Restorative Procedures

Dentures

Dentures are usually associated with aging, but many people may need dentures. They are meant to replace teeth in a natural way, and they’re typically removable. Fitting for dentures is very common, and it takes a while. Ultimately, it’s worth having a complete set of working teeth again.

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are used to repair damage to the structure of a tooth or teeth. Structural damage can be caused by tooth decay, wear, or trauma. After removing a problematic tooth structure, the tooth is restored with composite resin (white filling material).

Fillings: A filling treats a small hole, or cavity, in a tooth. A dentist removes the decayed tooth tissue to repair a cavity and then fills the space with a filling material. After evaluation and x-rays are done, if a filling is needed, then it is preceded.

Bonding

Bonding is the term used to describe the process of using composite resins to “glue” materials to the surface of a tooth for restorative purposes. Chipped or cracked teeth are typically repaired through bonding. An enamel-like composite material is applied to the surface of a tooth, sculpted into shape, contoured, and polished, making the crack or chip invisible.

Crowns

Crowns are teeth caps that can be made from several materials and are designed to protect damaged or weakened teeth. Your dentist may give you a list of options for making your dental crown, including:

Porcelain & ceramic– Both of these options are visually appealing because they give patients the closest match to their natural teeth but may not be as durable as other crowns.
Metal-alloy – A mixed-metal crown typically consisting of gold and another metal compound such as silver, platinum, copper, or tin.
Porcelain-metal fusion– These provide a stronger bond than regular porcelain. Dentists frequently use them because of their longevity and because they combine the strength of a metal base with the aesthetic appeal of a porcelain surface.
Resin– Composite resin crowns offer a more inexpensive option, at least initially. These crowns bear a striking resemblance to natural teeth but may wear down quicker than other crowns if not properly cared for.

General dentists, family dentists, prosthodontists, pediatric dentists, and cosmetic dentists may perform the crown procedure; however, expertise varies among dentists.

Bridges

Replacing missing teeth by using pontic, these artificial replacements are placed around the teeth

Dental Bridges: Dental bridges replace missing teeth with artificial replacements (pontic). The pontic is held in place by composite materials that are anchored to surrounding teeth. General dentists, family dentists, prosthodontists, and cosmetic dentists may perform bridge procedures. Availability of the latest materials, technology, and expertise varies among dentists.

Root Canals

This procedure removes infected tissues that are inside the root of the tooth. Dentists use antibacterial filings, and then the tooth is capped by a crown.

Root Canal: Root canal therapy removes infected pulp tissue within the root chamber of the tooth. The hollowed-out tooth is filled with an antibacterial filling, and the tooth is “capped” with a crown for protection. Endodontists specialize in root canal therapy, though general dentists also often perform the restorative procedure.