You may have teeth that are missing, decayed, weakened, or fractured. In these cases, it may be time to get dental restorations to improve their conditions and appearances. The restoration process that your dentist can do includes bridges, fillings, crowns, implants, and dentures.
Restorations can be done to replace a missing tooth or strengthen the structure of your teeth. Some of these treatments prevent further decay and infections so you won’t have to experience pain in the future.
A tooth structure can deteriorate or decay, especially if you haven’t been visiting your St George dentist for some time. There’s also a chance that you need some touch-ups from your previous restorations, or your tooth had fractures, and you’re having difficulties chewing and eating food.
What Happens During a Treatment?
The treatment that the dental hygienist or orthodontist will do depends on the type of condition you have. You can visit eschenbachdental.com for more information about the procedures involved during restorations and their costs. Before the treatment starts, you may need a thorough cleaning of your teeth by flossing and brushing.
In routine cleanings, cavities can be discovered in no time, and there’s also a possibility of coming across some of the severe diseases like oral cancer or gingivitis. These are addressed during the first few months of visits, and there are also fillings applied to those with cavities. If you need dentures, there will be a need to take measurements from your mouth and make jaw models to ensure a snug fit.
Types to Know About
Fillings
The fillings are one of the most common types of procedures to address cavities. The most common material used is amalgam which goes with the color of your tooth to make it less noticeable. Other options are stuffed silver, gold, and glass materials like composite resin. The fillings will prevent future cavities and improve your overall appearance and oral health in the process. Read more about tooth fillings on this site here.
Crowns
The tooth-shaped caps are placed over the teeth to restore their sizes, appearance, shapes, and strength. They are also used when you have a partial denture, and you need a bridge to cover the implants. The teeth should be evenly reduced so they will be a perfect fit for the crown.
This process takes time, and there may be a need to take impressions. These impressions are then sent to the laboratory to make the appliance, and you’ll get a temporary crown or filling in the meantime. In some clinics, you may discover newer technologies where a digital impression is sent directly to the machine that does the milling, and you can get your crowns in just a single visit.
Implants
The implants are anchoring posts of titanium and any other metal placed directly over the bone socket. These replace the missing teeth and are used for easier chewing. The implants need abutment that are attachments for the crown. You can have implants when the old tooth was removed because a root canal can’t save it, and the only option is extraction. You may consult the best orthodontist in Washington DC to help you out in your dental needs.
Bridges
Bridges are called partial dentures, and they are false teeth designed to bridge a gap created by a missing tooth. The anchor crowns are put on either side, and they can be cemented to become permanent. The materials that are often used for bridges are alloys, gold, porcelain, or combinations. They can be removed or inserted by a dentist.
Dentures
These removable apparatus act as a replacement for missing teeth. This is convenient, especially if one does not have many teeth left due to injuries, decay, and gum diseases. They are made from metal attachments and acrylic resin for easier chewing.
Sometimes, many older adults prefer to have complete dentures over partial ones. They get everything extracted, wait for some time to heal the extraction sites, and get the replacement, a complete set of 32 teeth. Others may want their natural tooth to remain because it’s much easier to chew or talk with them while considering partial dentures.
There are three types of dentures which are immediate, conventional, and overdenture. Immediate ones are removable, and they can be inserted on the same day when you had your extractions. The conventional ones are removable, but their insertion happens several months after the remainder of the teeth has been removed, and the tissues have completely healed. The overdenture is utilized when there are remaining ones that can be used for biting and chewing. You can ask your dental hygienist which one is well-suited for your needs.
What to Expect?
Following the restoration treatments, you are recommended to eat only purees, soups, and other soft foods. It’s also recommended to eat ice cream and any other cold food, and if you can handle some heat, a warm soup can make you full and help you with the eating process at the same time. After the procedures are done, it’s still best if you can continue flossing and brushing your teeth every single day. Flossing should be done in a single direction, so you don’t dislodge a restoration.
Benefits to Know
Some people may often ask why they have to bother with the restorations. The answer is that a complete set of teeth can help them chew better, have a better appearance when smiling, and speak clearer.
For some, this is worth the wait after the treatments since they can get the best out of the procedures, which is a long-term investment. They became more confident in talking and smiling because they are not too conscious about their appearance.
Know that the most common risks involving these kinds of procedures are general discomfort. It’s rare to have side effects after the procedures. If you notice that your previous restorations with crowns are beginning to become loose or chipped, it may be time to switch to permanent ones.
You need to check with your dentist and ensure that the fillings are right for you. Don’t delay extractions or root canals if they are required. Contact your dentist or hygienist right away if you have concerns.