3 Common Dental Restoration Procedures

Dental Restoration Carmel, IN

People who are diligent with oral hygiene may still experience tooth decay or damage that requires dental restorations. Even what may appear to be minor damage should be addressed and repaired by a dentist. Not treating chipped, cracked, or missing teeth can cause serious oral health problems that may otherwise be prevented with simple dental work.

When an injury or decay leads to a chip or a crack, the result can often be painful and unsightly. Even minor ones can be noticeable and lead to some discomfort. However, this damage to the enamel can also increase the risks of decay and potential infections. Cracks and chips can give bacteria an even easier pathway towards the inner tissues, expediting the process and leading to more problems in less time.

A missing tooth can be even more problematic. The gaps left in these situations can put excess strain on the surrounding teeth, causing them to wear out and become damaged over time. Other teeth can start to shift, creating more gaps or crooked teeth, which can increase the risks for tooth decay and gum disease by trapping more food particles and making proper cleaning more challenging. Tooth pain and jaw pain can develop and proper speech and digestion may also be inhibited.

Any dental injury can turn into a big problem in no time. However, minor or even unnoticeable damage can also lead to major oral health issues. Routine visits to a dentist can help patients stay on top of these situations, minimize the discomfort that may occur, and restore their smiles.

Common restorative treatments in dentistry

Addressing decay or damage as early as possible can prevent problems from worsening over time. These common treatments are employed to correct various dental issues. Your dentist can help you determine which approach is right for you.

1. Fillings

Even if a patient is not experiencing any pain or sensitivity, an examination by a dentist may identify a cavity. If the cavity is small, a dentist typically corrects the issue by removing the decay, cleaning the area well, and filling the space with amalgam, composite, gold, or porcelain material. A dental filling is typically completed during a single office visit, with the patient returning to normal eating and drinking activities the same day. With the American Dental Association reporting over 175 million fillings are completed in the U.S. each year, this is one of the most common dental restorations performed.

2. Crowns

Occasionally, a cavity or other damage may be too large to be resolved by a simple filling. In such cases, a crown may be placed on the problem tooth instead. A dentist begins the crown procedure by removing the outer portion of the tooth, ensuring all decay or damage is eliminated. An impression is then taken to create a model of the tooth from which the crown is made.

Since it can take time to make the permanent crown, the patient may have a temporary crown placed on the tooth in the meantime. This temporary crown can cause sensitivity, so the patient may need to be cautious when eating and drinking until the permanent crown is seated. Once the final crown is made, inserted, and adjusted, it is cemented in place, and the patient can resume normal activities.

3. Implants

Dental implants may be recommended when a tooth must be removed entirely due to severe decay or damage. Implants are metal fixtures surgically mounted to the jawbone, creating an anchor for permanent artificial teeth. Although seating an implant is a more complicated procedure than getting a filling or a crown, implants are often recommended to improve bone health, aesthetics, and oral comfort.

The steps for seating an implant may vary from patient to patient, depending upon the condition of the existing tooth and its neighbors, the overall strength of the jawbone, and other factors. A dentist can determine the appropriate way to proceed when an implant is the recommended treatment option.

Conclusion

When a problem with your teeth is identified, your dentist is likely to recommend one of these dental restorations. It is important to address any signs of decay or damage quickly to preserve your oral health. Remember that there are many more treatments that can help restore a damaged or lost tooth. Your dentist can help you choose the right plan based on your unique needs so you can enjoy a beautiful and functional smile.

Request an appointment here: https://www.carmelsmilesdentist.com or call Smiles in the Village Dentistry at (317) 575-6101 for an appointment in our Carmel office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Restoration in Carmel, IN.

Related Posts

Dental Restorations Options From Your General Dentist

Are you in need of dental restoration and don’t know where to turn? You are not alone. Countless patients ask themselves this nagging question daily. We all want to have the most beautiful and bright smile but aren’t sure how to achieve our goal. Fortunately, there are solutions that you can count on. There are many…

What Are Dental Restorations And How Can They Help?

Getting a dental restoration is a way to repair teeth that are damaged, including chipped or cracked teeth, cavities, and worn-down enamel. There are different types of dental restorations available. The recommended restoration will depend on the type of tooth damage, the location of the tooth that is damaged, and the patient’s treatment preference. This…

Are There Different Types Of Dental Restoration Services?

Dentists offer dental restoration services to restore the health and appearance of their patient’s smiles after dealing with oral health concerns, dental trauma, or other dental issues. This review discusses some of the more common types of dental restoration services that are offered by general dentists.Although the services offered by general dentists may vary for…

3 Tips For Improving The Longevity Of Dental Onlays

A dental onlay might be the right choice when you have a damaged or decayed tooth. Other options are available, and the dentist may consider any number of treatments. But as you learn more about onlays, you may see the benefits and why this is the right course for you to getting a new smile.…

Related Posts

How All On   Restores Your Smile

How All-on-4 Restores Your Smile

All-on-4 dental implants can effectively restore a complete smile, offering a permanent and natural-looking alternative to traditional dentures. Many patients who have lost most or all of their teeth can qualify for this procedure, as it mainly requires good general and oral health. Learning about the basics of the All-on-4 procedure, its benefits, and eligibility…

A General Dentist Can Use Bonding To Repair Teeth

A General Dentist Can Use Bonding To Repair Teeth

General dentists use bonding to help repair damaged teeth. What is bonding, and how is it used to repair teeth? Keep reading for an overview of what bonding is and why it is used as a treatment method. This type of procedure is very useful for many different dental issues. Your dentist will be able to…