Dental Restorations Explained

Local Dentist Explains Dental Restorations

It’s not unusual for dental patients to experience dental decay or damage. When you have dental issues related to damage or decay, dental restorations can be a long-lasting and easy solution. The knowledgeable and gentle team at Driggers and Baker Family Dentistry are here to answer all of your dental restoration questions. To help keep you informed of your options, we’ve created a quick guide to dental restorations.

What Are Dental Restorations?

Dental restorations are exactly what they sound like, they are dental procedures and materials that restore your teeth. Healthy teeth rely on a strong foundation, protective layers around the tooth, and avoiding decay or disease. Dental restorations provide all of these things and more for your teeth. Here are some of the more common procedures and options available for dental restorations:

Bonding– This is the process used to attach dental restorations to your teeth or smooth out edges or cracks. Bonding can help improve the look and health of your teeth by covering cracks, chips, or gaps in teeth. It can also help remove staining, crookedness or uneven teeth.

Dental Fillings– Fillings come in various materials including gold, amalgam/silver, and a resin composite. They are used to seal up cracks, breaks, cavities, or holes created during dental procedures like root canals. They can look extremely natural in porcelain or composite fillings or very obvious as with gold or amalgam fillings. The team at Driggers and Baker Family Dentistry work with you to provide you with the feel and appearance you want from your dental fillings.

Dental Crowns– Many people will need a crown sometime over the course of their dental care. Crowns are basically caps that are placed on top of teeth that have damage or decay. The dental crown covers, protects, and adds structure to a tooth that has been damaged or has structural issues due to dental procedures. Dental crowns also make your teeth look and feel more natural and healthy.

Dental Bridges– These restorations are one of the options used to replace missing or broken teeth. A dental bridge uses dental crowns placed on next to the missing tooth. These restorations provide structure and protection for your teeth, preventing further tooth loss.

Dental Implants: If you’re looking for a permanent replacement for one or a couple missing teeth. In this case, your trusted dentist in West Columbia, TX will insert a tiny screw into the missing tooth cavity. It will fuse with your jaw bone and create a new root for the dental implant. The entire process takes a few months and a few visits but can last over 25 years, if properly cared for. Dental implants prevent shifting of teeth, improve structure, prevent the spread of infection, and add extra beauty and confidence to your smile.

Partial Dentures– Partial dentures are used to replace one or a few missing teeth, but not an entire arch of missing teeth. These dentures are removable and are part of a plastic device that attaches the missing teeth to other natural teeth to create a natural look to your smile. Partial dentures can help prevent the deterioration of your jaw bone, shifting of teeth and many other dental issues.

Permanent Dentures– Permanent Dentures can be used to replace an arch of teeth. They can be used for bottom missing teeth alone, top missing teeth alone, or a combination. These dental restorations are attached to mouth plates that can be removed for cleaning and sleeping. They help improve the performance of your teeth as well as your overall appearance. Dentures also prevent teeth shifting out of place, bone loss, and facial sagging.

Keeping Your Smile Healthy and Beautiful

The team at Driggers and Baker Family Dentistry is dedicated to keeping your smile beautifully healthy. Dental restorations are a great way to improve the function, structure, appearance and health. If you have a broken, cracked, painful, or damaged tooth, contact our staff today at 979-345-5135. We’ll ease your tooth pain, repair your tooth and give you the smile you’ve always wanted.