The facts and figures of the American College of Prosthodontists show that 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and 36 million people in the US do not have any teeth. Tooth loss happens mainly due to decay and gum diseases as a result of injury, trauma, cavity, or some other dental issues.
Advanced dentistry came up with the solution for such issues in the form of Dental restoration, dental fillings, or simple fillings. It is the dental procedure that refers to the restoration of the normal functioning, integrity, and morphology of the missing teeth.
The procedure effectively treats crooked, discolored, damaged, or unhealthy teeth and prevents additional decay damage. In this blog, you will learn about the seven most common types of tooth fillings in modern dentistry. Let’s discuss them one by one in detail.
Common Types of Dental Restoration
The following are the seven most common fillings that help restore oral health.
1. Dental fillings
A dental filling repairs a cavity in a damaged tooth caused by tooth decay. During this treatment, a dentist removes the decayed tissues and fills the cavity with a filling material. Thus, it restores the shape and stability of teeth and prevents further damage, decay, or loss. There are different types of fillings, and the common types include
- Tooth or white-colored filling
- Silver fillings or silver amalgam
- Glass ionomer filling
- Resin ionomer filling
- Porcelain
During this type of teeth restoration, the filling that dentists use depends on the amount of tooth decay or damage. Complications are also there, like the other dental procedures. After the filling, the patient may experience tooth sensitivity while eating something sweet, cold, or hot. There is also a small risk of infection at the filling site, and it may also cause some damage to the nerves within the tooth.
Sometimes, dentists can use a dental crown instead of a filling if not enough tooth is left to support the filling material.
2. Dental Crowns
A dental crown is one of the most common types of dental restoration that protects a tooth with significant structural impairment. Dental crowns are also known as “dental caps,” as they cover the tooth entirely. It usually requires two dental appointments to get a dental crown.
It is a preferable treatment when there is a large cavity in the tooth. A crown typically restores the size and shape of a tooth and is used either with a tooth implant or a root canal treatment. It treats the following types of dental issues.
- Protects a weak or cracked tooth
- Restores a broken tooth
- Covers a dental implant
- Holds a dental bridge
- Covers a discolored tooth
The patient may experience different issues after the dental crown, such as sensitivity, a chipped crown, an allergic reaction, or a loose crown. So, it is crucial to get a dentist’s help immediately in case of such issues.
3. Dental Implants
A dental implant is a common type of tooth restoration, and it is an artificial root that supports the crowns and bridges. It connects with the replacement tooth with an abutment's help and acts as a strong foundation. Its two main types include
- Endosteal implants, in which the dentist inserts the artificial root into the jawbone.
- Subperiosteal implants, which includes the placement of the artificial root on or above the jawbone.
Dental implants look like natural teeth and improve speech, appearance, and comfort. In addition, it improves dental and overall oral health by reducing pain and discomfort. However, it is a complex procedure and involves multiple steps that may take several months to complete.
The treatment can replace one, two, or all the teeth, depending on the number of damaged or missing teeth. On top of that, it has little or no impact on the adjacent teeth and prevents jawbone erosion, resulting in improved oral health.
4. Bridges
It is also a common type of dental restoration that replaces missing teeth. A dental bridge is a false tooth attached by crowns on abutment teeth that replaces the missing one. Dentists can treat several gaps between the teeth with one dental bridge, depending on the number of missing teeth and their position.
A dental bridge restores the smile, the ability to chew, and speech and maintains the face shape. It has four main types, which are
- Traditional
- Maryland
- Cantilever
- Implant-supported
It includes multiple appointments for complete treatment, and its cost depends upon the type and number of bridges the patient selects. Above all, it is crucial to take care of the dental bridge and maintain oral hygiene to avoid infection or damage.
5. Dentures
Dentures are removable false teeth made of nylon, metal, or acrylic that replace the missing teeth. They look like natural teeth and surrounding gums and maintain the face shape. They also improve speech and make chewing easier.
There are two types of this teeth restoration: partial and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when the surrounding natural teeth are not strong enough to support dental bridges, or 1-2 teeth are missing. Complete dentures, on the other hand, replace all-natural teeth and can be placed on either the top or bottom gum line.
However, they need proper cleaning and care, just like natural teeth, regardless of their type. When not properly cleaned, they can also cause plaque, tartar, and bacterial infections. Also, removing them before sleeping is essential to avoid damage and relax the gums.
6. Veneers
Veneers are the tooth-colored shells that cover the front of the teeth and improve their appearance. They are often made with porcelain or resin composite material and are permanently attached to the teeth.
The patient may get one veneer or more, depending on the number of chipped or broken teeth. The following are the types of this dental restoration.
- Composite veneers – can cover mild cosmetic issues.
- Porcelain veneers – can address multiple aesthetic imperfections.
- No-prep veneers – it is a less invasive option to improve the smile.
- Removable veneers – cover the natural teeth to hide imperfections.
Overall, they look like natural teeth and enhance the smile's appearance. In addition, they can last for 5 to 15 years with proper care. However, they require proper cleaning, flossing, and brushing to prevent bacterial infections.
7. Bonding
Bonding repairs chipped, broken, or cracked teeth with a resin-based dental composite. In this certain dental restoration, a dentist uses a tooth-colored resin material to change the size, color, or shape of the affected tooth. It is a comparatively less expensive procedure, yet it does not last as long as a veneer or crown.
The dental procedure is best for people who have minor tooth damage and decay. It is a simple procedure and does not involve any risk. However, taking care of oral hygiene after dental bonding is vital to keep teeth healthy and bright. Regular brushing, flossing, and teeth cleaning are essential to prevent gum and periodontal diseases.
To Conclude!
A dental restoration procedure is a great way to get back the normal functioning and appearance of the teeth. It also enhances self-esteem by restoring a beautiful smile with perfect teeth.
If you are a dentist and want to provide the best dental treatments to your patients, then it is only possible with high-quality tools. You may approach GerDentUSA to get such tools, as we have been a reliable manufacturer and supplier of dental instruments for the last three decades.
Above all, we are ISO 13485 certified and manufacture our tools according to the FDA’s (Food and Drug Administration) guidelines. Most of our tools are made with German stainless steel and are sterilizable. You can also order customized dental tools according to your needs.
FAQs
Why Do Our Dental Instruments Last Longer?
We use high-quality materials to manufacture our dental tools. For example, most dental tools are made with German stainless steel, making them durable and resistant to corrosion. In addition, some of our dental instruments also have Tungsten Carbide inserts that add longevity.
Do We Offer Customization of Dental Tools?
Yes, we offer customization of dental tools to manufacture them according to our customers' needs. You can order to change the tools' features, lengths, and dimensions the way you want.
Are Our Tools ADA or FDA Approved?
Our tools are FDA (Food and Drug Administration)-approved. Being ISO 13485 certified, we are a reliable manufacturer and supplier of dental tools. We also provide innovative dental instruments and variations to give dentists multiple options.
