Types and Importance of Restorative Dentistry Options

Restorative dentistry is among the main branches of dentistry. It focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and restoration of gums and teeth to their normal state.

Although some of the treatments are similar to cosmetic dentistry treatments, many dental restoration procedures aren’t offered in cosmetic dentistry. When visiting an emergency dentist near you, you will likely receive a surgical procedure if the damage is extensive. This is unlike cosmetics which only have to alter your teeth’ appearance.

The American Dental Association has not yet recognized restorative dentistry as a dental specialty. General dentists at Neeshat S. Khan, DDS, can perform most of these procedures without any special certification. It all depends on how comfortable the dentist is with the treatment and the technicality the procedure requires.

Missing Tooth Replacement

Restorative dentistry is also called “prosthodontics,” so don’t be surprised when your dentist uses “prosthodontic treatment.” This treatment aims to preserve the damaged tooth as much as possible and, therefore, save it.

Tooth restoration also goes hand in hand with emergency dentistry. Restorative emergencies require most prosthodontic procedures like fillings, dental veneers, bridges, and even dental implants. Also, if you have a missing tooth, filling these gaps can significantly improve your overall health.

Replacing missing teeth using various restorative procedures prevents cavities’ formation since odd gaps between teeth are hotbeds for bacteria. Using restorative options to cover a gapped arch also reduces stress on the remaining teeth by increasing more surface area for chewing.

Deciding on the Right Treatment

To determine the best procedure for you, your dentist considers physical and fiscal factors simultaneously. They have to check if you are healthy enough to receive an invasive procedure like a dental implant. If you have underlying chronic conditions, they will recommend less invasive treatment.

Some treatments are also costlier than others, although the purpose is similar. You have to work within your budget to get the most value out of the restorative procedure.

Dental Restoration Types

There are several options to choose from nowadays for restorative treatment. There are specific procedures tailored for worn, decayed, broken, or missing teeth. Your dentist performs two types of teeth restorations regarding the nature of your problem, namely:

• • Direct Restoration

A direct tooth restoration is where the dentist places a tooth filling directly into a tooth after preparation. You will need only one office visit to complete direct tooth restoration. Your dentist will choose from the different available filling options depending on the treatment spot and types of fillings available.

For instance, glass ionomer is best used on areas near the root, areas receiving a lot of chewing and biting pressure.

• • Indirect Restoration

This is the customized tooth restoration using a prosthetic appliance like a crown, inlays, and onlays. An indirect tooth restoration requires more than a single dental appointment because your dental device must be processed in a lab.
Indirect tooth restoration devices can be made using different materials, depending on the preference of the patient and the dentist’s opinion.

What are The Benefits of Tooth Restoration?

Restoration dentistry has the following advantages.

• • Improves Teeth Appearance

Replacing missing, broken, and infected automatically improves and restores your elegant smiles. Dental implants look like your natural teeth and are barely distinguishable by others. A cheaper option for dental implants is dental crowns.

• • Restores the Dental Structure

The dental structure is subject to deterioration if you have a missing tooth. Dental implants are embedded into the jawbone, which stimulates bone growth. This ensures that the dental structure lasts longer.

• • Long-lasting Solution

Tooth restoration procedures use ceramics for crowns and veneers. Porcelain is highly durable and long-lasting and also looks like your natural teeth. Porcelain crowns are recommended for restorative dental emergencies where a tooth breaks or cracks.

Dental implants are a permanent solution for tooth loss. They get implanted into the jawbone, so they are strong and function just like your natural teeth. Implants also strengthen the jawbone.

• • Eliminates Dental Discomfort

In a dental emergency where your tooth cracks or chips, you will need a restoration option to reduce the discomfort. Restorative emergencies such as dental crowns can be used to prevent further damage to the tooth.
Some restoration techniques such as tooth bonding can also help to prevent discomfort when chewing food. Root canals can treat infected teeth and top them up with dental crowns.