Tooth restoration is a process where a dentist repairs or replaces damaged tooth structure. A dental filling is a common procedure, however a dentist will usually recommend more extensive work such as a crown or bridge.
We use direct and indirect restorations to restore teeth to their optimal form and function. We focus on saving as much original enamel as possible, and our patients appreciate the long term results.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay occurs when bacte 韓国歯科矯正 ria attack and break down the hard outer shell of a tooth (enamel). As they produce acid, they strip away minerals from enamel. This creates a hole called a cavity that can become larger over time if not treated.
In the earliest stages of tooth decay, before a cavity develops, dentists can reverse the damage with fluoride treatments. These are usually applied to the teeth as a gel or varnish. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel so it resists the acids produced by plaque bacteria. It is also found in most types of toothpaste and is added to the water supply in many communities (about 74 percent of Americans).
When a cavity develops, a dentist can use a tool to remove the decayed area and then fill the hole. Dental fillings are made of materials like gold, porcelain, resin, or a composite blend of these. They are often color-matched to the tooth, so they blend in naturally.
Frequent snacking and sipping sugary drinks throughout the day give bacteria in the mouth more fuel to produce acid that damages teeth. To prevent cavities, avoid these foods and drink, brush and floss regularly, and schedule re 韓国歯科矯正 gular cleanings and exams every six months. Your dentist can also apply sealants to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, called molars, to protect them from food particles and keep cavities from forming.
Tooth fractures
During our lifetime, our teeth endure a lot of force and stress. This can cause damage to their outer layout, which is made of enamel. Thankfully, this type of damage is not always severe and can be repaired.
A cracked tooth focuses on the chewing surface and often results from excessive forces like jaw clenching or biting into hard objects. The crack can also result from a dental cavity or a root canal infection. If left untreated, the crack can progress to the split root stage and be unrepairable.
In the treatable stage of a cracked tooth, dentists recommend a crown to restore the appearance and prevent further damage. If the crack has progressed to the split root stage, however, the tooth may need to be removed and replaced with a dental implant.
If a tooth is cracked, a dental professional should examine it immediately. It is important to have the tooth repaired promptly to avoid any further complications. Before a dentist begins treatment, he or she should apply pressure to any bleeding areas with a piece of gauze or a moist tea bag (tea contains tannic acid which helps blood clot).
Missing teeth
Missing teeth are a serious dental issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. The space left behind by a missing tooth can cause chewing problems, lead to bone loss in the jaw, and even impact your self-confidence and quality of life. Tooth replacement options like dental implants, bridges and dentures are all effective ways to repair a missing tooth and restore its health and function.
The spot where a missing tooth used to reside makes for a perfect harboring ground for bacteria that can lead to gum disease. This can be a serious oral health problem and can progress into other serious medical issues like heart disease and stroke.
To protect against the spread of infection in a damaged tooth, your dentist may place what is known as an indirect filling. This involves removing the decayed tissue, cleaning and disinfecting the area, and then restoring the tooth with a filling material. Direct restorations can be made of a variety of materials, from glass or resin ionomers to composite resin, and are typically applied in one office visit. They are most appropriate for the front of the mouth and areas not subject to heavy chewing pressure. For more extensive damage that a direct filling is unable to repair, our dentists may recommend a crown. A crown completely covers the damaged tooth and can be made of a metal substructure with porcelain coating or full ceramic.
Implants
Dental implants are one of the most popular and effective tooth restorations available. Unlike dentures, which can slip and rub against adjacent teeth, implants are anchored in the jawbone. This allows the bone to maintain its natural structure and prevents bone loss. But, like all surgical procedures, implants can fail if not cared for properly.
During treatment, an oral surgeon will take x-rays of the mouth to determine the amount of bone in the upper and lower jaws. If there is not enough healthy bone, a small graft may be necessary to build up the area before placing the implant.
Once the site heals, a metal anchor post is placed into the jawbone and a replacement tooth (called a crown) is attached to the abutment. If an implant is damaged, the crown may be broken, or the abutment may break off. If the abutment breaks off, it can be replaced with another abutment and a new crown.
Infection at the implant site, called peri-implantitis, is the most common reason for an implant to fail. This is a bacterial infection that causes swelling of the gum tissue and bone around the implant, which can lead to loss of the implant. Peri-implantitis can be treated with antibiotics and soft tissue or bone graft surgery. Smoking and a poor diet can also cause peri-implantitis.