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If you are concerned about your smile's condition, you should make time to visit the dentist to discuss getting a dental restoration. The dental professional will determine the best way to correct the issue and improve your smile after careful oral evaluation. In this article, you will learn how a dental restoration can change certain aspects of your smile to restore its aesthetics and function.

Dental restoration options

Every dental restoration procedure starts with an oral exam. The available treatment options for smile improvement include the following.

Tooth fillings

If the dentist finds a cavity in a  tooth, the decayed tooth material will need to be removed. After that, the hole is filled with amalgam or composite resin. Composite fillings are common with adult patients because they match the color of their natural tooth enamel. White fillings are normally recommended by the dentist for front teeth that are visible when patients smile or talk. Amalgam fillings, on the other hand, are long-lasting and flexible enough to use on back teeth. After the dentist removes the decay, a dental filling is the preferred dental restoration to restore the smile.

Porcelain crowns

The visible part of the tooth is covered by a dental crown (also known as a "tooth cap"). If the tooth’s structure is fragile due to damage, large tooth decay, or several dental procedures, the dentist may suggest getting a porcelain crown. Crowns are also good for teeth with severe discoloration.

The dentist will file off enough enamel during the first visit to make way for the crown. After that, they will take the tooth's impressions and forward them to a lab where the tooth crown will be fabricated. The permanent crown will replace the temporary crown and be bonded into place during the patient's second dental visit.

Dental bridges

Dental bridges, as the name implies, bridge the void in the smile after tooth loss. A dental bridge is made up of a fake tooth that is held in place by crowns on either side. Patients must have healthy natural teeth on both sides of the gap left by the missing tooth in order to be eligible for dental bridges. The dental bridge can also be supported by dental implants.

Dentures

Dentures could be an option for patients who have had multiple teeth extracted or missing. Dentures are a set of removable artificial teeth that enable patients to have the dental functionality that they did before teeth loss. The dentist can suggest full or partial dentures, depending on how many natural teeth are still present on the jaw. Dentures can help preserve the patient's quality of life after tooth loss, even though it may take time to get used to them.

Dental implants

Patients who have just lost a tooth may want to discuss having a tooth implant with their dentist. A dental implant is a titanium post that is implanted into the jawbone and functions similarly to a natural tooth root, supporting an abutment and crown. Dental implants are popular with patients because they resemble natural teeth in appearance and feel.

Final note

The general dentist can help you improve your smile with a dental restoration. To learn more about the process, schedule an appointment today.

Request an appointment here: https://www.thedentistindenverco.com or call Gregg L Lage DDS, PC at 303-427-4552 for an appointment in our Denver office.