Understanding the Types of Restorative Dentistry Procedures

Even if your teeth have become damaged or affected by decay, restorative treatment can help your smile look brand new! Restorative dentistry is both preventative and corrective and allows dentists to keep your smile as healthy as possible. Restorative dental treatment is required for patients needing dental repair. This can come from a number of sources including trauma or injury as well as typical wear and tear. A number of different procedures fall under the umbrella of restorative dentistry offered at Dental365 including fillings, crowns, onlays, traditional fixed bridges, dentures, dental implants and TrueTEETH.

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are among the more common types of restorative dental treatment. Typically, fillings utilize a combination of metals or resins to “fill” in parts of your teeth that may have been removed after a cavity is treated. Fillings (also known as composites, amalgams, or restorations) can also be used to repair teeth weakened by decay or wear. Dental fillings help to restore the stability of the tooth and can prevent further damage.

During your routine dental exam, your dentist will be able to detect the need for fillings if they find discoloration or damage to the surface of the tooth. You may receive X-rays to determine the extent of the damage. From there your dentist will work with you to determine the type of filling options and a treatment plan.

Crowns

Dental crowns are used to protect and restore the shape of teeth when damage is too large for fillings. Crowns are placed over the teeth then cemented into place covering the original tooth. Dental crowns do not require any additional care other than practicing proper oral hygiene.  The material used can look just as natural as your other teeth. Materials used can be resin, porcelain (ceramic), and metal.

Common reasons for needing a dental crown include protecting weak teeth after decay or damage, restoring broken- or worn-down teeth, covering misshapen or discolored teeth and more.

Crowns are typically a multi-visit procedure. During the first visit the tooth and crown are examined and repaired respectively. X-rays help to determine the extent of the damage and can alert your dentists if a root canal is needed before the procedure.  The second visit is when the crown is placed on the tooth. Some offices may offer same day dental crowns which follow a similar process but allow patients to leave the office with their teeth restored the same day.

Onlays

Dental onlays provide a treatment option that is longer lasting and more protective than a filling which can have a shorter lifespan due to the restrictions inherent of composite (white filling) materials. Onlays only go over the affected area of your tooth which replaces less of the tooth than a crown but are stronger than a filling. Our doctors are trained to recognize when a filling, crown, or onlay is needed and which will offer the best restoration. Similar to crowns, onlays typically take two visits. The first is used to clean the damaged tooth, prepare for the onlay and take an impression or digital scan of the tooth. The second visit involves cementation of the fabricated onlay and polishing to make it blend in with your other teeth.

Traditional Fixed Bridges

There are two types of dental bridges: implant supported bridges and traditional fixed bridges. Traditional bridges are used to replace missing teeth using healthy teeth on either side of the space. When receiving traditional fixed bridges, both of the supporting teeth are reshaped and fitted with dental crowns in order to be strong enough to support the bridge. Traditional fixed bridges are typically made from porcelain and are fused to metal or ceramic material and are the most common type of bridges.

Dentures

Dentures are commonly used when several teeth are missing and need to be replaced. Dentures come in different materials and serve different purposes. Full dentures, also known as complete dentures, are made in both upper and lower sets and may be needed when you lose all of your teeth. Complete dentures use suction and denture adhesive to keep them in place and are made to feel comfortable and perform all the functions of normal teeth while also restoring confidence to the patient's smile.

Partial dentures can be made for either the upper or lower teeth and can help fill in gaps of missing teeth. Both types of dentures serve an important purpose of keeping the structures of your mouth including the jawbone and facial muscles engaged. This can prevent shifting of teeth from lack of support.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a structurally sound method of replacing missing teeth due to the use of titanium fixtures that, over time, can fuse with the bone and jaw to provide a strong and durable anchor. As a result, dental implants are strong long term solutions to tooth loss. Dental implants can be used for either full, multiple, or single tooth replacements.

TrueTEETH

TrueTEETH is a state of the art service that we at Dental365 are able to offer our patients.  This allows patients to come in and be treated by TrueTEETH certified providers to make sure their treatment outcomes are ideal. It starts by first being identified as a candidate for this type of procedure, followed by 3D radiography, measurements and fitting for your temporary implant bridge. This is then followed by coming in for your surgery visit, being sedated and waking up with your new temporary teeth in place supported by implants.  You get a beautiful smile on the same day as your surgery.  After a few months your permanent bridges are measured and fitted, you are able to have input on this process throughout your procedure.

Looking For Restorative Dentistry Options?

At Dental365 our team is committed to providing top quality care. Our specialists will help to determine the best treatment for your restorative dentistry procedure. Whether you need dental crowns or dentures our offices can fit your needs! We proudly serve patients in the New York Metropolitan area, NJ and Connecticut. To schedule a visit at a location near you, call 844.365.DENTAL.