If you have decayed, discolored, or crooked teeth, your dentist will usually recommend getting a restoration. Restorative dentistry covers a wide range of treatments, which have one common goal – preventing further damage. For many patients, these treatments also offer cosmetic benefits, enhancing smiles. Before you discuss choices with your Oshawa dentist, here is a look at standard procedures. 

  1. Fillings: The chances are high that you or someone you know already has a filing. Dental fillings are used to fix cavities caused by decay. The procedure is rather simple – Your dentist cleans the tooth, removes decay, and fills the cavity with a filling. There are diverse materials used for fillings, such as composite fillings that almost resemble the natural color of teeth. Although not commonly used currently, amalgam fillings are also an option, and other options include glass ionomer. Fillings can be done in one appointment. 
  2. Crowns: If a cavity is too large or cannot be covered with a filling, your dentist may suggest a crown. A dental crown works like a cap, covering the entire tooth. Crowns are also used to treat cracked and worn-down teeth and are often necessary after root canal therapy. If you are getting a conventional dental bridge, it will have crowns on both ends that will go over abutment teeth. It will take at least two visits to the dental clinic to get a crown. During the first one, your dentist will prepare the tooth and make molds of your bite impressions, while in the second session, they will check and fix the crown. 
  3. Implants: If you are missing a few teeth, you can benefit from implants. A dental implant isn’t a restoration but serves as the base for replacement teeth. Endosteal implants are drilled into the jawbone, while subperiosteal implants are placed on the jawbone. Once the jawbone heals and secures the implant, the dentist will place abutments that serve as connectors. Depending on the number and positions of missing teeth, you can choose different restorations, such as implant-supported crowns, dentures, and bridges. 

  1. Bridges: A conventional bridge has crowns on both ends with pontics in between. Dental bridges are best suited when a patient is missing two or more teeth in a row. The dentist will first prepare the abutment teeth and take bite impressions. They will send the molds to a lab to order the custom bridge. During the next appointment, they will check the fit and shape of the bridge, and if everything seems okay and the patient has a good bite, the dentist will fix the bridge. It can take two to four appointments to get a dental bridge. 
  2. Dentures: Probably one of the oldest restorations in dentistry, dentures replace missing teeth and surrounding gum tissues. If a patient is missing all of their teeth, they will need complete dentures. Before you get dentures, your dentist will check if you have more decayed teeth that must be removed and if there are signs of gum disease. They will finally make molds of your bite and send them to a lab to get custom dentures. Dentures are removable, affordable, and can last a long time. 
  3. Bonding: The last one on this list is bonding, which is used to fix cracked, chipped, and discolored teeth. Composite resin bonding involves applying and molding the material, and once the dentist is satisfied with the outcome, they will use ultraviolet light to harden the resin. Bonding isn’t as sturdy as a crown but is excellent for minor issues. In some cases, a patient may benefit more from veneers than bonding. 

Find a dental clinic in Oshawa that specializes in restorative dentistry and has positive patient reviews.