Dental Restoration Trends

Crowns or caps are dental restorations made of coverings that fit over teeth. They may be necessary because of broken down old fillings, fractured, chipped or sensitive teeth and are used to improve the appearance of malformed or discolored natural teeth.

Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure. They can be made of different materials which include the full porcelain crown, the porcelain fused-to-metal crown and the all-metal crown. The patient and his dentist decide which type is appropriate, based on strength and aesthetic concerns of the tooth involved. The final crown is then fitted and cemented into place.

Most likely, dental restoration can match the natural look of your teeth. So it follows that they need to be treated and cared for as the natural teeth. Patients with dental restorations should avoid chewing on hard food like nuts or ice. Also, grinding of teeth, biting of fingernails, or any other activities that will put unnecessary stress to the dental restoration is not advisable. Regular visits to the dentist for a thorough examination and cleaning is likewise recommended. A chipped, fractured or broken restoration can be repaired even the restoration is not removed. But it is better to remove and replace a damaged restoration.

nlays and onlays are indirect restorations that cover some or all of the chewing surface of molars/premolars. They are larger than fillings, but do not cover as much as a crown. Inlays lie within the contours of the tooth, between cusps, while onlays cover at least one cusp. Both inlays and onlays can restore a tooth that is badly damaged. The choice will depend on how much of the tooth needs to be restored. Onlays are preferred when more than half of the chewing surface needs restoration. Inlays and onlays can be made from gold/metal alloys, composite resin or porcelain and last for a long time.

Most commonly used as a restorative dental material are the silver fillings. However, a more natural looking alternative called inlays and onlays are also available. They are made out of porcelain and can fit and fill almost any type of cavities. They are so natural looking that you will find it difficult to differentiate them from the natural tooth. The design is custom made that exactly replicates your tooth. This means that only the affected tooth will be removed compared to silver fillings that there is a need for a huge amount of healthy tooth to be removed. But the whole procedure requires a number of visits to your dentist.

Here are some of the types of dental restoration procedures done today:

1. Fillings. As the name implies fillings are done to fill in holes in the teeth caused by tooth decay or cavities. Fillings are made out of a variety of materials that range from amalgam, gold and metal alloys, or porcelain.

2. Veneers. Veneers refer to a thin shell made out of porcelain or composite resin that make teeth look better.

3. Crowns. Crowns refer to the a type of dental restoration that covers the entire part of the tooth / teeth that are exposed. Crowns last for about five to seven years, depending on patient maintenance.

4. Dental implants. Dental implants are considered as permanent false teeth which are usually drilled into the bone as replacement for lost teeth.

Though more cosmetic than medical, dental restoration or any operation that involves modification of the body’s systems, bones and other parts are subject to screening. Screening is more associated with major operations but there is a growing need for such procedures especially in today’s dangerous world where blood-borne pathogens abound and many illnesses that can influence a person’s ability to heal, grow bone or any other complication are real and can have a profound impact on whether success is attainable with any procedure, dental or medical.
Certain diseases, such as diabetes for one has an impact on how the body heals. Advanced cases have minimal healing capabilities so surgery is not advised. Blood-borne pathogens such as parasites and viruses are also areal risk to patients, dentists and everybody else who comes in contact with infected biological products such as blood, wipes and other potentially hazardous by-products. That is why patients should be as honest as possible when it comes to medical or dental records not forgetting to mention any infectious disease or medical condition that may have an impact on the overall success of an operation or procedure.

Veneers – restorations where thin shells are placed on front side of teeth. They are made of porcelain or composite resin and are primarily used for cosmetic purposes. They usually last for seven years, but depends on patient maintenance

Dentures – are removable dental piece made of artificial teeth attached to a gum-like base. Impressions of the mouth and gums are taken and are designed to look like natural teeth. Materials used are either porcelain or acrylic resin.

Surgical restoration –teeth and gums damaged by accidental injury or disease may be repaired depending on the damage. Surgery is advised to repair the initial trauma and restore and maintain teeth and gums.