Restorative dentistry is sometimes necessary in order to achieve a full set of healthy and functional teeth. Even when teeth aren’t completely natural, it can be hard to tell the difference. This makes restorative dentistry a popular choice for those looking to achieve optimum dental health while maintaining the attractiveness of their teeth. Here are some common restorative treatments that are offered by dentists across Australia.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are used to repair cavities, which are decayed portions of the teeth. Once the decay is drilled out of a tooth, there’s a hole or space in the tooth that needs filling. The filling saves the tooth and allows it to function as it should. Fillings can also repair teeth that are cracked or worn down. Most fillings last for a number of years if properly maintained.
While dental fillings can be made from gold, silver, and porcelain, the composite resin is the most common option, as it’s affordable and allows for a natural appearance.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is used to restore a cracked, damaged or severely decayed tooth. The crown is placed over the damaged tooth, completely concealing it. A crown can maintain the shape, size, and appearance of a natural tooth, but in some cases, the patient might prefer a crown made from gold or silver.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge closes the gap between one or more missing teeth. A false tooth is made to replace the tooth that’s missing, and the teeth on either side of the false tooth are fitted with dental crowns to keep the bridge in. This form of restorative dentistry is ideal for closing the gap left by a missing tooth. Not only can a bridge restore your smile, but it can also restore your bite and keep other teeth from shifting to adjust for the missing tooth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are another option for replacing missing teeth. But unlike bridges, implants require a surgical procedure. After the damaged or decayed tooth is removed, the jawbone is prepared for the procedure. If there’s not enough bone, you might have to undergo bone grafting to strengthen the jawbone.
The implant procedure requires inserting a metal screw through the gum into the jawbone. This metal screw serves as the root of the implant. A tooth-colored crown is then placed onto the implant as if it were a natural tooth.
Veneers
Veneers are useful for restoring the appearance of broken, crooked, misshapen, chipped and discolored teeth. They’re essentially thin shells made from porcelain or composite resin that attach to the front or side of a tooth, with dental cement used to secure each veneer into place. While this restorative dentistry procedure isn’t invasive, a small amount of enamel does need to be removed from the natural tooth in order to accommodate the veneer.
Dentures
Dentures can restore appearance when a patient has lost multiple upper or lower teeth. Partial dentures are removable and can attach to remaining natural teeth. Full dentures are used when the patient has no natural teeth left, with the replacement teeth attached to a gum replica that fits over the actual gum. Dentures can also be held in place with implants.
Clean teeth and be healthy!