Dental Restorations
Restoration of teeth
People with damaged or decayed tooth structure can benefit from dental restoration. These treatments can repair, restore, and rebuild smiles. Different restoration methods are available to restore varying levels of dental trauma.
Dental restoration is available at Cedar Grove Dental Group in Cedar Grove, NJ and the surrounding area. Our team provides treatment to restore and protect your smile. Call us today at (973) 857-0567 to schedule an appointment or learn more about the services we offer.
Dental restoration services provided directly
The main objective of dental restoration is to repair damaged or missing tooth structure caused by poor oral hygiene, infection, or trauma. There are two main types of dental restorations: direct and indirect. Along with restoring functionality, dental restoration also focuses on preserving natural teeth whenever possible. Whether it's due to decay, chips, fractures, or deterioration of previous restorations, dental procedures can effectively address these issues.
- Amalgam: Amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of mercury, tin, copper, or silver. They are very durable but do not match the color of surrounding teeth.
- Cast Gold: Cast gold fillings are strong and can last over 15 years, but they are more expensive than other filling materials.
- Ceramic: Ceramic fillings, usually made of porcelain, are more resistant to staining compared to composite fillings.
- Composite: Composite fillings provide durability and strength for small to mid-size cavities and are tooth-colored to appear more natural.
- Glass Ionomer: Glass ionomer fillings are made of silicate glass-powder and are used for temporary fillings, decay around the gum lines, or baby teeth.
“A direct dental restoration is one that is created and placed entirely within the mouth.”
Dental Restoration through Indirect Methods
Indirect dental restorations are custom-made outside of the mouth and then inserted into the mouth at the treatment site. These personalized tooth replacements include:
- Bridges: Bridges fill gaps left by one or more missing teeth, mimicking the look, shape, and function of natural teeth.
- Crowns: A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that restores a tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance.
- Implants: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots placed to support replacement teeth, making them feel, look, and function naturally.
- Inlays: Inlays fit into the cusps of teeth to replace minor tooth structure loss due to decay.
- Onlays: Onlays, also known as partial crowns, cover one or more cusps to repair more extensive tooth decay.
- Veneers: Veneers are thin coverings applied to the front of the tooth to restore stained, chipped, or worn-down teeth.
“Indirect dental restorations are fabricated outside of the mouth before being placed inside the mouth at the treatment site.”
A Dental Restoration Is Needed
Dental restoration can help strengthen teeth that have been severely damaged by decay or injury, and can also prevent further issues from arising. Fillings are often needed to stop decay and preserve the structure of the tooth, while also repairing fractures, breaks, or wear caused by habits like nail-biting or teeth grinding.
In cases where a filling is not sufficient, indirect dental restorations may be necessary. Crowns can stabilize weak teeth, while bridges can replace multiple damaged teeth to restore proper chewing ability. Dental implants are another option for replacing missing teeth and preventing complications like jawbone loss and difficulty chewing.
“Dental restoration can help weakened teeth due to severe decay or damage and help prevent further complications.”
Candidacy for Dental Restoration
Patients who are ideal candidates for dental restoration procedures are those with structural tooth damage. Our dentist takes into account various factors such as the type, extent, and location of the damage when deciding on the most suitable treatment for each patient.
Dental restoration procedures are most beneficial for individuals with cavities or other specific dental issues. Patients who lack sufficient tooth structure for proper restoration are recommended for indirect restorations. For those with more extensive damage, indirect dental restorations may be necessary to ensure added strength.
