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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