Decayed, damaged, or missing teeth can cause many significant problems from tooth pain, serious infections and chewing issues to low self-esteem and bad breath. Unfortunately dental neglect only gets more painful and more expensive to treat. Restorative procedures, including fillings, crowns, bridges, implants and dentures are designed to return your smile to a functional, healthy state.
Some of the restorative treatments that our dentists may recommend include:
Dental fillings are done to repair cavities or holes caused by decay, wear or trauma and to restore function and integrity. Several factors influence the durability and longevity of dental restorations. Depending on wear, function, and general oral health, different materials may be suggested. There are multiple types of filling materials available to treat different kind of cavities.
The main advantage of amalgam (silver) dental fillings is durability. They are highly resistant to wear and relatively inexpensive in comparison to other materials. Because amalgam fillings can withstand very high chewing loads, they are particularly useful for restoring molars in the back of the mouth where forces are the greatest. They are especially useful in areas such as in deep fillings below the gum line. Amalgam fillings often last approximately 10-12 years.
One of the advantages of composite (white) dental fillings is they easily match with the color of your tooth and can also be polished to bring shine to your teeth. The dental filling bonds with the tooth in such a way it looks like natural teeth. Although composite fillings are cosmetically pleasing and easily placed, their durability is not as strong as other types of restorations. These resins typically last from 4-7 years before they begin to chip and wear away. When this happens, the restoration will need to be replaced. It generally takes longer to place a composite filling than what is required for an amalgam filling. Composite fillings are subject to stain and discoloration over time.
Did you know?
The American Dental Association® (ADA) cautions that emotional reports claiming amalgam is responsible for a variety of diseases are confusing and perhaps even alarming people to the point where they will not seek necessary dental care.
Moreover, the ADA maintains that there has been no scientific evidence to show that amalgams are harmful because the minuscule amounts of mercury are so stable; they present no risk to humans. There have been rare cases of patients developing allergic reactions to amalgam.
Crowns are used when fillings are so large that the remaining tooth structure is too weak and is prone to fracture. Crowns are a type of dental restoration which, when cemented into place encase the entire visible aspect of a tooth. A dental crown in effect becomes the tooth's new outer surface. Bridges (2 or more attached crowns) are used to replace one or more missing teeth.
Crowns and bridges have become one of the greatest advancements in cosmetic dentistry over the years. Porcelain crowns are as natural-looking as your own teeth and are extremely durable.
Implants are presently the standard of care to replace missing teeth. An implant is a titanium screw or cylindrical shaped device that is surgically placed in the maxilla or mandible. After a suitable healing period has passed these “artificial tooth roots” can be restored with a dental crown, bridge, or denture. The best thing about an implant is that it replaces the whole tooth, including the root, while preserving the teeth beside it. Treatment time can range from 4 to 12 months. These restorations often last twice as long as a traditional bridge. Learn more about dental implants.
If you have lost teeth due to decay, injury or periodontal (gum) disease, dentures can be an alternative. They are essential not only to your aesthetics, but also your oral health. In addition to allowing you to eat as if you never lost your teeth, dentures protect against facial sagging that would otherwise occur (and give you a more aged appearance), as well as support your natural speech.
There are several types of partials and full dentures available to our patients who have missing teeth. Your dentist will choose the most appropriate type of dentures depending on the number of missing teeth, where the teeth are missing and the condition of any remaining teeth.
Contact Sprayberry Dental Associates to schedule a complete dental assessment and learn about options available in our Marietta dental office to restore your smile.