If you have crooked, worn, discolored, damaged, or unhealthy teeth, your dentist may recommend tooth or dental restoration. There are several different types of tooth restoration you may wish to consider.
Tooth restoration can restore the natural function of your teeth, plus prevent additional damage from decay. These procedures can also restore the look of your teeth and can be beneficial for cosmetic reasons.
In many instances, a dental restoration procedure may restore tooth function and appearance at the same time.
Types of tooth restoration
There are a number of procedures which can restore the look and function of teeth. The type of restoration procedure you need will be determined by the type and scope of dental damage you have.
Common dental restoration procedures include:
Dental fillings
Fillings are used to fill in a cavity, caused by dental decay. This is the most common type of tooth restoration.
Fillings are done in a dentist’s office and don’t require a specialist’s care.
Your dentist will clean out the tooth decay and fill in the cavity. Several different materials may be used in a dental filling, including silver amalgam or composite resin.
If the tooth is near the front of your mouth and visible when you speak or smile, your dentist may recommend using a tooth-colored material for the filling. Options include:
- Composite resins (white filling): These are a newer material used for dental fillings, and are preferred over amalgam fillings for a couple reasons. They look the same color as your teeth, and do not expand and contract or damage teeth, like metal fillings. However, they are just as strong and durable as metal fillings.
- Glass ionomer: This material acts more like a sealant than the composite resins, and is opaque.
- Resin-modified glass ionomer: This is similar to the glass ionomer, but have an enamel color to better match teeth, and is made to last longer.
Talk with your dental professional to determine which filling is best for your teeth.
