If you’ve lost some teeth due to damage or decay, there’s still a chance to restore your smile with restorative dentistry. Here are the different types of restorative procedures and when they are needed.
People lose their teeth or parts of their teeth due to deterioration, decay, or fractures. Poor oral hygiene, not going to the dentist regularly, underlying medical problems, and face trauma are the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Fortunately, dentists can restore your teeth through restorative dentistry, which we will talk about in detail here:
What are the different types of dental restorations?
Dental restorations are techniques that dentists use to restore or replace missing teeth or missing parts of the teeth. Here are the different types of restorative procedures and when they are deemed necessary:
1. Dental fillings
These are the most common type of dental procedure, next to wisdom teeth removal (one of the most common dental surgeries in Kokomo, Indiana). With this procedure, missing parts of the tooth structure that were lost due to decay can be filled with gold, silver, or composite resin. Dental fillings are needed to close off spaces in the tooth where bacteria can enter, thus preventing further decay and spreading cavities to other teeth.
2. Crowns
If your tooth is decayed, damaged, or cracked, a crown is needed to restore its correct size and shape. Having a dental crown fitted is usually a long process. You can expect to wear a temporary crown before you are given a permanent one.
3. Implants
A dental implant is a prosthesis typically made of titanium or a titanium blend. It is used to replace missing teeth to eliminate gaps, restore a normal bite, and maintain the health of your other teeth and gums. Implants have a metal screw that is used to attach the false tooth into the bone socket, as well as a crown to make the tooth look like a real one.
4. Bridges
Patients that are missing one or more teeth may need a bridge to eliminate the gap between the remaining teeth. Similar to implants, they are required to restore your smile and a normal bite.
5. Veneers
These are semi-transparent porcelain layers that are applied over the tooth to improve its appearance or protect its surface from damage. If you have chipped, crooked, discolored, or broken teeth, veneers can be a simpler option to improve your smile than braces or other restorative procedures.
6. Dentures
These are complete or partial sets of teeth that replace missing teeth and surrounding gum tissue. They eliminate the problems associated with missing teeth and gums by helping the wearer speak clearly, chew comfortably, and smile normally.
7. Composite bonding
This is a type of restorative dentistry that is commonly used to address aesthetic problems. If you have teeth that are cracked, chipped, or discolored, this procedure will chemically bond composite material to your tooth to improve its appearance.
These are the most common ways to restore your smile even after you’ve lost some teeth or parts of your tooth structure. But prevention is always better than a cure, so always make sure that you practice proper oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly. Nevertheless, if you find yourself with a damaged or missing tooth, these are the options that you can look into to restore your beautiful smile.
