There are not many people in this world who enjoy visiting the dentist. While it may not be your first choice of activities, it is necessary to keep your mouth and general health at the optimum level. There are many restorative dental processes available, which include dental implants and overlay-type procedures.
Current Trends in Dentistry, Some Old and Some New
There is so much more to going to the dentist than a having a traditional dental cleaning or a tooth filled. The world of dentistry has advanced considerably in recent years. Currently, there are many restorative and cosmetic procedures that dentists have mastered so that you can have that bright, healthy, beautiful smile. Dental implants are one area of dental technology that has improved greatly.
Loosely interpreted, a dental implant is a tooth or multiple teeth that are affixed in the mouth. This includes crowns, caps, fixed bridges and true surgical dental implants in which a tooth is screwed into the jawbone.
Surface restorations like bonding, veneers and removable dentures are also effective as supplementary procedures to dental implants under the proper clinical circumstances.
Crowns or Caps - Completely covering a tooth with a crown or cap will restore its appearance, stability and general strength. A crown can be used for functional repair of a fracture or for cosmetic purposes due to correct discoloration or irregular shaping.
A crown is recommended when a tooth is broken and a filling will not hold it together. The crowning process is the most time-consuming restorative process but also delivers the longest-lasting effective use.
Bridges - A false tooth or teeth are fused between two crowns to form a fixed bridge and fill a gap left in the mouth by a missing tooth or teeth.
Usually, this restorative choice is not removable. It is done in the same manner as a cap but uses two teeth as anchors. There is also the option of having an implanted bridge, where the tooth configuration is screwed into the jawbone.
Dental Implants - Titanium fixtures are screwed into the jawbone to permanently affix a false tooth. Over time, the fixtures fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration. Dental implants are durable, do not decay and never slip out of place.
There are restorative, but not implanted, options that include:
Bonding - This process is used to fill decayed teeth or enhance teeth by changing the color or reshaping them.
Bonding is achieved with a tooth-colored, composite resin material that can be applied to an entire tooth to fill gaps or reshape a tooth, especially a front tooth. The resin can be selected to enhance the color of the tooth.
The bonding process is completed in a single visit and lasts for several years, but is more fragile than other available choices. Chipping and staining are the most common complaints, particularly on front teeth.
Veneers - These are thin pieces of porcelain or composite resin that are affixed over the uppermost surface of a tooth to enhance and restore the shape and color. This choice is more invasive than bonding but less invasive than a crown. Veneers last longer than bonding and are far less expensive than a crown.
Dentures or False Teeth
Dentures are the appropriate choice for some patients, but generally make a person feel older and self-conscious. Dentures commonly slip around, making speech difficult and causing frustration and embarrassment for the wearer. There are custom-fitting procedures available to help reduce these concerns. There are full and partial dentures available.
Making a Choice
In general, fixed restorations and implants are more reliable and stable than their removable counterparts when it comes to dental work. With the many and varied options available for dental implants or restoration, it is important to consult with your dentist to determine the best personal option, based upon your circumstances.
