September 24, 2024
Restorative dentistry aims to repair or replace teeth in order to restore their health and function. Over the years many restorative procedures have been used in dentistry and new techniques are being developed daily. Learn about the latest trends in restorative dentistry that are available in Sarasota, Florida.
Tried and True Restorative Procedures
These procedures have been used for many years to restore the health of teeth:- Fillings. Fillings have been used to treat cavities for many years. They used to be made of metal, but now tooth-colored composite material is used for cosmetic and restorative benefits.
- Root canal. A root canal is a procedure that removes the soft tissue from the center of a tooth and replaces it with a filler material that is resistant to infection.
- Inlays and onlays. When a tooth has significant decay or damage beyond what a filling can repair, an inlay or onlay is a piece of porcelain that is used to patch the tooth.
- Crowns. A crown is a tooth-shaped cover placed over a tooth that is severely damaged or decayed, and protects teeth from fracture.It allows the root of the tooth to remain in place for support.
- Bridges. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth in a row using the neighboring teeth for support.
- Dentures. Dentures can replace multiple or all of the teeth at once in either the upper or lower jaw, sometimes both.
Advanced Restorative Procedures
The most advanced technology in restorative dentistry includes the following procedures:- Dental implants. The most advanced technology in tooth replacement is the dental implant, an artificial tooth root made of titanium that bonds with the jaw bone. A dental implant acts as an anchor for a dental crown to replace a single tooth.
- Implant-supported bridges. One or two dental implants can be used to support a bridge when there are multiple teeth in a row that need to be replaced.
- Implant-supported dentures. When it is necessary to replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, 4-6 dental implants can be placed to support a full arch denture. Implant-supported dentures stay securely in place while you eat and talk for improved function and appearance.
- Bone grafting and sinus lift. When the jaw bone is not thick enough or solid enough to support a dental implant, bone grafting or a sinus lift can increase bone volume and density to make dental implants possible.