Dental restoration treatments can be used to repair teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay. Such treatments can also restore the look and functionality of the tooth.
Tooth decay is an oral issue that most people have to deal with at some point. There are acids in some of the foods we consume, like citrus fruits, and these eat away at teeth enamel. Bacteria that live in the mouth also form acids that eat away at teeth. When a person has poor oral hygiene, these acids can erode teeth to the point that the tooth becomes visibly damaged and loses its functionality.
The earliest stages of tooth decay do not have any symptoms, making them hard to detect. It causes many to miss a crucial window of opportunity, since the early stages of tooth decay can be reversed with fluoride treatments. Once tooth decay progresses to its later stages, dental restoration treatments are needed to repair any damaged teeth. This can include treatments like the following.
Silver amalgam fillings: These were once the standard way to treat cavities, which are tiny holes that form in teeth as they decay. The process involves the dentist removing decayed material from the tooth and filling the hole with material. The filling seals off the area, preventing acids in the mouth from expanding the cavity
Composite bonding: This has become a more popular option when it comes to treating cavities. The dentist uses composite resins to fill up cavities after removing the decayed material from the area. Unlike amalgam fillings that have a visible dark gray color, composites can be color-matched with the patient's teeth, making it impossible to tell that a patient has composite fillings.
Crowns: Dental caps are usually reserved for more serious cases of tooth decay when the tooth's structure has been severely affected. A large filling would only weaken the tooth at that point, so the dentist might opt to cover it up with a crown. Crowns protect damaged teeth and restore their function. They allow patients to keep severely damaged teeth.
Root canals: Root canals are used to treat severe tooth decay that leaves a tooth's pulp chamber compromised. The process involves making a hole in the damaged tooth and removing its blood vessels and nerve. Medication is applied to fight off any infections before the tooth is sealed with gutta-percha. Teeth that have been treated via root canal therapy are often covered with crowns to protect them.
Extractions: Some damaged teeth cannot be saved. Also, there are times that a dentist might decide that an extraction makes more sense than treating the tooth. For example, there is no point treating a decayed wisdom tooth because you do not need them. Many dentists will recommend extracting a wisdom tooth the first time that it causes problems.
Ready to put tooth decay behind you? Call or visit our Weatherford clinic to learn more about your dental restoration options.
Request an appointment here: https://www.millarfamilydentistry.com or call Millar Family Dentistry at (817) 885-5214 for an appointment in our Weatherford office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Restorations in Weatherford, TX.
Any dental work that is done to repair missing or damaged teeth are types of dental restorations, which can include anything from minor fillings to full implants. How long these restorations take depends entirely on what kind of work is necessary. Some procedures can be performed in a single short appointment, while others might be…
A restorative dentist provides various treatments that help to address issues that develop in your mouth. Restorative dentistry focuses primarily on performing treatments that restore the function of damaged teeth.Wondering how a restorative dentist can help to improve your oral health? Let us take a look at some of the most popular treatments performed by…
Unlike general dentistry, which focuses on routine examinations and treatment, restorative dentistry is a specialization focusing on the repair or replacement of damaged or missing teeth. Bruxism is a fairly common condition that causes the clenching and grinding of teeth. While no single cause exists for bruxism, the results of teeth grinding are well documented.…
A smile makeover might be exactly what you need if you would like to improve the appearance of your smile. There are no cosmetic problems that are too big for a smile makeover. The procedure combines multiple treatments used in cosmetic dentistry to improve the way teeth look.A smile makeover can help you to create…
Dental implants restore functionality to the smile, all while looking and feeling like natural teeth. They achieve this by fusing with the jawbone, creating a permanent, irremovable tooth replacement solution that does not slip or slide. This benefit makes them a great option for patients seeking an alternative to traditional dentures.Dental implants are metal screw-like…
Dental implants can replace all or a few missing teeth. One of their most attractive benefits is that they can last a lifetime with proper care. However, the dental implant process can take longer than some people realize. Here is a breakdown of the process and what patients can expect.Before one can receive dental implants,…