Dental Restorations

Dental Restorations refers to a wide range of dental services starting with the simple filling.  When a cavity is detected, either by the patient or during a routine examination by the dentist, several options are available for the filling, once the damaged part of the tooth is removed.  If the tooth is readily visible when the patient smiles or speaks, a tooth colored material is more desirable because it will blend with the rest of the tooth and with the neighboring teeth.

Direct restorations are fillings placed immediately into a prepared cavity in a single visit. They are composed of tooth colored glass ionomers, resin ionomers or some resin composite fillings. Dr. Willard prepares the tooth, places the filling and adjusts it during a single appointment.

Indirect dental restorations generally require two or more visits. They include inlays, onlays, veneers, crowns and bridges fabricated with gold, base metal alloys, ceramics or composites. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared and Dr Willard or one of the team members makes an impression of the teeth that need to be restored. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory, and the dental restoration is created. At the next patient appointment, Dr. Willard cements the restoration into the prepared cavity and adjusts it as needed.

Crowns and caps  are typically a large part of dental restorations, and can be either cosmetic, restorative or can serve both purposes.  Depending on the location in the mouth and the chewing load, a crown can be composed of metal – either silver or gold composites, ceramic, or even resin. Cost, visibility, and durability are all factors to consider in the decision of which type of crown to use for your tooth.  Metal crowns are typically used for back teeth or molars because they are used quite heavily, and ceramic teeth, which can be made to match the natural teeth around it, are used near the front of the mouth where they are more visible.  Ceramic crowns are sometimes used for cosmetic purposes only, when there is a miscolored or deformed, but otherwise healthy tooth.

When teeth are missing, a bridge or partial denture is employed to replace the missing teeth.  The bridge got its name because the metal appliance to which the replacement teeth are attached “bridges” the gap between the natural teeth.  The terms bridge and  partial denture are used interchangeably most times.  As a patient ages, there is often so much wear on the teeth or long term damage to the teeth that it is necessary to extract the natural teeth and replace them with full dentures.  A full denture is one that includes all the teeth on the upper or lower gum.  Usually a combination of replacement appliances are employed to correct missing teeth.  For instance, a full denture could be used for the upper teeth while a partial denture is all that is needed for the lower jaw.  If teeth can be saved on the lower jaw, most dentists will encourage it, so that the lower denture can have stable surfaces in the form of the remaining natural teeth to connect to.  This will minimize shifting of the teeth when chewing, resulting in a much happier patient overall.

Implants are ceramic or resin tooth replacements that are attached to metal studs which have been embedded in the jaw bone.  Implants are considered permanent tooth replacements.  They are not removed for cleaning or sleeping, and may never need to be replaced under usual circumstances.  Parkview Dentistry has the capacity to  perform the implant preparation phase of this procedure, relying on a specialist to perform the placement of the metal stud into the jaw.  Implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth, but the cost can be somewhat prohibitive and must be considered in the decision.

If your teeth have need of dental restoration, from fillings to dentures or implants, Parkview Dentistry will be able to determine an effective treatment plan which will serve your teeth and give consideration to your pocketbook at the same time.

Call Parkview Dentistry for a free dental restoration evaluation at 480.836.1551.