Dental restoration, also known as dental fillings, are materials used to restore your teeth back to their original function and structure. While dental restorations are meant to be replacements, they do need maintenance.
If you have had poor dental work in the past and need some of your restoration fixed, you could use a dental restoration replacement. Any work that is becoming undone can be repaired. Your mouth can get refortified with a reliable replacement.
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Before the Restoration
If your mouth has already had restoration, then the dental staff will evaluate what has happened already and what needs to be removed. This could be cracked or broken crowns, veneer, fillings, and more.
From there, the area is examined and excavated. The dentist will need to remove the problem areas and deal with the tooth itself.
Any new decay that had accumulated will then be removed. Before the new restoration can be placed, the tooth must be sanitized. That way, any existing decay is not sealed into the new work.
Types of Dental Restorations
Direct
A direct restoration restores the structure of the tooth and rebuilds it. This is done through fillings. The filling can be made up of either porcelain, metal, or composite material.
Fillings are also malleable at first, which makes them easy to put into the tooth. They are injected into the faulty structure. In a short time, they harden. This gives the structure of the tooth back.
Indirect
If the structure of the tooth is too far gone, indirect restoration can augment what is already there. The actual structure of the tooth is not fortified. Instead, dentists use whatever is there to bring back the function.
Dental Restorations We Offer
Crowns
A crown is a cap that is placed over a tooth. The original tooth is molded to accommodate modifications. The crown is then placed over the damaged or malformed tooth, giving structure to the jaw.
Implants
If there is no tooth or the tooth is so compromised it must be removed, your dentist can implant a new tooth. A small hole is drilled in the jaw. From there, an anchor is placed. The implant is then screwed onto the anchor, giving you a permanent tooth.
Veneers
The veneer closes up any gaps in the teeth and can add a bright white color to a smile. A veneer is bonded to the existing material, simply building up what was already there. Gaps are closed in the process.
Dentures
Dentures are veneers, crowns, and bridges that can be removed at the end of the day. The dentist takes a mold of your mouth and fills in any gaps or malformed areas. They then use that mold to create false teeth. When ready, the user can simply place the dentures in, giving the appearance of real teeth again.
Bridges
If there is a gap between teeth due to a missing tooth or other jaw dysfunction, a bridge is used. The teeth surrounding the gap are filed down similarly to a crown. From there, a sequence of three false teeth is placed on the filed areas. Once cemented in place, the bridge serves as a perfectly functional replacement.
How long do restorations last?
Dental restorations can range from a month to a lifetime. At some point, your restoration will need a check-up, much like the rest of your teeth.
Dental restoration replacements are needed in some places. If you have gotten fillings or other restorations at other dentists, they may need to be removed and replaced.
Need your dental restoration replaced?
Dr. D’Alfonso and the staff at Lakeway Cosmetic Dentistry can help. The team has helped countless clients in the Austin, TX area and beyond with all their restoration needs. If you think some of your restorative work is coming undone, call us now for a complimentary consultation at (512) 982-0317.