Has your dentist ever told you that you need dental restoration? Are you wondering what this type of treatment refers to? Well, you should know that there are different types of dental restoration. In this article, we take the time to explain them to you and tell you about their uses.
What is restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry includes all treatments aimed at repairing, strengthening and replacing damaged or missing teeth. Its objective is twofold:
- Functional: to restore the functions of the teeth for chewing and speaking, as well as to protect oral health.
- Aesthetic: to offer the patient a complete, natural and healthy-looking smile.
Whether it is to repair a cavity, a dental fracture or to completely replace a missing tooth, there are several types of restorations. Here is an overview of the most common solutions offered at our dental clinic in LaSalle.
Filling: composite or amalgam restoration
Filling is the simplest and most common solution for treating dental caries. It restores the structure of the tooth after the damaged part has been removed, while reversing the progression of the lesion. It repairs a tooth affected by a small or medium-sized cavity, without the tooth having suffered too much structural damage.
The two materials used are:
- Composite: this resin that imitates the natural color of the teeth provides an aesthetic and discreet result. This material is often used for teeth visible within the smile.
- Amalgam: this very durable metal alloy is mainly used for molars subjected to strong chewing pressure.
Inlay and onlay
Inlay is a stronger alternative to filling, used to restore a more severely damaged tooth without using a crown. It is custom-made in a laboratory from a material such as ceramic or composite.
- Inlay: replaces part of the inside of the tooth.
- Onlay: covers a larger surface, including one or more cusps (tips) of the tooth.
Dental crown
A crown is a prosthetic tooth that completely covers a weakened, fractured or root canal treated tooth. It is made of ceramic, porcelain on metal or zirconia to ensure good strength and an optimal appearance.
When to choose a crown?
- When the tooth structure is too weakened to support a filling or inlay.
- After root canal treatment to protect the tooth.
- To correct the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth.
Dental bridge
A bridge is a fixed solution that replaces one or two adjacent teeth that are missing.
- Traditional bridge: supported by two natural teeth prepared to receive crowns.
- Implant-supported bridge: fixed to dental implants instead of natural teeth; it can then replace up to 4 adjacent teeth.
Dental prosthesis
Dentures (also called dentures) are a removable or fixed solution that aims to replace several missing teeth. They can be complete (replacing all the teeth in an arch) or partial (replacing several teeth while retaining the remaining natural teeth).
- Complete prosthesis: designed for people who have lost all their teeth on one jaw.
- Partial prosthesis: fixed using hooks on the remaining natural teeth.
Implant Restoration
A dental implant is a long-lasting solution to replace a missing tooth. It is a titanium screw inserted into the jawbone, serving as an artificial root to support a crown, bridge or complete prosthesis.
- Implant-based crown: replaces a single missing tooth, it is topped with a single implant.
- Implant-based bridge: replaces several teeth without touching the adjacent teeth, using two implants.
- Implant-based prosthesis: solution to replace several teeth with better stability than traditional prostheses, generally on 4 to 6 implants.
When to choose an implant-based restoration?
- When you want a quasi-permanent solution that imitates natural teeth.
- To prevent bone resorption after tooth loss.
- To improve the comfort and stability of replacement teeth, compared to traditional solutions.
Dental restorations offer many options to repair or replace damaged or missing teeth. The choice of treatment depends on several factors, such as the condition of the tooth, the desired aesthetics and the desired durability. Are you wondering which solution is best suited to your situation? Make an appointment at Centre Dentaire Georges for a consultation!