7 Types of Dental Restorations (and How to Choose the Right One)
Did you know that 1 in 3 Canadians has a dental need? Whether it’s a simple filling, a crown, or something more complex like a dental implant, restorative dentistry plays a crucial role in maintaining not just your oral health, but your overall well-being. Dental issues, if left untreated, can lead to more serious health complications, impacting your ability to eat, speak, and even smile with confidence.
In this blog, we’ll explore the various types of dental restorations available and guide you on how to choose the right one for your specific needs.
What is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry involves repairing or replacing teeth with the aim of improving oral health and chewing function. This type of dentistry includes procedures like crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures.
People may require restorative dentistry if they have cavities, tooth decay, damaged or broken teeth, or missing teeth.
Restorative dentistry is key to maintaining your oral health for the long haul. Repairing and replacing damaged teeth can help you eat, speak and smile confidence.
What’s the Difference Between Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry is dedicated to improving how your mouth functions and maintaining your oral health, while cosmetic dentistry zeroes in on making your smile more visually appealing.
There are treatments that can do both—enhancing function and aesthetics. Take a dental crown, for instance: it not only helps you chew more effectively but also adds a uniform, polished look to your smile.
This blend of functionality and aesthetics is what’s known as aesthetic restorative dentistry.
7 Types of Dental Restorations
Fillings – When bacteria create a cavity by eroding your tooth enamel, the best approach for smaller cavities is a dental filling. During this procedure, your dentist carefully removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills the resulting space with a tooth-coloured composite. This stops the decay in its tracks and prevents further damage to your tooth.
Crowns – Dental crowns come into play when you have a large cavity or a broken tooth. Often referred to as a cap, a crown covers the entire tooth, providing strength and restoring its shape. To fit a crown, your dentist will first remove some of the natural enamel, reshaping the tooth before placing the crown over it.
Inlays and Onlays – When a cavity is too extensive for a filling but not large enough for a crown, inlays and onlays are ideal solutions. These custom-made restorations fit perfectly into your tooth structure, similar to puzzle pieces. Inlays fill the space between the cusps of your teeth, while onlays extend to cover one or more cusps. Your dentist will permanently bond these restorations into place, ensuring a secure fit
Root Canal – If decay or a crack reaches deep into your tooth and affects the pulp, root canal therapy becomes necessary. This procedure involves removing the infected pulp, including tiny nerves and blood vessels, then thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the tooth’s interior. The space is then filled with a rubber-like material called gutta percha, and the tooth is sealed to prevent future infections. In most cases, a crown is also placed to reinforce the tooth.
Bridges – A dental bridge is an effective solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. This restoration consists of artificial teeth held in place by dental crowns attached to the adjacent natural teeth. Your dentist will reshape the natural teeth on either side of the gap to accommodate the crowns, which support the artificial teeth that span the space.
Dental Implants – Considered the gold standard for tooth replacement, a dental implant is a small, threaded post that serves as a new tooth root. After placing the implant, your dentist will top it with a crown, bridge, or even a denture, making it function just like a natural tooth. Unlike traditional options, implants don’t require any alterations to your natural teeth, offering a long-lasting and stable solution.
Dentures – Dentures are a traditional method of replacing missing teeth, available in full or partial sets. Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth, while partial dentures fill in gaps where multiple teeth are missing. These appliances rest on your gums, with the jawbone underneath providing support. For enhanced stability, you can opt for implant-supported dentures, which attach to dental implants rather than merely sitting on your gums. These provide a more secure and comfortable fit compared to conventional dentures.
Choosing the Right Dental Restoration
How functional is the restoration?
When selecting a dental restoration, think about how well it will restore your ability to eat, speak, and chew. Some options, like dental implants, offer greater stability and mimic the function of natural teeth, while others, such as dentures, might be less secure.
Will it improve the appearance of my smile?
Aesthetics are important if you’re concerned about how the restoration will look. Tooth-coloured options like composite fillings, crowns, and certain implants blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, enhancing the overall appearance of your smile.
How durable is the restoration?
Consider the longevity of the restoration. Implants and crowns typically last longer, providing a durable solution that can serve you for many years with proper care, whereas fillings and dentures may require more frequent replacements.
What’s the current state of my oral health?
Your dentist will assess the condition of your teeth and gums to determine the most suitable restoration. For severely decayed or damaged teeth, more extensive procedures like crowns or root canal therapy might be necessary to restore full function and health.
How much will it cost?
Budget is a crucial factor. While options like implants may have a higher upfront cost, they often deliver better long-term value. It’s important to discuss the financial aspects with your dentist, including any insurance coverage, to make a well-informed choice.
What kind of maintenance does it require?
Different restorations come with different maintenance needs. For example, implants generally require less upkeep compared to dentures, which need regular adjustments and care. Understanding the maintenance involved can help you choose a restoration that fits your lifestyle.
How long will it last?
Evaluate the expected lifespan of the restoration. Dental implants are often considered a long-term solution, potentially lasting a lifetime, while other options like fillings may need to be replaced after a few years.
Am I comfortable with the procedure?
Consider your comfort level with the procedure and recovery process. Some restorations, like dental implants, involve surgery and a longer healing time, while others, such as crowns or fillings, are less invasive and offer a quicker recovery.
OMG Perio Offers Over 25 Years of Dental Care
Choosing the right dental restoration is vital for maintaining long-term oral health and overall well-being. If you have any questions about a suggested specific material and you’d like an opinion, feel free to get in touch with us.
At OMG Perio, we are committed to providing you with top-tier periodontal care, backed by over 25 years of experience and more than 15,000 successful implant placements.
Book an appointment with us today and let our experienced periodontists help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.