What is a Dental Restoration?
Includes crowns, bridges, inlays, and composite restorations for damaged teeth.
A dental restoration is a procedure to either replace or retore the lost tooth or tooth structure. It may involve placing a dental filler material or replace it entirely with a new artificial crown. The purpose of a dental restoration is to relieve pain, restore tooth function, improve smile and inculcate confidence. Tooth restorations can be broadly categorized into the following:
01. Dental Fillings
02. Inlays and onlays
03. Dental crowns
04. Dental implants
05. Dentures
It is upon your dentist to decide which is the most appropriate form of dental restoration after thoroughly evaluating your condition and available natural tooth structure. To get evaluated and treated by some of the best dentists from around the world, consult Ortil.ย
Dental fillings are done in cases where dental caries has just been started and only a small part of the tooth structure is decayed. The dentist removes the decayed part and fill the space using a restorative material.
In order to maintain the dental filling for a long time, it is highly crucial to following the instructions provided by the dentist. These instructions include:
01. Following an oral hygiene routine regularly.
02. Avoid chewing extremely hard food.
03. Use fluoride-containing toothpaste to prevent further tooth decay.
04. If you have a habit of clenching of teeth, consult your dentist to have a mouth guard.
05. If you feel sudden sensitivity, consult your dentist as the restoration may have fallen off
The dentist examines the tooth condition and starts by administering a local anesthesia to prevent any discomfort. The decayed tooth structure is removed by using a drill. Thereafter, the cavity is given an accurate shape to contain the dental filling in the best way. Extra dental material is then removed to facilitate the correct bite. Additional steps may be added depending upon the type of material used for the restoration. Patients are supposed to avoid eating or drinking anything for next 1-2 hours, and avoid chewing hard food for next 24 hours.
01. Amalgam Restoration - This has been the most traditional and conventional dental material used for dental fillings. This material is known for its strength and durability. Amalgam restoration are made of a combination of several metals along with amalgam. While providing a great strength for chewing food, these types of fillings are not aesthetically pleasing.
02. Composite - These are tooth-coloured dental restorations which are strong as well as provide natural appearance. These types of tooth restorations are ideal for medium sized to large cavities. Additionally, these are commonly used in cases of front teeth decay and chipped off teeth.
03. Metal Fillings - These mostly include gold or silver amalgam fillings. The most beneficial aspect of metal fillings is strength and long-lasting nature. While some people prefer having gold fillings, other may only go for tooth-coloured fillings.
04. Glass Ionomer Cement Filling - Glass ionomer cement is a combination of acrylic and glass used for dental restoration. One of the most prominent advantages is that it releases fluoride which helps in the prevention of dental caries. This is comparatively less durable and may need to be replaced after 5 years.
These are the indirect form of dental fillings that are prepared in the laboratory. These are typically used when the tooth cavity is excessively large. Inlay is made of solid and customized material. After taking the impression, inlays are cast into the required shape. An inlay fits well into the grooves but does not extend over the cusps. Onlays are larger than inlays but smaller in size than a dental crown. Used to fill very large cavities, onlays extend over the cusps. Some of the common benefits of inlays and onlays are:
01. Resistance to tooth fracture
02. Resistance to stains
03. Natural appearance
04. Custom-made according to a tooth structure
05. Long-lasting
Professionals focused on functional and aesthetic restoration of teeth.
Full-service dental centers offering customized tooth repair options.
Other than routine oral hygiene and preventing chewing very hard objects, which is applicable in case of natural teeth, there are no specific measures to take care of a restored tooth. However, for immediate 24 hours after the procedure, you must follow your dentists instructions.
Depending upon the quality and tenacity, a dental filling can last as long as 10-15 years. However, the duration may vary with the type of material used, skill of the surgeon, and maintenance by the patients.
Usually, the procedure takes about 10-60 minutes. However, the exact time duration varies with the type of dental restoration procedure, expertise of the surgeon, co-operation of the patient, technology used, etc.
Usually, the patient might feel some discomfort or sensitivity while drilling out the decayed tooth structure. This is managed by the dentist by administering local anesthesia.
Dentures will cost you the least. However, these are not fixed. The procedure of denture is not extensive or painful. It will contain a base to cover the gums and the artificial teeth.
Denture for a single tooth is known as a partial denture. The missing tooth will be covered with an artificial tooth attached to a gum base.
The following precautions need to be riddled in your mind for at least 24 hours. They are bite & chew carefully, avoid sugar & sticky food, avoid biting at hard surfaces, avoid extreme hot and cold beverages.