29th January 2018
Most Common Restorative Dentistry Procedures
If you get nervous when you go to the dentist, you’re not alone. Many people are afraid their procedure will hurt or that there will be unexpected noises or sensations. If you’ve been told you need a restorative dentistry procedure, it’s quite common to feel overwhelmed by the idea. But it’s important to remember that these restorative procedures are actually very common and your dentist will have completed thousands of them. Here are some of the most common restorative dentistry procedures that dentists carry out, day in, day out.
Fillings
Fillings are used to preserve and protect an otherwise healthy tooth from decay. Tooth decay can happen to anyone, so if you are taking good care of your teeth and you still need a filling, don’t fret! To fill your tooth, the dentist will start by scraping away the decaying material and then either use an amalgam or composite filling to fill the gap. It might feel a little odd, but it shouldn’t hurt, and you’ll be back to your normal self in no time.
Root Canals
If the tooth decay is allowed to go further and the root of the tooth gets infected then you may need a root canal. This type of restorative dentistry may take a little longer than a filling, but again, it shouldn’t be painful. Your dentist will use special tools to remove the infected part of the root and then fill it with a special material and cover it with a crown. If you have an abscess, this is the best course of treatment as it means you won’t be in any pain anymore and you get to keep your tooth.
Crowns
A crown is a kind of cap that sits on the top of a damaged or weakened tooth to help restore the structure. To fit a crown, your dentist must first prepare the tooth so that it will support a crown. This may mean reducing the size of the tooth so there is space for the crown. It may sound a little odd, but getting a crown doesn’t hurt and you shouldn’t experience any pain.
Dental implants
Dental implants are a form of restorative dentistry that offers an alternative to bridges and dentures. A small implant is placed in your jaw, where the root of a tooth would be, and then an abutment is attached to this. This is then used to hold an artificial tooth in place which is matched perfectly to the surrounding teeth. The result? Natural looking teeth that look, feel and perform just like your own.
Bridges
If you have missing teeth, it’s always best to replace them as gaps can lead to other problems for the surrounding teeth and your jaw. If you have had a tooth removed, your dentist will speak to you about the options for replacing it. One option for missing teeth is a bridge. The teeth surrounding the missing tooth will be prepared and then these will act as the abutment for the bridge. The bridge will be cemented in place and then it will look and feel like you aren’t missing a tooth at all!
If you’re worried about any cosmetic dentistry in Warrington or restorative dentistry procedures, get in touch with our friendly reception staff to discuss your treatment.
