Restored teeth are dental treatments that repair or replace damaged or lost teeth. These procedures aim to restore teeth to a healthy, functional state, improving their appearance and contributing to overall oral health. Dental restoration helps maintain long-term oral well-being and confidence, addressing issues that can impact chewing, speaking, and the aesthetics of a smile.
Common Types of Dental Restorations
Dental fillings treat cavities by removing decayed tooth material and filling the area. Common materials include composite resin, a tooth-colored mixture of plastic and glass particles that bonds to the tooth, and amalgam, a durable metal mixture (silver, mercury, tin, copper) often used for back teeth due to its strength.
Crowns, also known as dental caps, are tooth-shaped coverings that completely encase a damaged or weakened tooth. They are used to restore a tooth’s size, shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from various materials, including ceramic (porcelain), porcelain-fused-to-metal, or metal alloys like gold or chromium-nickel. Ceramic crowns offer a natural look that can be matched to existing teeth, while porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain.
Dental bridges replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap. They consist of artificial teeth (pontics) anchored to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants using crowns. The anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) are prepared to support the bridge. Bridges, made from materials like porcelain, gold, or metal alloys, help prevent remaining teeth from shifting.
Dental implants replace missing tooth roots and support crowns, bridges, or dentures. An implant consists of a titanium screw or cylinder surgically placed into the jawbone. This fixture integrates with the bone through osseointegration, where bone cells attach directly to the implant surface, creating a strong foundation. After fusion, an abutment is attached to support the final restoration.
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells, made of porcelain or composite resin, bonded to the front surface of teeth. They are used for cosmetic improvements, addressing issues like discoloration, minor misalignment, chips, cracks, or gaps. Porcelain veneers are durable and mimic the natural translucency and appearance of tooth enamel.
Reasons for Dental Restorations
Dental restorations are necessary for various reasons, often due to damage or tooth loss. Tooth decay (cavities) is a primary reason, as it weakens tooth structure and creates holes in enamel and dentin. Untreated decay can progress, compromising tooth integrity and potentially leading to infection.
Teeth can also become chipped, cracked, or fractured due to trauma, such as an injury, or from excessive wear over time. This structural damage can expose the inner layers of the tooth, leading to sensitivity or further damage. Missing teeth, whether from decay, gum disease, injury, or extraction, create gaps that can affect chewing, speech, and cause surrounding teeth to shift.
Excessive wear on teeth can result from habits like teeth grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion caused by certain foods and drinks. Bruxism can wear down tooth enamel, leading to cracks, increased sensitivity, and jaw pain. Cosmetic concerns also drive the need for restorations; these include discoloration that is resistant to whitening treatments, minor misalignment, or noticeable gaps between teeth.
The Process of Getting Restorations
Getting dental restorations begins with an initial consultation and diagnosis. This involves a comprehensive oral examination, often including X-rays or digital scans, to assess damage or missing teeth. Based on this, the dentist develops a personalized treatment plan, outlining the recommended restoration type and steps.
Once the treatment plan is established, the preparation phase begins, which may involve numbing the area with local anesthesia. For restorations like crowns or veneers, the tooth may be shaped by removing a small amount of enamel to create space and ensure a proper fit. This preparation ensures the restoration can be securely bonded and blend seamlessly with natural teeth.
Following preparation, an impression or digital scan of the teeth is taken. This creates a precise replica sent to a dental laboratory for custom fabrication. For some restorations, like same-day crowns using CAD/CAM, fabrication can occur in the dental office. While the permanent restoration is made, a temporary one (often resin or acrylic) may be placed to protect the prepared tooth.
The final step involves placing and bonding the permanent restoration. The dentist positions the custom-made restoration and uses dental cement or a bonding agent to securely attach it. After placement, adjustments ensure the restoration fits properly and the bite feels normal. The restoration is then polished for a smooth surface and natural appearance.
Maintaining Your Restored Teeth
Proper maintenance of restored teeth is important for their longevity and to support overall oral health. A consistent oral hygiene routine is a primary defense, including brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and along the gum line. This practice helps prevent new decay around the restoration and maintains the health of surrounding natural teeth and gums.
Regular dental check-ups are also important, scheduled every six months, for professional cleanings and examinations. During these visits, the dentist monitors restorations, identifies potential issues early, and removes hardened plaque (tartar). Early detection of problems can lead to simpler, less invasive treatments.
Dietary considerations play a role in protecting restored teeth. Avoiding excessively hard or sticky foods can prevent damage, such as chipping or dislodging a restoration. Limiting sugary foods and drinks helps reduce the risk of new tooth decay, as sugar contributes to acid production in the mouth that can erode tooth enamel. Acidic foods and beverages can also wear down enamel over time.
Addressing habits like teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) is important, as these can exert excessive force on restorations, leading to wear or fracture. A dentist may recommend a custom-fitted night guard to protect teeth and restorations from grinding during sleep. Patients should also be aware of signs of trouble, such as persistent sensitivity, pain, or looseness, and contact their dentist promptly.