The Art and Science of Dental Restorations
Types of Dental Restorations:
Dental Fillings: Dental fillings are used to repair small to moderate-sized cavities and are typically made of materials such as amalgam (silver fillings), composite resin (tooth-coloured fillings), or glass ionomer.
Dental Crowns: Dental crowns, also known as caps, cover and protect a tooth that has extensive damage, large fillings, or has undergone a root canal. Crowns are custom-made and can be made of various materials, including porcelain, metal alloys, or a combination of both.
Inlays and Onlays: Inlays and onlays are used for medium-sized cavities or tooth damage. They are custom-made restorations that can be created from materials like porcelain, composite resin, or gold.
Dental Bridges: Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by dental crowns on adjacent natural teeth.
Dental Implants: Dental implants are used to replace a missing tooth or teeth by surgically implanting an artificial tooth root (implant) into the jawbone and attaching a dental crown on top.
Dentures: Dentures are removable dental appliances that replace multiple missing teeth. They can be full dentures (replacing all teeth) or partial dentures (replacing some missing teeth).
Veneers: Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded’ front surfaces to improve their appearance, shape, and colour.
Dental restorations play a crucial role in preserving teeth, preventing further damage, and maintaining oral health. The restoration choice depends on the specific dental problem, the patient's needs, and the dentist's recommendations.