Essential Restorative Dentistry: Crowns, Bridges, and Implants

Why Is Restorative Dentistry Important?

Restorative dentistry is essential because it prolongs the life of the tooth, prevents further damage, and helps avoid tooth loss.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A bridge is a fixed replacement for one or more missing teeth.

Understanding Dental Crowns

A crown (or cap) is used to strengthen a tooth or improve its appearance. It completely covers the natural tooth. For teeth near the front of the mouth, crowns are usually made of porcelain-like materials, while crowns on back teeth may be made of stronger alloys.

The Crown Fitting Process

To fit a crown, the dentist will:

• Administer a local anesthetic injection to numb the area.
• Drill down the existing tooth structure.
• Take an X-ray to assess the tooth's health.
• Shape the tooth to create space for the new crown.
• Take a mold so the laboratory can create a custom-fit crown.
• Fit a temporary crown until the second appointment.
• Remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent gold or porcelain crown in place.

What Is a Dental Filling?

Fillings are used to repair a cavity in the tooth caused by decay or wear. The most common type is an amalgam, made from a mixture of metals including mercury, silver, tin, copper, and zinc. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate filling material based on your clinical needs, including white fillings when suitable.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Veneers are thin facings used to disguise discolored or damaged teeth. To fit a veneer, a small amount of the front of the tooth is removed, an impression is taken, and a thin layer of porcelain is bonded over the front of the tooth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

• Reduce movement of dentures, bridges, and crowns.
• Facilitate proper chewing.
• Provide support and improve stability for removable dentures or fixed bridge work.
• Approximate the "feel" of natural teeth better than traditional dentures.
• Promote denture self-confidence.

Variables to Consider for Implants

• The patient must be in good general health.
• Healing abilities affected by systemic diseases may impact the success of an implant.
• A proper diagnosis must be made before an implant is placed.
• Placement and technique are specific to each individual candidate.
• Heavy smoking and alcohol consumption may negatively affect the success of an implant.