Fillings / Restorations
Who Are Dental Restorations?
A dental restoration is any fixture that is placed into, over, or in replacement of a natural tooth to restore functional chewing and a pleasing cosmetic appearance. Dental fillings are the most common technique used to repair teeth that have been minorly damaged by decay.
What Issues Can Dental Restorations/Fillings Improve?
Who is A Candidate for Dental Restorations?
A patient who has teeth that are damaged or missing, whether from disease, injury or other causes, is a candidate for restorative dentistry, which will restore overall mouth health and make teeth look aesthetically pleasing. Receiving proper treatment for damaged or missing teeth is essential in order to prevent further problems and eliminate difficulties with eating or speaking.
Dental Consultation AT Prosthodontics of New York
Types of Dental Restorations
There are several restorative options available. Which ones we use depends upon the patient’s overall health and personal preference, as well as your dentist’s recommendation. Available restorative dental treatments include:
- Full and partial dentures
- Crowns and bridges
- Dental implants
- Mini dental implants
- Inlays and Onlays
- Full-mouth reconstruction
Each type of dental restoration has its own benefits. To complete a full-mouth restoration, we can combine several treatments.
Full & Partial Dentures
Dentures are a common tooth replacement option through which biting and chewing capabilities can be restored. Traditional dentures, both full and partial, are removable fixtures that are held in place with natural suction and, in some cases, dental adhesive.
Partial dentures replace a set number of teeth and are secured onto surrounding natural teeth. Full dentures replace an entire arch, or both arches, with lifelike artificial teeth set into an acrylic or resin base.
Crowns & Bridges
Crowns and bridges are often discussed together but are very different from one another. Dental crowns used to be referred to as “caps.” This was a good descriptor because this type of restoration literally caps a damaged tooth. Modern dental crowns are typically carved from high-quality dental porcelain, a durable material that most closely resembles natural tooth enamel.
A dental bridge is a type of restoration that is used to bridge a gap between two natural teeth. A bridge typically includes at least one crown, usually two. The crown acts as an anchor when situated over a natural tooth. Next to or in between crowns is a pontic, or artificial tooth that sits on top of the gums.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most recent innovation in restorative dentistry. This type of restoration sits beneath the gums and acts as an artificial root. A dental implant is a tiny post made from surgical-grade titanium. One or more posts can be installed into the jawbone in a minimally-invasive oral surgery procedure. Over the course of a few months, the titanium cylinder becomes encased in bone, stabilizing it so it may hold a crown, bridge, or denture.
Inlays & Onlays
Inlays and onlays could be described as expansive fillings. Each is used in a particular situation for which a standard filling cannot suffice. Both are made in a dental lab based on an impression of the prepared tooth. An inlay is a tooth-colored restoration that is bonded into the chewing surface of a tooth to repair damage caused by decay or injury. An onlay is a tooth-colored restoration that may extend over one or more of the cusps, or corners, of a tooth.
Full Mouth Reconstruction
Extensive oral decline may require a broader spectrum of care. Full-mouth restoration is a process through which the functional and cosmetic merit of the smile is rebuilt using necessary restorations. Full-mouth restoration may involve tooth replacement and the installation of various fixtures such as crowns and fillings to restore the adequate structure to the mouth and beauty to the smile.
How Long Do Restorative Treatments Take?
Dental Restoration Materials
Results After Dental Restorations/Fillings
The use of durable materials enables patients to enjoy cosmetic value and functional abilities for several years following dental restoration. Dental fillings, crowns, bridges, and other fixtures typically last from 7 to 15 years or more with proper care.
“They are extremely professional and detailed. It is the only time I have been to the dentist where I have left feeling better than when I went in.”