like natural teeth. The process unfolds over several months. First, the implant is inserted into the jaw. It requires time to fuse with the bone. Once secure, the crown is placed atop the implant.
Implants anchor themselves securely and don’t shift like dentures. They also preserve the shape of your face by preventing bone loss in the jaw.
5. Root Canal Therapy
A root canal rescues a tooth plagued by infection. When decay burrows into the pulp, it triggers pain. The pulp is the soft tissue inside your tooth that houses nerves and blood vessels. Left untreated, infection can lead to tooth loss. A root canal removes the infected pulp. The tooth’s interior is then cleaned and sealed.
This procedure eradicates pain and prevents the infection from spreading. Many people dread root canals, but modern methods have softened the experience. Dentists numb the area before the procedure. Afterward, the tooth might need a crown for added protection. A root canal salvages your natural tooth. It averts the need for extraction. With proper care, treated teeth can endure for a lifetime.
Conclusion
Restorative dentistry procedures restore and repair damaged teeth. They revive function and protect oral health. Fillings mend cavities. Crowns reinforce fragile teeth. Bridges and implants replace lost teeth. Root canals salvage infected teeth. Each procedure serves a distinct purpose. Your Hopkin dentist can guide you to the right solution for your needs. With restorative dentistry, you can reclaim a strong, healthy smile and shield your teeth for the future.
