Thanks to modern advancements in dentistry, there are numerous ways to fix your dental problems. Whether you have a broken or missing tooth, or a misaligned or deteriorating bite, there are tooth restoration procedures to get the job done.
Dental restoration offers patients a way to regain functionality, prevent tooth decay, improve their smiles and restore confidence. If you need a dental restoration, we’ll discuss a few options to consider on your way to the dentist.
Types of Tooth Restoration
The best method of tooth restoration for you will vary depending on your situation. Here is some information about each type of procedure.
Fillings
The most popular way to restore teeth is by getting dental fillings. They require the use of materials such as amalgam, porcelain, gold, silver or composite resin, which is the most popular. Fillings are recommended for patients with tooth decay who need one or more cavities filled. Often, this procedure is completed to provide relief to patients who suffer from sensitive teeth due to enamel loss. A patient may also get a filling to even out the surface of a tooth.
Crowns
If your tooth is badly damaged, cracked or chipped, a dental crown is ideal for restoring its functionality and aesthetics. Your dentist might recommend a crown if you have had a root canal procedure, a dental implant or a dental bridge that needs a shield to support the vulnerable tooth.
Crowns are ideal because they provide strong coverage that protects weakened teeth from wear and tear. The dental prosthetic looks like a tooth-shaped cap covering the damaged or decaying tooth.
Dental Implants
If you need a replacement tooth, you may be considering an implant. Implants are small titanium posts surgically implanted into the jawbone, acting as a root or foundation for your new artificially made teeth. They give your new tooth the support it needs to look, feel, and function as naturally as possible. Implants can also help maintain your natural facial structure, improving speech and functions like eating hard foods.
The procedure can take 3-6 months, as it first requires the implant to bond with the jawbone. Then, a dental prosthetic is attached to the implant or an abutment is placed which will hold a dental prosthetic/crown, bridge or denture. Though lengthy, dental implants can boost self-confidence and can last for many years.
Dental Bridges
Also called fixed partial dentures, bridges are essentially false teeth made from porcelain, ceramics, Zirconium, or gold. They are used to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge requires crowns to be placed on the surrounding teeth (abutment), supporting the crown over the missing tooth and keeping it in place. They help restore mouth function, health and strength.
Resemble the original look of your tooth. A special curing light hardens the material. When properly cared for, a bonded tooth can last from three to 10 years.
Veneers
Dental Veneers are a possible solution to help you achieve the look you desire. Veneers are thin shells that fit over the front of teeth to improve their appearance, protect them from damage, and create a beautiful smile. The tooth-coloured shells bond to your teeth and change their length, size, color, shape, and function. Veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment because they are elective and placed for aesthetic reasons.
Dentures
Dentures are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth and are supported by the surrounding soft and hard tissue of the oral cavity. Conventional dentures are removable. However, there are many denture designs, some of which rely on bonding onto teeth or dental implants.
Dentists in Klamath Falls
The professionals at Klamath Smiles in Oregon can restore your teeth and help you feel better about your smile. To book your tooth restoration procedure or get more information about which procedure is best for you, call us at 1 (541) 882-9039 or fill out our online contact form.
