Restorative Dentistry and Types of Dental Restoration
Dentistry has a lot of branches, and each resolves and deals with distinct dental concerns. You are likely guessing that restorative dentistry is one of them. But, did you know that the American Dental Association does not recognize it as a dental specialty?
Officially, it is not an area of dentistry as most of the procedures are under different branches and specialties. Moreover, general practitioners may perform the restorative treatments even without additional certifications or education and licenses.
So, what is restorative dentistry, really?
All About Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry covers all procedures and treatments that aim to restore the functional and aesthetic state of one’s dental and oral health. As the name states, its purpose is to “restore.”
Some may think that this is similar to cosmetic dentistry, which is an official and recognized dental specialty. But, there are differences between the two.
As noted, the main purpose of the former is to restore function to maintain health. Meanwhile, dental cosmetology centers more on improving visual appearance.
Types of Dental Restoration
Thinking of restoring your dental and oral health to its optimal state? Here are the types of treatments and procedures for dental restorations that may be applicable to your case:
- Dental Fillings
Dental fillings or “pasta” are the most common type of treatment under restorative dentistry. It is utilized to treat decayed portions of a tooth or teeth.
Fillings are a permanent solution to this kind of dental problem. However, there are some cases when the fillings get loose, causing one to get a new filling from their dentist.
Dental experts would first remove the decayed part of the tooth and clean the area thoroughly. Once done, the dentist would then “fill” it with restorative materials.
Remember, if you have cavities or decayed portions, you must quickly seek your dentist’s guidance and ask for fillings. The longer you wait it out, the issue may lead to extraction.
- Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a restorative treatment that centers more on smaller dental issues. These include small cavities, slightly cracked teeth, or minimal wear and tear.
It is worth noting, though, that no matter how minute the problem is, such dental problems may worsen as time passes by. This is why you must resort to treatments as much as possible to restore its functional state.
In bonding, dentists use a tooth-colored putty, which then they apply directly to the area of concern. Before application, though, thorough cleaning is necessary.
Following the application and sculpture of the putty, it will be then exposed to laser light or U.V. light to harden the material. Once done, the dentist would polish and file it down.
- Crowns
Dental crowns are another common dental treatment. It falls not only under restorative dentistry but, also under prosthodontics.
It is a tooth-shaped cap that dentists place over the tooth of concern. Whether it is damaged, decayed, or cracked, crowns are applicable.
The purpose of dental crowns is that they restore the tooth’s size, shape, strength, and aesthetic. Similar to dental fillings, they come in different kinds of materials.
However, this treatment is a long process. This is why some dentists would first place a temporary filling or crown in the meantime, while the impressions are being made or fabricated.
- Implants
Implants are a popular dental treatment that also falls under restorative dentistry. It is one of the ways to replace a missing tooth.
It involves small, anchoring posts that are made of metal, which are placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth or teeth. It also has an abutment, which serves as the attachment, acting like a crown preparation. Crowns will then be placed on top to make it look like a natural tooth or teeth.
Implants entail much longer processes as the procedure comes with meticulous preparations. Accordingly, it is not a one-visit treatment as it will require various trips to the dentist, including the post-treatment.
- Bridges
If you are missing one or more teeth, you are likely in need of a bridge, or a fixed partial denture. It involves a false tooth that will serve as a replacement for the missing one. Alongside this, it has crowns that will be placed on the neighboring teeth to hold the false tooth in place. Hence, the name – bridge.
The purpose of dental bridges is it eliminates the potential widening of the gaps between the teeth. Also, it restores a normal bite, as well as maintains the overall health of your teeth and gums.
Similar to most dental prosthetics treatments, bridges are made from different materials. You can choose from the following: porcelain, alloys, gold, or combination.
- Dentures
When intending to restore your smile, as well as the function of your teeth, dentures are an effective solution. Usually, this is the treatment dentists advise to individuals suffering from missing teeth and damaged gum tissues.
Dentures have three kinds, which are partial, full, and implant-secured. Dental bridges are considered to be a partial denture, which is why it is also called a fixed partial denture.
It also has three types, which are conventional, immediate, and overdenture. Both conventional and immediate types are removable and placed after the removal of all teeth. The latter is placed, however, immediately after the removal of the last tooth.
They are made of acrylic resin. But, there are cases when they come with a combination of metal attachments.
- Root canals
A root canal is a treatment for severe decaying. This is applicable to those concerns that are no longer resolvable by fillings or pastas.
The process works by cleaning out the decay from the root of the tooth of concern. After emptying the root, dentists then add an onlay or inlay to the tooth. This will be followed by the placement of a dental crown to restore the tooth’s strength, appearance, and function.
Should You Have Dental Restorations Today?
Restoring the function and appearance of your teeth is essential. Failure to do so may lead to more serious concerns, as well as more expensive treatments.
If you are experiencing some minor problems or issues with your teeth, ensure to visit your family dentist as soon as possible. There is a big chance that you already need some treatments and procedures to help resolve the matter.
