When you need a treatment to restore tooth damage and missing teeth, your dentist will recommend a dental restoration. Dental restorations correct the feel, look, and function of your teeth. Restorations are used for chipped, broken, missing, and cracked teeth. Many options for dental restorations exist, and your dentist can help you decide which restoration is best suited for your condition.
Your Range of Dental Restoration Options for Damaged Teeth
Many different options for dental restorations are available to correct damaged, misaligned, cracked, and missing teeth. Fillings, crowns, and veneers are the most common options. If your teeth can’t be repaired or too many are missing, partial or complete dentures might be your only option. However, many patients experience anxiety when hearing those terms without any explanation. These are the most common restorations and what they mean:
- Fillings: Fillings are the most common direct restoration. Dental fillings use tooth-colored material, usually amalgam or composite resin. When your dentist performs this procedure, they repair tooth decay and other damage. Fillings are an affordable option for restoring your teeth, and they can last for years if maintained correctly.
- Crowns: Crowns are caps covering and protecting a damaged tooth from more damage. If the damage is severe, your dentist will recommend crowns instead of fillings. Porcelain crowns are the most commonly used but can be made from many materials. Crowns are durable and suitable for use on premolars and molars. Dental crowns can correct most damage, such as cracks, chips, and worn-down teeth from grinding.
- Veneers: Veneers are thin, porcelain restorations. Often called “Hollywood teeth,” they’re used by celebrities to correct cosmetic concerns. Dentists often recommend veneers to patients whose damage is on their front teeth. Because they resemble the shade of natural teeth, they blend well with more visible teeth. Porcelain veneers are bonded to the teeth and aren’t as durable as metal or fused veneers. Some veneers can be placed over your teeth and don’t need to be bonded with your teeth. “Snap-on” veneers aren’t as durable as bonded veneers, but they provide the appearance of healthy teeth.
- Missing tooth replacement: If possible, your dentist will try to save your teeth. If your tooth is loose, missing, or severely damaged, they might be unable to save it. If so, your dentist can offer a bridge, implant, or partial dentures to replace the tooth. Your dentist will discuss the pros and cons with you and help you make the most informed decision possible. Sometimes, the only option is to replace a tooth. Dentures might be your only option if you need multiple connected teeth replaced. Dentists often try to avoid using dentures as a restoration unless necessary.
Dental Restorations Offered by Laser Dental Bakersfield
At Laser Dental Bakersfield, we offer many dental restoration options. If your teeth are damaged, and you want to discover your options, call us at <phone number> to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists. We’ll ensure you’re well-informed about options, expected costs, and potential side effects you can expect with dental restorations. We’ll also ensure you know of any procedures you must follow at home after restoration.
