Tooth restoration can help patients deal with tooth decay, chipped teeth, mal-alignment and staining resistant to whitening. The procedure involves removing the damaged portion of a tooth and replacing it with another material.
Before the treatment begins your dentist will prepare the tooth by conditioning it with a liquid that roughens the surface on a microscopic level to ensure proper bonding. Next the composite resin is applied and hardened by a curing light.
Direct Fillings
Direct restorations can be fabricated and placed within the mouth using malleable materials like silver amalgam, composite resin or glass ionomer cement. These types of fillings repair small to medium areas of tooth decay and fill in gaps between teeth.
Composite resin is typically used for the most common and least invasive type of direct filling. This material is fabricated with minute silca particles which are chemically and micromechanically bonded to tooth enamel. Direct composite fillings are strong, aesthetic and durable.
Indirect restorations such as inlays and onlays can be made by a dental laboratory based on records provided by the dentist during an oral scan or dental impression. These are often suggested when more extensive tooth decay or fracture is present.
During the first visit to your dentist for indirect restorations, a temporary filling will be placed on your tooth to protect it while your dental laboratory fabricates the restoration. At the second appointment, the permanent restoration is tested for fit and bite and then bonded permanently to your tooth. Indirect restorations require more time and work to place than direct fillings do because they are fabricated in layers.
Crowns
Often referred to as ‘caps’, dental crowns are custom fit to cover and protect a damaged tooth. They restore the tooth’s function, form and appearance and can be made from a variety of materials.
Traditional dental crowns are constructed of feldspathic porcelain and are designed to be bonded directly to the natural tooth surface (transmitting the underlying tooth colour) or layered over a pre-built core (like zirconia). Alternatively, modern dental practices can offer ‘monolithic’ ceramic dental crowns that are made on a CAD/CAM machine at the dentist during one appointment.
Before the process of constructing a dental crown commences, your dentist will anesthetise and reshape the tooth to receive it; the extent of this reshaping will depend on the type of crown being used. The tooth is then filled with a filling material and cementated. Once the cement sets, the tooth is indistinguishable from a natural tooth and can be treated like your other teeth. It is recommended that you avoid sticky foods, clenching your teeth and excessive biting pressure for a while after the placement of your crown.
Veneers
Veneers are thin porcelain shells that sit on the front of a tooth to hide imperfections like chips, stains and gaps. They are very popular for their ability to create a beautiful smile without the need for invasive dental procedures.
During your first appointment, the dentist will discuss your goals for treatment and take X-rays and a health scan of your mouth to evaluate your teeth. During this visit the dentist will also assess whether veneers are an option for your needs. If they are, the dentist will prepare the tooth or teeth to receive the veneers by grinding and roughing up the surface. This will help the cement bond better to the tooth.
The dentist will then make a mold of your teeth, which will be sent to the lab where the veneers are constructed for you. The dentist will check that the color matches your other teeth and the look is what you want before permanently cementing them to your tooth. Your dentist may suggest that you avoid biting hard objects with your front teeth or using them to open items such as bottle caps as these could cause the veneers to break.
Bridges
Porcelain bridges fill the gap left by missing teeth and restore both function and aesthetics. They work by placing a false tooth in the open space and anchoring it to healthy natural teeth or dental implants on either side. The resulting restoration is strong and durable. When properly cared for, porcelain bridges can last for years without needing replacement or repair.
Aside from their functional benefits, porcelain bridges are also aesthetically pleasing and look very similar to real teeth. This means that they can improve the appearance of a smile and help patients feel more confident.
After getting a bridge, it’s important to follow a strict oral hygiene routine that includes regular brushing and flossing. It’s also important to avoid hard or sticky foods that can damage or dislodge the bridge. Additionally, it’s crucial to visit your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your bridge is safe and comfortable for years to come.
Implants
After a complete evaluation of your teeth, gums and jawbone, we will prepare a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This will take into account factors such as how many teeth you need replaced and the condition of your remaining teeth and jawbone.
The implant is a small metal post (the equivalent of a tooth’s root) that is placed into the bone socket where the missing tooth was. As the jawbone heals, it grows around the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely in place. This can take six to 12 weeks. During this time you will wear a temporary denture.
If there is not enough healthy bone in the area where the tooth is lost, a special procedure called a sinus lift or a bone graft may be necessary to build up the area before placing the implant. In some cases, the implant can be placed at the same time as an extraction if sufficient bone is available.
To care for your restoration, brush and floss as usual, but use low or no-abrasive toothpaste. Schedule regular visits to us so we can examine your restoration and give you extra tips on caring for it.