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Procedures

Restorative Dental Services

Restorative dentistry is pivotal in maintaining oral health and function, especially for individuals with damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. The goal is not only to restore the appearance and aesthetics of your smile but also to ensure the proper functioning of your teeth and jaw. Here, we will explore the various restorative dental services available, their benefits, and how they can help improve your quality of life.

Restorative dental services encompass a range of procedures involved in treating, repairing, or replacing damaged teeth, restoring proper bite alignment, and enhancing oral functionality.

Patients who have experienced tooth loss, decay, or damage due to injury or disease will find it difficult to manage function or smile aesthetics without restorative dental services.

Benefits of Restorative Dentistry

Improved Oral Functionality: Restorative procedures enable you to chew and speak properly, ensuring that your daily activities are not hindered by dental issues.
Enhanced Aesthetics: Many restorative treatments also improve the appearance of your teeth and smile, providing a boost to your self-confidence.
Preventative Care: Addressing dental issues early with restorative treatments can prevent more severe problems and the need for extensive procedures in the future.
Long-Term Oral Health: Restorative dentistry helps maintain the health of your natural teeth and surrounding tissues, promoting overall oral well-being.

Common Restorative Dental Procedures

1. Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are used to repair damage from decay on a tooth. This treatment involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and, as a next step, filling the tooth where the decayed material has been removed with a material that restores the tooth’s shape and function.

Types of Fillings:

- Amalgam Fillings: Amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of metals. They are strong, durable, and ideal for back teeth.

- Composite Fillings: These are tooth-coloured resin materials that blend with natural teeth. These are considered suitable for visible areas.

Procedure Overview:

- The affected area is numbed, and the decayed portion is removed.

- The cavity is cleaned and filled with the selected material.

- The filling is then shaped and polished to match the natural tooth.

Benefits:

- Quick and effective.

- Restores tooth integrity.

- Prevents further decay.

2. Dental Crowns

Dental crowns, also known as caps, are used to cover damaged or weakened teeth, restoring their shape, size, strength, and appearance. Dental crowns are generally recommended for teeth that have significantly decayed or cracked.

Types of Crowns:

- Porcelain Crowns: Aesthetic and natural-looking, ideal for front teeth.

- Metal Crowns: Extremely durable, often used for molars.

- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns: Offer a balance of strength and aesthetics.

Procedure Overview:

- The tooth is shaped to accommodate the crown.

- An impression is taken, and a temporary crown is placed.

- The permanent crown is custom-made and bonded to the tooth.

Benefits:

- Protects and strengthens damaged teeth.

- Restores tooth function and appearance.

- Long-lasting and durable.

3. Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth or implants. They quite literally “bridge” the gap left by missing teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics.

Types of Bridges:

- Traditional Bridges: This is the most common type of bridge. It consists of dental crowns or caps on either end, bridged by pontics, or artificial teeth in between. A dentist attaches the crowns to your natural teeth, called abutments, on either side of the gap, and the artificial teeth or pontics fill the space in between.

- Cantilever Bridges: Used when there is only one adjacent supporting tooth.

- Maryland Bridges: Bonded to the back of adjacent teeth using metal or porcelain wings.

Procedure Overview:

- Adjacent teeth are prepared for crowns.

- Impressions are taken to create the custom bridge.

- The bridge is fitted and adjusted for comfort and function.

Benefits:

- Restores your smile and proper chewing function.

- It prevents remaining teeth from shifting.

- Distributes bite forces evenly.

4. Dentures

Dentures come in many forms: full, partial, and implant-supported dentures. Several different materials can be used in their fabrication. With proper care and maintenance, the average life of a denture is seven to ten years.

Types of Dentures:

- Complete Dentures: Used when all teeth are missing.

- Partial Dentures: These are used when some natural teeth remain.

- Implant-Supported Dentures: Provide additional stability and support.

Procedure Overview:

- Impressions and measurements are taken to create custom dentures.

- Dentures are fitted, and adjustments are made for your comfort.

- Regular follow-ups are required for maintenance.

Benefits:

- Restores smile and facial structure.

- Improves speech and chewing ability.

- Cost-effective solution for tooth loss.

5. Dental Implants

Dental implants are the essential gold standard for replacing missing teeth. Placing dental implants involve the surgical insertion or placement of a titanium post which is anchored into the jawbone. This works as a stable foundation for a crown, or a bridge, or a denture.

Procedure Overview:

- The implant titanium post is placed surgically in the jawbone.

- After a healing period, an abutment is attached.

- A custom-made crown is finally placed on the abutment.

Benefits:

- Mimics the function and appearance of natural teeth.

- It prevents bone loss and maintains facial structure.

- Long-lasting and highly durable.

How to Maintain Your Restorative Dental Work

To be certain about the longevity of your restorative dental treatments, follow these maintenance tips:

Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup around restorations.
Regular Dental Visits: Schedule check-ups every six months to monitor the condition of your restorations and overall oral health.
Avoid Hard Foods: Minimize the consumption of hard or sticky foods that can damage restorations.
Use a Night Guard: If you per chance have a habit of grinding your teeth in your sleep, a night guard should be used to protect your restorations from undue stress.

Restorative dental services are essential for maintaining your smile’s health, function, and aesthetics. Whether you need a simple filling or a complex dental implant procedure, a skilled dentist can help restore your teeth and through that restoration improve your quality of life.

Call our office to schedule a consultation with us today for personalized advice and to explore the best restorative options for your needs. Let us help you regain the confidence and functionality of a healthy smile.

Other Procedures

Dentist London Ontario | Longo Dentistry

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Monday	10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday	9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday	9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday	9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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