Tooth restoration techniques are dental procedures used to restore the structure and function of a tooth. Restorative dentistry is gaining popularity as more people give importance to their appearance. After all, teeth play an important role in defining the smile of a person.
Dental braces have been used to straighten misaligned teeth. Other techniques are also available to restore the perfect smile.
Tooth restoration techniques repair damaged teeth. Teeth damaged by dental caries are painful and also not aesthetically appealing. They also give an indication of poor dental hygiene. A broken tooth resulting from trauma may require to be restored to its normal appearance. A cosmetic dentist can fix these issues; they not only improve the appearance, but also help in making the tooth functional.
For most tooth restoration procedures, initially the tooth has to be prepared by removing the damaged portions to make room for the restorative material. Restorative material is introduced either in the same or next sitting. Adhesives are sometimes used to keep the material in place. Superficial damages may only need application of veneers, which are tooth-colored materials applied on the surface of teeth that are partially damaged or discolored. Some discolorations are treated using bleaching agents.
Dental restorations may be:
In direct restoration, dental filling material is used which is soft and is placed into a prepared tooth where it sets and becomes hard. It is done for teeth where there is adequate support for the material to set. An amalgam or composite filling is an example of direct restoration.
In indirect restoration, the material for restoration is set outside first based on dental impressions from the tooth that requires restoration. The set material is then placed on the tooth and is fixed with an adhesive material. Indirect restoration usually requires two sittings, whereas direct restorations are often done in one sitting. A temporary restoration may sometimes be used while the permanent restoration is getting ready.
Examples of indirect dental restorations include the following:
Intracoronal restoration is done within a prepared tooth, an example being a dental filling.
Extracoronal restoration is on the outside of the tooth, for example, placement of a crown. The indirect technique is usually used for extracoronal restoration.
A relatively new approach in restorative dentistry is the use of computer aided design/computer aided machining (CAD/CAM) technology. This approach uses digital technology to create a 3-D image of the tooth. A ceramic model based on the image is produced which is used to restore the tooth. This is a type of indirect restoration that can be done in a single sitting.
Several materials are available for tooth restoration. A gold tooth was once considered a sign of prosperity. However, today more and more people are opting for a more natural look with material that matches their tooth color.
The choice of material used for tooth restoration depends on the requirements of the particular patient, availability and the comfort of the dentist in using them. Materials used in tooth restoration include the following:
