At the office of Steven C. Hewett, DDS in Champions Gate, FL, we prioritize your oral health with the best care possible because a healthy mouth goes a long way to promoting overall health. Dental restorations are important for repairing damaged teeth or replacing missing ones,and these procedures not only restore the functionality and appearance of your teeth but also protect them from future damage.
The Role of Dental Restorations in Oral Health
Restorative dentistry encompasses a variety of procedures aimed at bringing back your natural smile and preventing future oral health issues. Loss of or damage to teeth can affect your oral health significantly, leading to issues such as misalignment, difficulty eating, and lack of self-confidence. By choosing to undergo a restoration, you can address these problems effectively.
Types of Direct and Indirect Restorations
Restorative procedures are generally categorized into two groups: direct and indirect restorations. Direct restorations are typically performed in one office visit and involve the placement of a filling into a prepared tooth cavity immediately. These fillings can be composed of various materials such as silver amalgam, composite resins, or glass ionomer. Indirect restorations, on the other hand, involve customized tooth replacements such as crowns, bridges, inlays, and onlays. These are manufactured in a dental laboratory after taking an impression of your tooth and are typically fitted during a subsequent visit.
Repairing Decay and Damage with Fillings
Fillings are the most common type of dental repair treatment. When you have a cavity, we remove the decayed material and fill the area with a material that hardens inside the cavity. Composite resin fillings, which can be matched to the color of your teeth, offer an aesthetic and durable solution for restoring your tooth’s integrity.
Rebuilding Teeth with Crowns and Bridges
When a tooth is extensively damaged or weakened by decay, a crown may be necessary to cover and protect it from further damage. Crowns can be made from various materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys, which are all durable and offer a tooth-like appearance. Bridges serve a similar function but are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of artificial teeth anchored by crowns on the adjacent healthy teeth or by dental implants. These improve the aesthetics of your smile and restore the function of your missing teeth.
Preserving Tooth Structure with Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are a conservative alternative to full crowns and are used when the tooth structure is sound enough not to require an entire crown. Inlays are placed within the cusps of the chewing surface of a tooth, while onlays cover one or more cusps or the entire biting surface. These are made in a dental lab and are cemented or bonded to the tooth during a second visit.
The Benefits of Composite Bonding
Composite bonding is a versatile and minimally invasive procedure that can correct a variety of cosmetic and structural issues. The composite resin used in bonding can be shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth, providing a natural-looking improvement. This is often recommended for repairing chips, cracks, or gaps in teeth.
Dental Implants
For those who have lost one or more teeth, dental implants are a comprehensive solution that not only restores the appearance but also the function of missing teeth. Implants consist of a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as an anchor for a crown, bridge, or denture. They are a long-term investment in your dental health, providing stability and preventing bone loss in the jaw.
Dentures: Full and Partial Solutions
Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. If you’ve lost all of your teeth due to decay or injury, full dentures can replace your entire set of teeth. Partial dentures, on the other hand, are used when some of your natural teeth remain and can be anchored to these teeth with clasps or precision attachments. The process of getting dentures involves several appointments to ensure a proper fit and natural appearance. Initially, we take impressions of your jaw and measurements of how your jaws relate to one another. Models, wax forms, and/or plastic patterns in the exact shape and position of the denture to be made are created. You will “try in” this model several times, and the denture will be assessed for color, shape, and fit before the final denture is cast.
Choosing the Right Restoration for You
Selecting the appropriate restoration is a decision we make together, considering your dental health, the extent of damage, and your personal preferences. We assess your specific needs and recommend the best treatment option that will result in a functional and aesthetically pleasing outcome.
Materials and Longevity
The materials we use for restorations are chosen based on durability, aesthetic qualities, and biocompatibility. For instance, porcelain and ceramic restorations are popular due to their strong resemblance to natural tooth enamel, while metal alloys are prized for their strength and resistance to wear. Each material has its own set of advantages and potential limitations, which we carefully consider when planning your treatment.
Maintaining Your Dental Restorations
How long your dental restorations last will be greatly influenced by your oral hygiene practices and whether you get regular dental check-ups. We advise patients with restorations to follow a careful oral care routine that includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash to prevent decay and gum disease. Regular dental check-ups allow us to monitor the condition of your restorations and make any necessary adjustments or replacements.
The Art and Science of Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry is as much an art as it is a science. It requires a keen eye for aesthetics and a thorough understanding of dental materials and the dynamics of the bite. As a distinguished member of various dental associations and a leader in implant dentistry, Dr. Hewett specializes in all facets of implant treatment, including complex cases and additional oral surgery procedures.
Come See Us About Dental Restoration
If you have any questions about dental restorations or would like to schedule a consultation, contact the office of Steven C. Hewett, DDS in Champions Gate, FL now. Dr. Hewett and our team are ready to provide the exceptional care you deserve. Together, we can help you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
