How Can Restorative Dentistry Help You?
Posted on: 16 August 2021
Your teeth are an important part of your body that allows you to bite, chew, and smile. However, teeth can become damaged, decayed, or lost. Fortunately, dentists can help patients facing these problems using restorative dental techniques. Here are some ways that restorative dentistry can help you:
1. Dental Fillings
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria and sugar combine to produce acid that can wear away the enamel of your teeth. If decay becomes severe enough, it can lead to infections deep within the pulp of the teeth. Having decay removed promptly can help you save as much of your tooth as possible. A dentist can help by drilling away decayed enamel and dentin and restoring the area with a dental filling. Dental fillings can be made of composite resin or amalgam. They're designed to protect teeth and restore their chewing surfaces.
2. Dental Bonding
Sometimes teeth are damaged in ways that have nothing to do with decay. A patient can chip or crack their tooth if they fall and hit their mouth on a hard surface. Biting down on bones, seeds, and other hard objects can also lead to tooth trauma. Dental bonding is a restoration practice that involves filling dental chips and cracks with composite resin. Dental bonding can restore the aesthetic harmony of a tooth and prevent pain that arises from exposed nerves.
3. Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are sometimes needed to protect fragile teeth. Teeth can become fragile due to severe decay or certain dental procedures, such as root canals. Dental crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or a combination of both. Many patients prefer porcelain dental crowns due to their aesthetic advantages. Dental crowns can be used to salvage teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. If you need a dental crown, your dentist will first take a mold of your teeth so a crown can be custom-fitted for you.
4. Tooth Implants
Other types of restorative dentistry are designed to restore missing or decayed parts of teeth that remain otherwise intact. However, if you're completely missing a tooth, restorative dentistry can still help you. Tooth implants, also known as dental implants, can replace missing teeth. These implants are secured to a patient's jawbone through oral surgery. As the patient's jaw heals, the implant is securely anchored in place. Dental implants are then fitted with prosthetics that mimic the look and function of natural teeth.
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