Different Types of Dental Restorations

Restorative dentistry entails various procedures to repair or replace damaged or missing teeth. Besides improving oral health and function, restorative dentistry Midtown West Manhattan can also enhance your appearance. Below are common dental restorations used in restorative dentistry.

Filling

A cavity is a hole that develops when bacteria eat away the outer layers of a tooth. When left untreated, cavities can result in pain, infection, and tooth loss. Usually, dentists use dental fillings to repair small cavities. To fill the cavity, the dentist removes the decayed portion of your tooth and fills the hole with a tooth-colored composite material. Besides porcelain, fillings can be made from other materials, including metals.

Crowns

A dental crown is a cap that fits over a tooth and is used when the natural tooth is severely damaged to be repaired with a filling; it seals the tooth and prevents it from further breaking. Before the dentist fits a crown on your tooth, they file down the existing tooth to make room from the cap. A crown may be made out of porcelain – a material closely matching your natural teeth or from other materials such as gold and silver amalgam. Once the dentist shapes the crown to match your old tooth, they fit it over and cement it into place. Crowns can become loose or wear out with time, needing to be replaced or cemented.

Dental implants

A dental implant is an artificial root made out of titanium and topped with a crown for a complete look. Implants are a permanent replacement option for people with one or several missing teeth. The implants are embedded in the jawbone, meaning they have a strong foundation and are durable. Good candidates should have healthy teeth and gums, sufficient bone mass, and be willing to commit to the long treatment duration. Although dental implants are not the most affordable option, they save you money in the long run since they can last a lifetime.

Dentures

These are another traditional tooth replacement option. If you miss more than one tooth in a row, your dentist may recommend partial dentures. Partial dentures are made of replacement teeth held in place with wires attached to natural teeth. You can remove a partial denture to clean them and to brush or floss your teeth. On the other hand, full dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth. All two types of dentures rest on top of your gums, and the jawbone supports them.

However, there are implant-supported dentures; they are similar to traditional ones but attach to dental implants instead of resting on top of your gums. Implant-supported dentures are more stable than traditional or conventional dentures.

Inlays and onlays

If you have a cavity that is too big for a filing or too small for a crown, your dentist may recommend an inlay or onlay. An inlay fills the area between the cusps of your teeth, while an onlay covers at least one cusp.

If you have damaged or missing teeth, consult your dentist at Carnegie Dental Wellness to know the restorative dental procedure you need.

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