As the name indicates, restorative dentistry is all about restoring the natural function and appearance of your teeth. There are a wide range of procedures and treatments that you can consider for different concerns, such as damaged teeth, injured teeth, and worn teeth. Your family dentist reno is the ultimate expert to guide you on what may work for your needs, but here is an overview of common types of dental restoration.
1. Dental fillings: Fillings are used to treat teeth affected by cavities. If there is decay in a tooth, your dentist will clean the decay and fill the cavity with a material, such as composite resin or silver amalgam. There are better alternatives to amalgam fillings today, such as composite resin that looks the same as your natural teeth. Make sure to ask about the filling material options available at a clinic.
2. Crowns: A dental crown is like a cap for a tooth that has been affected by injury, cavity, or decay. Your dentist may also recommend a crown for a weak, vulnerable tooth after root canal therapy. Getting a crown takes at least two appointments. Your dentist will take impressions of your tooth and send the molds to a lab to get a custom crown, which is then fixed to the tooth. Between the appointments, you may get a temporary crown.
3. Implants: Dental implants are made of titanium and work as replacement roots for missing teeth. Getting implants requires surgery. Your dentist may consider endosteal implants drilled inside the jawbone, while the second option is called a subperiosteal implant, which is placed on the jawbone or above it. Dental implants last a lifetime and become a part of the jawbone. You will get replacement teeth using dentures, crowns, or bridges. If a patient is missing all of their natural teeth, they can get a complete set of replacement teeth on just four implants (two on each arch).
4. Bridges: A dental bridge has two crowns on both sides with replacement teeth in between. Bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. Porcelain is often considered as it resembles the natural color of teeth. You can also consider porcelain-fused-to-metal bridges that are more durable. Your dentist will have to buff and prepare the adjacent teeth to make room for the crown. There are different types of bridges, and the choice largely depends on the number of missing teeth and the location of each.
5. Dentures: More commonly known as false teeth, dentures are used to replace missing teeth. You may have seen older patients missing all their natural teeth and wearing dentures to restore their chewing and speaking capabilities. Dentures are extremely common and very affordable, making them a great choice for many patients. Like most restorative devices, dentures are custom-made in a lab.
6. Veneers: Dental veneers are thin shells, usually made of porcelain. Veneers are used to cover the front surface of teeth to get a perfect smile. While veneers are often considered a cosmetic treatment, many patients benefit from the outcomes, especially if they have extremely stained teeth that cannot be cleaned with standard whitening procedures. Veneers can last for as long as 15 years.
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Most options above require multiple appointments, and not all treatment costs are covered by insurance. While understanding restorative dentistry helps, it is better to consult your dentist in Reno to understand other details. For instance, if you have a deep cavity, your dentist may need to complete root canal therapy before they use a filling or recommend a crown. Schedule a dental exam if you don’t like the appearance of your teeth or have noticed symptoms or abnormalities.