Tooth decay, abscessed teeth and periodontal disease are some of the most common dental problems. When a tooth is damaged or lost as a result of dental disease, it must be restored in order to protect the individual's overall dental health. Dental restorations will vary based on the type of dental disease, the location of the damaged, decayed or lost tooth and the needs of the patient.
Dental fillings are one of the most typical dental restorations available now. Dental fillings are used to restore teeth that have suffered from dental decay. Your dentist will remove the decayed area of tooth and restore the tooth using tooth-colored or amalgam dental filling materials. Dental fillings protect the tooth and restore its function and appearance.
Dental bondings are similar to dental fillings. They are made of the same composite resin material that comprise many white dental fillings and are used to build up or repair damaged teeth. They can also be used to correct gaps, repair chips or cracks or cover stains.
Teeth that have been substantially damaged or that have large fillings may need more extensive restorations, such as dental crowns. A dental crown is usually made of porcelain or porcelain fused to metal, and it covers the entire tooth to protect it from further damage and strengthen it. Dental crowns may also be used to restore teeth that have undergone root canal treatments or to improve the appearance of malformed or extremely discolored teeth.
Teeth that have been lost due to trauma, decay or periodontal disease may also be restored to enhance the function and aesthetics of a person's smile. Dental implants are one of the most technologically advanced tooth restoration techniques. Dental implants replace the root of the missing teeth and are used to provide support for the replacement tooth, or pontic. They can be used with a crown, dental bridge or dentures. Dental implants are considered a permanent tooth restoration option.
Bridges are another option for those who have lost teeth. A dental bridge uses a pontic, or false tooth, to span the gap between two teeth. The pontic is supported by dental crowns, which are attached to the teeth close to the gap. Dental bridges help maintain correct the alignment and bite of the teeth and restore the smile's appearance, however they do have disadvantages. Healthy tooth structure has to be removed to support the crowns, and the mouth should be carefully cleaned to ensure teeth and gums around the restoration remain healthy.
The final solution to tooth loss is dentures. Dentures can replace a few missing teeth or an entire arch of lost teeth. Dentures can rely on careful fit or dental implants for retention. They restore an individual's smile and promote healthier eating, improved speech and enhanced self-esteem, but an individual may still be susceptible to the bone loss that often accompanies tooth loss.
You can visit WilshireDentalCare.com, Los Angeles dental center to learn more about these techniques. Dr. Afar, Los Angeles restoration specialist at Wilshire Dental Care can provide you with various options for restoring your teeth.