What Type of Dental Restoration is Right For You?

Undergoing a Dental Restorations usually involves a thorough evaluation by an experienced dentist and some research and decisions on the part of the patient. One thing that may cause some stress is a lack of knowledge and uncertainty about the technical procedures involved. However, dentistry has come a long way in recent years, and with modern advancements, patients receive better care than ever before. Learning about some of the common types of dental restorations and the processes they entail can help individuals make well-informed decisions about appropriate methods for restoring their damaged teeth. 

Common types of dental restorations

While there are many dental procedures available to help persons with tooth deterioration, some of the most typical ones include fillings, crowns, implants and dentures. Although these restorations are carried out differently, they all have the common goal of keeping the patient's mouth healthy and functioning properly.

Fillings

Fillings are one of the most routine and least invasive dental treatments. When a dentist sees a cavity in the mouth or on an X-ray, a filling may be recommended to halt the progression of the decay and to keep the patient from experiencing pain. If cavities are left untreated, the decay grows larger, and the tooth may require a more extensive treatment such as a root canal.

Crowns

Crowns can be used for a number of situations, including restoring a tooth that has a large cavity, protecting a tooth that has a large filling prone to breaking or changing the shape or color of a tooth for cosmetic reasons. This dental restoration involves removing some of the structure of the patient's tooth so a custom crown made of porcelain, metal or composite can be fitted over it. The permanent crown is cemented in place and cannot be removed by the patient. 

Bridges

A bridge is a popular dental restoration used to fill in the vacant space left by a missing tooth. It involves putting crowns on the teeth on each side of the empty space and attaching — or bridging — a false tooth to span the gap. Like a crown, a dental bridge is also cemented in place, and the patient cannot remove it.

Implants

Implants have gained popularity in recent years. This procedure involves inserting a titanium post or screw into the jawbone and attaching a custom-made crown to the post. This treatment is popular for replacing a missing tooth because it does not require the removal of tooth structure from adjacent teeth. 

Dentures

Dentures, or false teeth, are a restorative option used when a patient is already missing all the teeth or when all of the remaining teeth require extraction. A denture, which is made of an acrylic base with porcelain or acrylic teeth attached, replaces all the missing teeth. Impressions are made of the patient's gums so that a custom fit can be designed.

Conclusion

Dental restorative options have come a long way over the years. When patients are aware of the alternatives available and how these choices can benefit them, going for a dental restoration becomes exciting as a new smile unfolds.

Request an appointment here: https://www.mysaratogadentist.com or call My Saratoga Dentist PLLC at (518) 675-3094 for an appointment in our Saratoga Springs office.

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