What Restorative Dentistry Can Do for You

It’s recommended to get regular checkups every six months, but there are occasional dental needs that require more than routine cleaning. Restorative dentistry is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral diseases. If your teeth are cracked, chipped, decayed, discolored, or missing, dentists may suggest a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Teeth that are affected by any of these defects can qualify for restorative care. There are several options available depending on the need—whether it’s an implant, bridge, crown, or filling.

What to Expect During the Check-up

Diagnosis during routine visits occurs by dentists using radiographic, visual, and mechanical techniques to analyze the teeth’s surfaces. If there are no large issues at hand, restorative treatment is minimally invasive and can be performed in one visit. Multiple visits may be required if complex treatments are needed. A maxillofacial surgeon, prosthodontist, or endodontist may be required for certain dental procedures. Dentists may need to use sedation or anesthesia to relieve any discomfort or anxiety from the procedure.

Restorative Materials

Porcelain, dental amalgam, composite resin, and gold are the four primary types of dental material used to restore teeth. Composite resin includes plastic compounds or ceramic that can be used with other materials like glass ionomers. Additionally, there are other precious and non-precious metals similar to gold and almost as durable.

Crowns and Bridges

Crowns are a type of restoration that cover the entire portion of a tooth that has been damaged, cracked, chipped, or subject to extensive restoration that may threaten the rest of the tooth. Bridges are a prosthetic replacement of one or more natural teeth. They are comprised of crowns that are adjacent to the space with a replacement tooth (pontic) attached to the crowns.

Fillings

Fillings are used to replace missing teeth or restore the surface of teeth. They use amalgam to restore the tooth’s surface and are placed on posterior teeth (located at the back of the mouth). Amalgam fillings are an alloy, which contains mercury or a mercury substitute. Composite fillings are resins used for tooth-colored restorations and are used in both the back and front teeth.

Veneers

Veneers are a layer of porcelain or composite, similar to composite fillings. They are cemented or bonded to the surfaces of one or more teeth, usually in the upper and lower front teeth (incisors). They help improve the appearance of cracked, chipped, or uneven teeth.

Other Restorations

• Inlay : A cemented restoration designed to restore up to three surfaces of a tooth. It can be fabricated from porcelain, gold, or other ceramic materials.
• Removable Partial : A prosthetic device containing artificial teeth supported on a framework and attached to natural teeth with retainers. Because it is not cemented into the mouth, it can be removed.
• Bonding : This treatment can help lengthen the front central teeth or reshape them.
• Onlay : A cemented restoration designed to restore the chewing surface and some of the surface along the sides of teeth located in the back of the mouth. It can be fabricated from porcelain, gold, or another ceramic material.

If you or a loved one is in need of a visit to the dentist, you can sign up for our New Hampshire Family Discount Dental Plan and save as much as 20 percent on your dental bills. For more information, please click here.

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