Common Dental Restoration Methods

Dental decay, abscessed teeth and gum disease are some of the most common dental complications. When a tooth is damaged or lost due to dental disease, it has to be restored in order to protect the individual's overall dental health. Dental restorations will vary depending on the kind of dental disease, the location of the damaged, decayed or lost tooth and the needs of the individual.

Dental fillings are one of the most common dental restorations available these days. 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. 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 some 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 considerably damaged or that have large fillings may need more extensive restorations, such as dental crowns. A dental crown is typically made of porcelain or porcelain fused to metal, and it covers the whole tooth to protect it from additional damage and strengthen it. Dental crowns may also be used to restore teeth that have undergone root canal treatments or to enhance the appearance of malformed or severely discolored teeth.

Teeth that have been lost because of trauma, decay or gum disease may also be restored to improve the function and aesthetics of a person's smile. Dental implants are one of the most technologically advanced tooth restoration methods. Implants replace the root of the lost teeth and are used to provide support for the replacement tooth, or pontic. They can be used with a dental crown, bridge or dentures. Dental implants are considered a permanent tooth restoration option.

Dental bridges are another option for those who have lost teeth. A 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. Bridges help maintain correct the alignment and bite of the teeth and restore the smile's appearance, but they do have drawbacks. Healthy tooth structure should be removed to support the dental crowns, and the mouth must be carefully cleaned to make sure teeth and gums around the restoration stay healthy.

The final solution to tooth loss is dentures. Dentures can replace a few lost teeth or an entire arch of missing 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, however an individual may still be prone to the bone loss that often accompanies tooth loss.

You can visit WilshireDentalCare.com, Los Angeles dental center to learn more about these methods. Dr. Afar, Los Angeles restoration specialist at Wilshire Dental Care can provide you with different options for restoring your teeth.