Aside from routine cleanings, restorative dentistry is probably the dental specialty most patients will encounter as they age or due to tooth damage from various causes.
Restorative dentistry is a broad umbrella term encompassing a wide range of dental procedures, including dental fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants. Because dental restorations become increasingly important as we age, Lexington, KY dentist Dr. Morgan Chambers would like to discuss some common types of restorations and how they benefit your long-term dental health.
The many advances made in materials, technology, and technique enable dentists to help patients maintain their natural teeth for as long as possible- or replace lost teeth with more life-like options that allow for a high quality of life. Because dental restorations become increasingly important as we age, Dr. Chambers would like to discuss common types of restorations and their functions.
The most common type of restoration, and one most patients receive at some point in their lives, is a dental filling. This type of restoration is used for teeth with minor tooth decay and involves removing the decayed tooth structure and replacing it with either a metal amalgam or a composite resin that can be matched to your tooth color.
Another common type of restoration is the dental crown, which is used on teeth with moderate to severe decay in which the majority of the tooth structure is compromised. In this procedure, your decayed tooth is shaved down, and a porcelain “cap” is created to fit perfectly over the tooth, restoring strength and helping prevent future damage and decay.
For patients missing multiple consecutive teeth, dental crowns may be used to support a dental bridge. Our modern dental implants in Lexington are an alternative to bridges for replacing missing teeth and have become the gold standard for the most natural and longest-lasting tooth replacement.
The need for dental restorations, as well as the longevity of pre-existing restorations, is determined by several factors. These include your overall health, oral hygiene, age, and lifestyle habits, such as tooth grinding or heavy chewing, that may affect the integrity of your teeth.
Modern restorative materials are designed to be durable and long-lasting, though each has its own unique set of benefits. If you would like to learn more about restorative dentistry or think you may need a restoration, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Chambers at our Lexington, KY, dental office.