Restorations
Crowns and Fillings
Teeth restoration encompasses various methods to repair and restore damaged or decayed teeth, ensuring both functionality and aesthetics. Crowns are caps placed over severely damaged teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance, typically made from porcelain, metal, or a combination of both. Fillings repair cavities or minor tooth damage by removing the decayed portion and filling the area with materials like amalgam, composite resin, or gold, thus restoring the tooth’s function and preventing further decay. Onlays cover a larger area of the tooth, including one or more cusps, and are used when the damage is too extensive for a filling but not severe enough for a crown, made from porcelain, composite resin, or gold. Inlays repair damage within the cusps of a tooth, custom-made to fit the specific cavity shape and size, and bonded to the tooth, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing restoration. Bridges replace one or more missing teeth, consisting of artificial teeth (pontics) anchored to the natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap, restoring the appearance and function of the teeth, allowing for proper chewing and speaking. Each method is tailored to the specific needs of the patient, ensuring optimal dental health and a confident smile.
Fillings
Resin Composite Fillings are used to fill cavities and are made of a ceramic and plastic compound that mimics natural teeth, blending in seamlessly. They are also known as white or tooth-colored fillings and are an alternative to amalgam fillings.
Procedure:
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Isolate the tooth to keep it dry.
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Remove the infected part of the tooth with a drill or air abrasion.
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Place composite resin in layers over the cavity.
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Harden each layer with a special light.
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Shape the resin to resemble a real tooth.
Composite resin fillings require more time in the dental chair but offer natural-looking results. The procedure typically requires only one visit.
Dental Inlays and Onlays
Dental Inlays and Onlays are used for medium to advanced-sized cavities.
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Inlays fill cavities between the cusps of a tooth. They are molded and fitted into the chewing surface, created using an imprint sent to a lab. Made from porcelain or composite material, they are stronger and more durable than traditional fillings, making them more expensive but longer-lasting. Inlays do not affect the cusps and are matched to the tooth color for a natural look.
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Onlays cover a larger area, including the cusps and biting surface. They are used when a cavity is too big for standard fillings or the tooth is at risk of cracking. Onlays strengthen the tooth and protect the decayed area. The tooth is prepared similarly to a filling, with a temporary onlay placed while the permanent one is manufactured. Onlays preserve the tooth structure and are also made from porcelain or composite material. They are sometimes called “partial crowns” as they cover only part of the tooth.
Bridges
Dental Bridges restore the look and function of missing teeth by bridging the gap with artificial teeth.
What are Dental Bridges?
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Bridges fill gaps with artificial teeth, supported by crowns on either side of the missing tooth. They are cemented in place.
Who Needs a Dental Bridge?
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Ideal for those with missing teeth due to decay, gum disease, injury, or congenital conditions. Healthy teeth on either side of the gap are needed.
Types of Bridges:
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Traditional Fixed Bridge: Most common, with crowns and filler teeth connected.
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Cantilever Bridge: Pontic connects to one abutment tooth.
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Maryland Bridge: For missing front teeth, supported by a framework.
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Implant-Supported Bridge: Held in place by implants
Crowns
Sometimes when a filling is not enough or a tooth is misshapen, your oral care provider will recommend a dental crown to protect, cover, and restore the shape of your tooth.
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Over time, your teeth can get damaged. This can happen for a variety of reasons, like tooth decay, injuries or just use over time. Your teeth can lose their shape or size. Dental crowns are tooth-shaped “caps” that can be placed over your tooth. Think of it like a snug hat for your tooth. The crown restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength and appearance. The dental crown is cemented into place on your tooth and it covers the visible portion of the tooth.
​Can you guess which tooth is the crown? It's tooth #8, which is the center right.
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