If you have missing or broken teeth that are causing you pain, restorative dental procedures can repair your smile and help you feel better.
While restorative dentistry procedures are not for aesthetic purposes, the end result is a nicer smile that helps the damaged teeth to fit in seamlessly with the healthy teeth.
More importantly, restorative dental procedures can help to improve chewing function, cut down on the risk of the development of new dental problems, and decrease dental pain.
What Are Basic Restorative Dental Procedures?
Some basic restorative dental procedures include the following:
- Fillings: When caught early, a small cavity can easily be repaired with a filling. This procedure can be completed in a few minutes, with the dentist removing all decayed areas of the tooth and filling the resulting hole with a tooth-colored material.
- Inlays and Onlays: A medium-sized cavity that is too large for a simple filling may be addressed with an inlay or an onlay. An inlay fits into the hole remaining after decay has been removed and is bonded to the tooth. An onlay may be used instead of an inlay if at least one cusp of the tooth is covered. In addition, an onlay fills the hole left by the cavity.
- Crowns: A crown is the best option for a larger cavity that cannot be repaired with fillings, inlays, or onlays. Also called a dental cap, crowns fit over the entire tooth. In order to make the crown fit properly, the dentist will need to shave down part of the tooth, so the crown can go over the entire tooth and still fit between the teeth on either side comfortably.
What Are Major Restorative Dental Procedures?
- Bridges: When one tooth or a few teeth next to each other are missing, a bridge may be a good option. More intensive in nature than any of the basic restorative options, the dentist will need to shave down the healthy teeth on either side of where the missing teeth were and bond a bridge consisting of false teeth to fit in the gaps and crowns that go over the teeth on either side of the healthy teeth.
- Implants: In some cases, it may be preferred to implant teeth into the gap where the missing teeth once were. Just like healthy teeth, implanted teeth can be incorporated into other restorative procedures like bridges or dentures.
- Dentures: When there are many teeth missing or there are teeth missing all over the mouth, partial dentures or full dentures may be attached to dental implants. They can also be designed to be removed when needed.
What Is the Effect of Restorative Procedures on Dental Pulp?
Depending on the materials used and how the restorative procedure is done, there may be a variety of adverse impacts to dental pulp. It is important to speak to your dentist about the potential long-term effects of any restorative procedure.
If you believe that you would benefit from restorative dental care or if you would like to help a family member connect with treatment, contact Dison Family Dentistry today.